In 1905, Samuel Miller Sener compiled an intriguing collection of superstitions from South Central Pennsylvania, published in the Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society. These beliefs paint a vivid picture of the culture and the everyday mystique of life over a century ago.
A prevalent superstition was that reversing direction after commencing an errand or journey would bring bad luck, a notion that likely promoted perseverance and determination. Animals, too, were central to these local beliefs. For instance, it was commonly held that witches entangled the manes of horses during the night. Similarly, toads were associated with negative outcomes; killing one was believed to bring about hard times, as toads were linked with witchcraft and misfortune. Moreover, warts were thought to be caused by either touching a toad or coming into contact with an object over which a toad had hopped. These superstitions not only reveal the cultural significance of animals but also illustrate how deeply intertwined natural phenomena and mystical beliefs were in daily life.
Eggs laid on Good Friday or Sunday were thought to last longer than eggs laid on other days, while butter made on Good Friday was considered unpalatable. This suggests a blend of religious significance with daily farm activities.
Additionally, animal behavior has long been interpreted as a window into the supernatural in many cultures, including those in early 20th-century Pennsylvania. For instance, the eerie sound of dogs howling at night was often seen as an ominous sign, believed to foretell the death of a relative or a neighbor.
Similarly, a cow pushing its head over a fence was viewed as a harbinger of impending trouble. Additionally, it was thought that when dogs barked at the sound of a bell or music, they were not just reacting to the noise, but actively trying to ward off witches and spooks attracted by these sounds. These interpretations reflect a time when the natural and supernatural were deeply intertwined in the daily lives and folklore of communities.
Plant life also held its share of ominous meanings. For example, a cypress tree in front of the house was associated with multiple family deaths, reflecting the tree’s traditional symbolism of mourning.
Some superstitions involved personal omens. If your hand itched, you were believed to be soon receiving money. Ear itching had its own interpretations: the left ear itching meant someone was speaking ill of you, while the right itching indicated praise.
Birds and insects also carried messages. The crowing of a rooster near the door signaled impending visitors, and seeing a yellow butterfly first in spring was a promise of financial prosperity within the year.
More bizarre beliefs included never spilling salt to avoid bad luck. Always bury or burn a tooth that has been extracted. If a dog should get hold of the tooth, a dog’s tooth will grow in its place.
These superstitions, while often peculiar to modern sensibilities, provided a framework through which people of the era interpreted and reacted to the natural world and the challenges of daily life. They offer us a glimpse into the past, highlighting how our ancestors tried to manage uncertainty and influence their fate through rituals and beliefs deeply embedded in their cultural fabric. Click here for more local superstitions.
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1875 map of Lancaster County, PA$24.99 – $44.99