Every Man's Book of Superstitions by Christine Chaundler

Author:Christine Chaundler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Philosophical Library/Open Road
Published: 2021-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

A TRADER’S SUPERSTITION

A COMMON custom among pedlars, barrow-boys, and other dealers, is to spit upon the first money they take when they begin their day’s business. This, they think, will bring them good luck, more especially if they put the first coin aside and do not give it in change during the day. Once it was customary for two people when striking a bargain to spit on the ground and then shake hands by way of scaling it. The shaking of hands after agreement is still often seen, though the spitting is now usually dispensed with. Belief in the efficacy of spitting as a bringer of good luck, or of averting ill, goes far back in human history. References to it are found in the writings of many old Roman authors, where it usually denoted a wish to bring good fortune to the person spat upon. Later it became an act of defiance, as it is today on the rare occasions when it occurs away from the dealers in the markets. The act of spitting is a good example of a change in superstitious beliefs and, incidentally, of the futility of superstitious customs. Once it was thought to bring good luck to those who were treated to it, to protect from witchcraft, to show welcome to visitors. Now it signifies contempt and aversion. Only in the matter of ‘first money’ is its original status as a fortune bringer still maintained.

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