Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 April 1886 — Negro Superstitions. [ARTICLE]

Negro Superstitions.

If the sun shines while it is raining, it is a sign that Satan is whipping his wife.

It is a bad sign for a cat to get in a cradle. It is bad luck for a deformed cat to be born on the place, unless it is drowned at once. When a dog dreams before the fire, it is a sign that a witch is trying ti get in the house. The way to keep the witch out is ta4hrow salt in the fire. A horse-shoe nail stuck in a crack will keep witches out. If sparks fly out from the fireplace, it fa a sign that your enemies are conspiring against you. - »’ If a chunk of fire rolls out on the hearth, strangers are coming. If a twig or bush gets caught in a woman’s dress, and is dragged after her, it is a sign that she has a sweetheart. —Joel Chandler Harris, in Youth’s Companion.