Lancaster’s bizarre treasure hunting superstitions

Finding buried treasure in Lancaster County isn’t as simple as grabbing a metal detector. Like all good stories, some superstition and sometimes the supernatural are required to locate your “fortune and glory.”

It’s unknown if these local treasure hunting ideas are Pennsylvania Dutch or Scots-Irish in origin or a blending of the two. Regardless, they put forth an interesting map for finding the riches.

For example, digging for treasure must be done at night. Also, no talking is allowed out of fear that the riches will vanish.

Salt is to be scattered around the dig site to protect against witches, and carrying coffin nails will ward off evil spirits.

In 1870, the Intelligencer Journal reported that treasure hunters were utilizing two ten-year-old girls and their magic mirror called an “er d spiegle” to search for gold hidden near Intercourse.

There are several treasure-laden adventures to choose from and scores of side quests to explore. Coffin nails are optional!

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