Moon - stories from ancient folklore

Moon I

From the very earliest times the moon has been an object of popular superstition; and to quote the words of Dr. Johnson ...

... many people actually bow to it on its first appearance, in order by this act of homage to insure good luck in the affairs of their daily life; thus, unconsciously on their part, keeping up a remnant of the ancient idolatrous worship paid to it.

By some, on the other hand, it is considered highly unlucky to see the new moon through glass, and in Cornwall, England it is regarded as an omen that one will break glass before that moon is out.

Hunt the 19th century English writer claims to have known people who on realising there was a clear new moon would go out into the open air and if possible show the moon a piece of gold, or to at least turn their money.

Another superstitious practice, prevalent in many places, consists in looking at the first new moon of the year through a silk handkerchief which has never been washed. As many moons as the person sees through the handkerchief (the threads multiplying the vision), represent the number of years he or she will remain unmarried.

In Devonshire it is considered lucky to see the new moon over the right shoulder; over the left shoulder is unlucky; and straight before, prognosticates good fortune to the end of the moon. In the same county many persons believe that if, on seeing the first new moon of the year, they take a stocking off one foot, and run across a field, on arriving there, they will find between the great toe and the next a hair which will be the colour of their lover's.

According to Vallancey, the Irish, on seeing the new moon, knelt down, repeated the Lord's Prayer, at the conclusion of which they cried...

Aubrey, speaking of English manners in olden times, says that the women sit astride on a gate or stile the first evening the new moon appears, saying ...

• Moon I
• Moon II
• Moon III
• Moon IV
• Moon V