Scottish Superstitions

There are an endless variety of Scottish Superstitions in regard to things which should not be done. It is unfortunate if a stranger counts the number of your sheep, highland cattle, or children. It is unlucky if an odd number of folks sit around a table, and the number thirteen should be avoided at all costs, for if thirteen folks sit around the same table, one of the thirteen is sure to die that year. It is unlucky if a stranger walks across a bundle of fishing rods on the seashore, or over oars, or sailing gear, when a boat is about to go to sea. If it happens, means must be used to get the stranger to retrace his steps. It is unlucky to serve around a table, except from left to right, as that is the direction the sun moves. It is unlucky to have a grave open on a Sunday, as another will surely be dug during the week. On a more positive vein, if you rock an empty cradle, you will soon rock a new baby in it. It is unlucky though to see a new moon through a window; but good luck to see the old moon in the arms of the new moon. It is unlucky to enter a house, which you intend to occupy, by the back door on your first visit. Scottish Highlanders looked upon certain days as lucky, or unlucky. The fourteenth of May was considered a very bad day; so much so that nothing was ever undertaken on that day. May and January were considered unlucky months for marriage; and the worst day of any week to get married on, was Friday. Scottish Folklore.