There are many old superstitions in the district of Skerries. Here are some of them:

(1) If you ears are burning hot it is the sign of someone speaking good or evil of you.
(2) If your nose is itchy it is the sign of a row.
(3) If two knives are crossed after dinner it is a sign of row.
(4) If your elbow is itchy it is the sign of a strange bed.

(5) If your right hand is itchy it is the sign of a shake hands; if your left hand is itchy it is the sign that you are going to get money.
(6) If you hit a person with an elder stick it is said your hand will grow you're over your grave.

(7) If a dog barks in the dead of the night it is said someone out of the locality will die.
(8)If you let a knife fall it is the sign of a gentleman visitor.
(9) If you let a fork fall it is the sign of a lady visitor.

(10) If you find two spoons in the same tea-cup it is the sign of a marriage.
(11) If you see a pin and pick it up you will have good luck.
(12) If you see a pin and pass it by you will have bad luck.

(13) If you break delph you will have bad luck.
(14) If you cut down a thorn tree that is growing in your garden you will have bad luck as long as you live.

A certain Skerries girl was in Dublin one day. When passing by a shop she saw a lovely silk dress. She wished she had it and said she would give anything to have it.

A gentleman came up to her and said, "a moment ago you said that you would give anything for that dress. Would you give me charge of your soul for a day from tomorrow?" The girl agreed.

Next day a parcel arrived at the girl's home. She then told her mother what had happened. She opened the box and there was not the dress but a death habit in it. The girl died that night but the devil had her soul. The gentleman himself was the devil.

John Fox, 9 Strand Street (BNS, 1937-8)

From Mr. J. Grimes (aged 65) Balbriggan St.