18 SUPERSTITIONS. 
injure the person who had partaken of the egg. 
Eggs laid on holy days were supposed to 
possess helpful qualities against all ills. 
In 1584, Reginald Scot says, “To hang an 
egg, laid on Ascension Day, in the roof of a 
house preserveth the same from all hurts.” 
Eggs produced on Good Friday were also 
kept, since they had power to extinguish any 
fire on which they might be thrown. 
The Netherlanders say that ague may be kept 
at a distance by eating on Easter Day two eggs 
laid on Good Friday. While in North Germany 
the shells are broken after the contents are 
eaten to keep away the same dread visitor. 
Dreaming of eggs is a prediction of trouble, 
though if the shells be broken when they 
appear the danger is averted. 
Scotch fishermen think it unlucky to have 
eggs on board their boats, as they will bring 
contrary winds. 
In many parts of England eggs are not allowed 
to leave the house after sunset, for fear of ill 
luck, and to have them brought in would be 
equally disastrous. 
