Tradesmens Superstitions

 

WAUPACA REPUBLICAN

November 15, 1889

 

TRADESMEN’S SUPERSTITIONS

 

Curious Fancies of Men in Different Lines of Business

 

            There are few things more paradoxical than the association of sentiment with the pawn brokerage business, especially when engaged in by the modern Shylocks; but that it does exist in the form of superstition is a fact well established, though little known.  It is surprising how many tradesmen have a superstitious feeling that the destiny of the day’s business is shaped largely by the first transaction.

            The pawnbroker dislikes exceedingly to have a Negro for the first customer in the morning, or a person with clothes to pawn.  He feels that bad luck must follow in the wake of such a deal as this last, particularly; while, on the contrary, if the first comer in the morning brings diamonds he can get almost any concession he may demand within the bounds of reason.  This is not altogether due to the intrinsic value of the stones, but partially to the fact that they are considered great mascots to the trade.

            Cigar dealers dislike exceedingly to “trust” the first customer, no matter how well known and reputable he may be.  It is believed to be a forerunner of a “poor day’s trade.”

            Letter-carriers also have their superstitions.  They have been known to go considerably out of their way in order to avoid delivering a mourning letter the first thing.

            A great many Wall street men will not buy stocks on Friday, and some, should they chance to meet a cross-eyed man on their way to business, will sell out their holdings at once, as this is a sure sign of a declining market.

            Among jewelers a superstitious feeling exists as to the power of some stones to insure their wearers great good luck or exemption from misfortune.  To each month of the year is assigned its particular lucky stone.  In purchasing stones for birthday presents the stone corresponding with the month of the birth is often purchased and is invariably suggested by the jeweler.

            January’s luck stone is the garnet.  It is a symbol of constancy, and insures to its owner fidelity on the part of friends.  February the amethyst is selected as a preventative against violent passions and drunkenness.

            A child born in March should be given a chrysoprase, better known as the bloodstone heliotrope.  This stone is a giver of wisdom, firmness and courage, and is a great boon to its wearer in all perilous undertakings.  April’s child is freed by the sapphire from all witchcraft or enchantment.  The sapphire likewise has the power of imparting to its possessor kindness of disposition and conscientiousness.  For May the emerald gives the power of discovering true or false witnesses and insures domestic felicity.

            The agate, June’s mascot, bestows invincibility and long life.  For July, the ruby discovers poisons and cures all evils springing from the unkindness of friends.  The conjugal felicity of the child born in August is insured by the possession of the sardonyx.  This stone is dark brown and oaque.  For September the chrysolite is chosen.  It frees one from sadness.

            To any one so fortunate as to be borne in October, the opal should be given.  It bestows hope and likewise sharpness of sight.  The topaz denotes fidelity of friendship.  It promotes calmness and prevents bad dreams.  Its wearer is supposed to be proof against a violent death.  It belongs to November.

            To the child born during the last month of the year the turquoise is an omen of prosperity through life.

            The pearl is the only jewel not recommended for a birthday gift.  It denotes tears and presages an unhappy life.                                                                                          New York Star.