OCR Text |
Show ORIGIN OF THE HORSE-SHOE SUPERSTITION. In very early times, says a writer in Baldwin's Monthly, among the Celtic race, an effigy of the patron saint, so common in churches and temples, was much used in the dwellings and workshops of the people, as a so-called "protection" against ill fortune. The "glory" above the head of these figures - which latter were often rudely carved in wood, and painted - was represented by a circular piece of polished metal, to convey the effect of the shining halo, or nimbus, frequently seen in illustrations of the Virgin and other Scripture subjects. Often this metal nimbus was of semi-circular form; and, after the figure itself had disappeared, by reason of decay, the nimbus remained and was suspended in some prominent place as the entrance-door, or other point commanding view. The effigies in question were not uncommonly seen by the side of the doorway. In course of time, the nimbus was much used as a substitute for the latter, and was sold in the shops for this purpose.<br><br> The tradition of "good luck," as embodied in the horse-shoe theory, may thus be easily traced, since it became a common occurrence, in due course of time, for the faithful adherent of the belief in charms and symbols, to adopt the horse shoe worn to brightness, in the absence of any other, which he nailed over his cottage door. Hence a piece of metal of this shape became associated in the common mind with supernatural presence and care, in keeping with the belief attaching to the original figure of the patron saint. |