Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 May 1896 — Gypsy Superstitions. [ARTICLE]

Gypsy Superstitions.

If a gypsy meets a woman upon entering a town, i he looks upon it as a piece of good tuck and a sign that he will collect plenty of alms. If, on the contrary, he encounters a man, be will get nothing, and will probably meet with misfortune besides. No gypsy girl would listen to a nightingale singing when in company with her lover; if she did, it would denote a separation. To see a wolf both at the same time is the greatest luck that can befall • gypsy pair. Birds seem, as a rule, to bring misfortune. If a cock crows when a marriage procession is passing, it denotes that the couple will always be quarreling. If geese or ducks fly across the path, the husband will tie ground under the heel of his wife aud her female relatives. A flock of sparrows is a sign that the love of the bride and the bridegroom will soon vanish. Havens or crows at a wedding denote apronehing poverty. If the birds fly to the right, the wife will soon tire of the union! if to the left, the husband wtll tire of the wife. A flock of sheep brings luck; a herd of goats, misfortune. A dog, a donkey, a cow are nil signs of good fortune. Doves or swallows crossing the path of a young pair are a sign of great sicheß. If a gypsy girl wishes to know how soon she will marry, she whispers in the ear of the first donkey she meets, "Shall I soon have a husband?" If the donkey moves its ears, the girl known that she will marry almost Immediately. If, on the contrary, the animal shakes Its lieud, it will be some time before she husband. Treasure-trove means in law money or other treasure found hidden and the owner unknown, in which case It belongs to the crown. Trove is from the French word trouver, to find.