Of the multifarious beliefs scattered across the American continents, a great many of these concern the effects the phases of the moon hold over earthly-bond habits. So strong are these beliefs, in fact, that many farmers to this very day still sow and reap in accordance with lunar cycles detailed in Almanacs. However, the notion that moon holds certain influences upon the earth is not wholly without basis. Even the tides, themselves, are always highest during a new or full moon, a fact grounded in science not superstition. But as for more curious beliefs, one can only help but wonder.
Americans, leastways the post-colonial variety, were certainly not the first to stare up at the night sky wondering about the silvery, round thingamajig that lies somewhere between heaven and the observer. Moreover, neither were such folk the first to ponder the strange tricks, if any, the lunar realm may play on us earthlings from up high.
* * *
GHOST AND WITCHCRAFT
A Region in New England Where Superstition Thrives
For generations back the Gloucester farmers have believed in wizardry. They will do much of their work only during the full of the moon. Otherwise they would expect to die or to have very bad luck. Planting must not be done until the signs of the zodiac are propitious, and gardens must never be plowed on Fridays. Even a tooth must not be pulled unless the stars; are right; if it is, it will come hard and cause great suffering.
Pork, if killed during the small of the moon, will shrink to nothing in cooking, while that butchered at the full of the moon will continue white and firm. To insure luck the management of domestic animals sign of the zodiac must be in the leg. The wishbones of all fowls are preserved on sticks. Some families keep hundreds on hand all the time. When the zodiacal sign is in the head, then the Glouchester people believe one can do the most at catching pickerel and can hook the biggest fish. Hence the almanac hung by the kitchen fireplace in all Gloucester houses is a thing the settlers could not live without. Its study, if one would reap good harvests, “catch” good clamming tides and avoid misfortune, is imperative.
These people also believe that if you take up a black snake and bit it your teeth will never decay; that if the nails are pared on Friday toothache will be prevented, and that a child born in the heat of the day can see into the future, and will be exempt from influences of witchcraft. A ship that has such a one on board they say will never sink.
Perhaps the most curious belief still haunting these hearthstones of interior Rhode Island is that relating to the character of the little fish in Ponagansett reservoir. This pond is the source of the Pawtuxet river, which flows easterly into Naragansett bay, and years before the building of the dam across the outlet of the lake, herring from the salt sea used to swim up the stream to the shoal waters of the lake to spawn. The old settlers who have lived about the lake all their lives aver that the shiners which now glisten in its crystal waters are naught else but the degenerated descendants of the herring race, and show the same characteristics. One of “the Bowen boys” at the lake frequently says that “my father used to say there was no shiners before any dams was built to fence out the herrin’s.”
* * *
PECULIAR BELIEFS
Some of the Superstitions of the So-Called Pennsylvania Dutch.
The fence around the barn-yard, as well as others upon the farm, is made
during the waxing of the moon, or the posts will sink and soon rot
away. In the eastern part of the State, fences must be made when the
horns are turned up, when they will remain; if built when the horns of
the moon are directed downward, the post will sink until the bottom rail
touches the ground. So also with the planting of vegetables, etc. Peas,
beans and other plants growing as vines are planted when the horns of
the moon are turned up, so that they may grow vigorously. If planted
when the horns of the moon are turned down they will remain low and
stunted.
Some of the Superstitions of the So-Called Pennsylvania Dutch.
Potatoes are planted in the new moon, so that they will have sufficient light and all strike root; “the sign of the moon must be in the feet.” Corn should be planted during the new moon, “when the sign is in the head,” so that it may all go to ear. In Lehigh County the 1st day of May is the day set apart for planting corn.
Cabbage should be planted on the 17th day of March to insure its heading well. Cucumbers must be planted in the morning, before sunrise, as otherwise they would be destroyed by bugs. Wheat must not be cut before full moon, as it will not be fully ripe; “and if Ember days are high on may expect to obtain a good price therefor.” A curious belief is still extant in Lehigh County respecting the transplanting of parsley. Should any one obtain one or more plants, and replant them in his own garden, it is believed that such person’s death would soon follow. It is but a few years ago that hogs were slaughtered during the waxing of the moon, as at any other time the meat would shrink and not be as good. It is still confidently asserted, in many localities, that the cattle kneel and bow at midnight before Christmas. To kill a toad or a barn swallow will cause the cows to give bloody milk.—Journal of American Folk Lore
RETURN TO HOME