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[burial on Harris]
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Note: at a burial on Harris. When the coffined remains are lowered into the grave, and the coffin set on the bottom (of the grave), the tasselled cords are thrown on the coffin, and the grave ready for to shovel the soil back in place or its contents, or part of its contents, placed with spade or shovel on the top of the coffin. Before this is done I have noticed someone of a funeral party likewise throwing a handful of sand or soil, or a sprinkle, on the coffin lid. It is a custom. For what reason is it done – luck, superstition… At the first funeral I ever attended I saw it done and I was wondering why.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
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clach
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Quotation: an clach fhaobhrachaidh. Notes: joiner’s grindstone. Had to be turned sunwise (superstition). [NOTES: slipped under ‘clach fhaobhair’.]
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
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earrachaol
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(this is it) a dead carcase of sheep. Th’an [sic] t-earrachaol agad. A carcase of a dead sheep on the croft to bring ill luck from one’s croft it was transferred to another croft: therefore the ill luck also supposed to be transferred likewise (from an old Highland superstition etc etc.)
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
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gathan nan teachdairean teinteach
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electricity poles. Whilst on this subject D. W. alludes to a superstition which is rarely heard nowadays. In the days when people were dependent on embers for torchlight, an ember would not be given to a visitor if there was a baby in the house. It was feared that the child would not have any teeth if this was given.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
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geasagan
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[ɡʹesɑɡəṉ] Quotation: Tha e làn gheasagan. Notes: full of superstition.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
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géillinnean
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[ɡʹe:lʹĩnʹəṉ] Quotation: Bha iad làn géillinnean. Notes: They were full of superstition.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
