These practices will keep safe…unless you’re just unlucky.
• In Alberta, picking blackberries after October 11 is bad luck because by that date the devil has already laid claim to those berries.
• In the Canadian prairie, it is custom that if a neighbor brings you a plate of food, you should return the plate dirty. Washing the plate will bring bad luck.
• Some First Nations tribes bless a new home by taking smoldering sage from room to room while saying prayers in order to banish evil spirits and ill feelings.
• A Manitoba urban legend says that if you run around a church called St. Andrews-on-the-Red near Lockport three times at midnight, you’ll disappear.
• If you hear frogs croaking in the middle of the day, it’s about to rain.
• In Saskatchewan, a red sky on a springtime night portends a windy day to follow.
• Among woodsmen, if a friend gives you a knife, you should give him a coin in return.
• Never place a pair of shoes on a bed; it means someone will die in your family.
• A wild bird flying into a house is a sign of death.
• Do not give cologne or perfume to a partner as a gift, as it will attract someone to break up the relationship. Giving shoes as a gift encourages your partner to break up with you; giving bags encourages him or her to pack up and leave the relationship.
• If your right hand itches, you will soon meet someone new. If your left hand itches, you will come into money.
• Never run out of salt. If you do, you run out of luck.
• Spilling a saltcellar when passing it to a friend indicates the end of the friendship is close at hand.
• After leaving the house for the day, turning back for a forgotten object forebodes disappointment later.
• February 29 is the only day of the year when it is permissible for a woman to propose marriage to a man. It is bad luck for the man to reject the proposal.
Winnipegger Aaron Caissie can balance 17 spoons on his face—more than anyone else on the planet.