Δεισιδαιμονία και Λαογραφία

The origin of the proverb "dream of a funeral and you hear of a marriage" is tied to the belief that dreams and omens can predict future events, a belief that has existed in various cultures for centuries. This specific proverb likely comes from ancient folklore, where dreams were thought to symbolize opposite or unexpected events occurring in real life. The idea behind the saying is that if someone dreams of something sad, like a funeral, it may be followed by something happy, like a marriage. Over time, the proverb has been used to suggest that life is full of contrasts, where bad news can sometimes be followed by good news.

The origin of the proverb "bad things come in threes" is believed to have come from ancient superstitions in Greek and Roman cultures, where the number three was seen as a significant and powerful number. Over time, the saying became popular in Western cultures, suggesting that unfortunate events or misfortunes tend to happen in sets of three. It is commonly used to express the idea that after experiencing two bad things, a third one is likely to occur, often as a way to prepare for or accept misfortune.

The origin of the proverb "a cat has nine lives" dates back to ancient times, with many theories suggesting that it was first used in English literature during the 16th century. Cats were thought to have the ability to survive accidents or situations that would normally be dangerous or deadly for other animals, leading to the belief that they had multiple lives. It is often used in a playful or exaggerated manner to highlight resilience or luck.

The proverb "sing before breakfast, you will cry before night" is used to suggest that starting the day with too much happiness or confidence can lead to disappointment later. It reflects the idea that unexpected problems or changes can arise during the day, turning a positive beginning into a difficult or sad ending. The saying serves as a reminder to be cautious and not get carried away with early optimism, as circumstances can shift unexpectedly.

The proverb "speak of the devil, and he shall appear" comes from old beliefs about the power of words and the idea that mentioning someone or something, especially in a negative way, can bring it into the situation. It suggests that when people talk about something or someone, particularly in a way that draws attention to them, that thing or person might suddenly show up or become real in the moment. It is often used when someone appears right after being talked about, almost as if their arrival was caused by the conversation.

The proverb "he that follows freits, freits will follow him" comes from Scottish tradition and highlights the idea that focusing too much on worries or bad omens can invite more problems. The word "freits" is an old Scots term that refers to troubles or fears, and the saying suggests that constantly paying attention to these negative things might cause them to grow and multiply. It has been used to remind people that thinking too much about misfortune can make things worse, as it can lead to actions or thoughts that bring about even more difficulties.

The origin of the phrase "May chickens come cheeping" is unclear, but it is rooted in old rural beliefs. The saying is often used to express a concern that children born in May might be more likely to get sick or have health problems, possibly due to seasonal changes or environmental factors. While this saying comes from historical superstitions, it is not based on scientific evidence and is now considered outdated.

The origin of the proverb "clear moon, frost soon" is rooted in traditional weather lore, dating back to at least the 18th century. It suggests that when the moon is bright and clear in the sky, it is a sign that the weather will soon turn cold, as clear skies at night often lead to frost forming. This saying reflects an observation of nature's patterns, where a clear moonlit night often coincides with a drop in temperature. Today, the proverb is still used as a way to predict chilly weather, especially in the fall and winter months.

The origin of the proverb "beware of an oak, it draws the stroke" is not clearly dated, but it likely dates back to the 17th or 18th century, rooted in traditional European beliefs. The saying is a warning to be cautious of large trees, particularly oak trees, during thunderstorms, as their size and strength make them more likely to be struck by lightning. It suggests that powerful or prominent things are more likely to attract danger or trouble. The saying serves as a reminder that standing out or being in a position of strength can sometimes increase the risk of harm.