A single magpie is considered a sign of bad luck. A Guide to the Scientific Knowledge of Things Familiar recites an old proverb concerning the incidence of bad weather when magpies forage alone and a possible scientific explanation for this.
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Two people breaking a wishbone is said to lead to good luck for the person with the larger piece.
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An acorn should be carried to bring luck and ensure a long life.
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In some parts of England, rum is used to wash a baby's head for good luck.
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If one walks underneath an open ladder it is said to bring bad luck. Sometimes it is said that this can be undone by immediately walking backwards back underneath the ladder.
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When you speak of bad luck, it is said that one should always knock on wood. Also knocking when speaking of good luck apparently helps with having good luck. This is an old Celtic tradition related to belief of wood spirits.
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Amber beads, worn as a necklace, can protect against illness or cure colds.
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If you catch a falling leaf on the first day of autumn you will not catch a cold all winter.
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