The Origins of Popular Superstitions and Customs

THE following pages are based on Brand's Popular Antiquities, the edition published in 1841, supplemented by the results of later investigation. It deals with those superstitions and customs which are operative at the present time; and, as far as is possible, to trace these to their original sources. In some cases the task is fairly easy, in others very difficult. In a few instances the "prime origin," to use the words of Brand, is absolutely unattainable.