SALT - Ancient Superstitions & Rituals

When researching my book Aromatherapy & Herbalism - The complete home user's guide, I came across many different people of every faith, creed and doctrine. Whilst my book is mainly focused on essential oil and herbal remedies (which can easily be made at home) for physical and psychological ailments, at the end of the book I have put in a section about superstitions.

I could not possibly have fit all of my gathered information in one chapter so, I will share this one with you;

The most common superstition in modern times is the assumption that evil spirits are roused if you accidentally spill salt...

* For every grain of salt that spills accidentally a single tear shall be shed unless you scatter a pinch over your left sholder
* Tossing a pinch of spilt salt is the antidode of ill luck raised
* If you have a curse or hex on you by a gypsy then once they leave your home throw a pinch of salt in their direction-nullify curse
* If you have a frequent visitor whom you dont want then simply throw a pinch of salt at them when they are in your house-no return
* Fishermen never use the word as it is taboo while at sea however a tradition is to sprinkle fishingnets with salt to ensure safe return
* If you want a lover to return then burn salt on seven consecutive mornings
* If you are a bride then sprinkle a pinch of salt onto your dress for a happy marriage
* Never lend salt if you are outside the house, at a picnic etc., this will bring you very bad luck
* Newborn babies were once bathed in salt and water to ward off witchcraft
* Dairymaids sprinkled a pinch of salt in their pails to stop any witch from curdling the milk
* Never offer another diner a salt celler that is open ....help me to salt, help me to surrow
* You can tell if a girl is a virgin if she forgets to put salt onto the table

Enjoy
Rochelle Moore
Author-Aromatherapy & Herbalism