What is Superstition?

Oh. Thank you online dictionary!

…a widely held but irrational belief in supernatural influences, especially as leading to good or bad luck, or a practice based on such a belief.

I’m re-listening to a favourite book of mine narrated by Sean Barratt. Wow – he has such a great voice for accents. From South Wales to Glasgow to the Cotswolds. Spot on.

There is a scene in the book when a so-called pagan/hedge witch SCREAMS out loud when she sees the medieval inglenook fireplace burning.

SCREAMS of fear and terror.

Whyfore?

Well. SOME TRULY believe that not just the burning of elder wood but the bringing of elder into a home is the BADDEST of BAD LUCK.

Apparently – so THE THEY SAY – burning Elder Wood on your fire will bring you images of the DEVIL. And all that comes with him. Some even say that Judas Iscariot hanged himself on an elder tree.

Yup. OK.

I have several elders in my garden. Elderberry and Elderflower cordial has been made here.

And I’ve probably burned many an elder log in the burner.

So up yours, Devil/Judas. When our family needs warmth, I’ll burn wood. Any wood. No matter what a folklore/superstition says.

This is an ancient silly. We have many, many more modern sillies.

Let’s start with STOP BREATHING WITHIN 6 FEET OF OTHER PEOPLE !

Sublime to Ridiculous.

P.S. I didn’t know the bit about horses. That’s wonderful. Better than a 3ft syringe full of chemicals in the haunch. In my opinion.

:o)