Superstitions concerning children

Superstitions concerning children 

Interesting myths and superstitions around world part III

• It is unlucky to measure a baby with a string or tape measure, as it may stop growing.

• To step over a young child is unlucky and may stunt its growth.

• To hand a child through an open window will stop the little one's growth.

• Children that cry a lot are sure to be lucky. They will develop fine eyes and broad shoulders. This does not apply where the crying is caused by illness or pain. 

• Women in pregnancy often refuse to take an oath before an officer of the court as it is supposed to influence the unborn child.

• It is supposed to be unlucky for a child to walk backward when going on an errand.

• In Scotland, when a young baby is taken out for its first airing, the mother or nurse gives something to eat to the first person she meets. This ensures the baby's good luck. It is called "the balm’s piece.

• When a child is taken from its mother and carried out of the bedroom for the first time, it is luckier to take it upstairs than down. If thereis no upstairs, the same effect can be accomplished by mounting a short elevation, a platfonn, or the rung of a ladder.

• When a baby is carried to church to be baptized, it should be carried by a woman who is known to have had good luck.

• When a baby is carried into a neighbor's house for the first time, it should be carried there by the mother herself, in order to insure good luck.

• First of all, however, the baby should be carried to church.

• A creeping child will have better luck than one that does not creep.

• When a very young baby smiles in its sleep, it is supposed to hold converse with the angels.

Source: Omens, Myths and Superstitions book