Hello everyone,
I didn't think I could contribute to this one, since I've never heard of any customs relating to smashing/not smashing the eggshell. But the "thread" piqued my interest, so I checked my Cassell Dictionary of Superstitions, by David Pickering (they're a favourite publisher of mine, for off-beat and educational texts. Stillwell's "Illustrated Dictionary of Lacemaking" is also one of theirs).
Here's what they have to say (and let's hope there's no power break while I'm typing; we are having another of our -- daily -- storms):
'Some thought should be given to the disposal of the eggshell. It is important to break the shell once the contents are consumed, as a witch may use the empty shell to obtain power over the person who has fed from it by means of spells, or else use the shells as boats in which to set sail and wreck ships at sea. It is bad luck, however, to push one's spoon through the bottom of the egg'
There's more, but not relating to witches. Nor does it say where the superstition comes from.
--- Tamara P Duvall http://lorien.emufarm.org/~tpd Lexington, Virginia, USA (Formerly of Warsaw, Poland) Healthy US through The No-CARB Diet: no C-heney, no A-shcroft, no R-umsfeld, no B-ush.
To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace-chat [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
