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 VIII.

Chapter 896 wordsPublic domain

FERN-SEED AND ST. JOHN'S-WORT SUPERSTITIONS.

Human invisibility. The helmet of Hades or Pluto, and the Teutonic "invisible cap." Modern references to this singular superstition. Ferns, luck-bringing plants. Said to have sprung from the lightning. St. John's-wort. German story of accidental invisibility. St John's eve. Fern seed, a love charm. Samuel Bamford's Lancashire story in "Boggart Ho' Clough," near Manchester. St. John superseded the Scandinavian Baldr. The _Osmunda regalis_. _Osmunda_, one of the appellations of Thor. The vervain, a plant of spells and enchantments. The Sanscrit parna and the modern fern. Origin of the name "Boggart Ho' Clough." Page 143