Traditions, Superstitions and Folk-lore (Chiefly Lancashire and the North of England:) Their Affinity to Others in Widely-Distributed Localities; Their Eastern Origin and Mythical Significance.

CHAPTER XII.

Chapter 12126 wordsPublic domain

SACRED AND OMINOUS BIRDS, ETC.

Sacred Birds. Beautiful Welsh legend of the robin. Stork legends in Germany. Their nests built upon wheels (sun emblems) placed on the roofs of houses. Remains in Danish "Kitchen middens." Birds of evil omen. The owl. Shakspere's profound insight. Cuckoo superstitions. Transformation of cuckoos into sparrowhawks. The cuckoo the messenger of Thor. The wren hunted to death in the Isle of Man, Ireland, and some parts of France. A sacred bird in England. Swallows and crickets. Ravens, crows, jackdaws, etc., ominous birds. Lancashire superstitions of this class. The "Seven Whistlers." The Woodpecker. Picus and Pilumnus. Fire and soul bringers. Weather prophets. The stormy petrel, the heron, and the crane. The lady-bird. Rats leaving ships about to founder at sea. Page 242