Happy Folklore Friday, and Happy Good Friday. As a witch, I love hearing all the superstitions and apotropaic magic in every religion. Here are some of my favorite superstitions surrounding Good Friday. If there are any here that I've missed, please leave it in the comments below.
Numerous beliefs and practices are intertwined with Good Friday's significance. For instance, getting a haircut today is considered lucky for girls, promoting thicker and longer hair growth. After getting your hair cut, remember to wash it well. Washing one's hair on this day was thought to ward off headaches. Men, however, are encouraged to refrain from shaving because any blood from nicks or cuts would be reminiscent of the crucifixion.
Certain professions, such as blacksmiths and carpenters, observed a day of rest, abstaining from their usual tasks involving tools like saws and hammers out of respect for the solemnity of Christ's Crucifixion. Restrictions extended to activities like burning wood, which required tools associated with the events of that day.
In Ireland, farming activities were encouraged, and anything planted on Good Friday was believed to flourish. Oats sown on this day were considered resistant to rotting, while garlic, planted before noon, was thought to possess medicinal properties, particularly beneficial for treating coughs. Parsley, too, held special significance, as there was a superstition that Good Friday was the one day you could plant it and be protected from the devil's influence. "Are you a witch or a rogue? Plant some parsley and see if it grows."
Welsh folklore, however, believes the exact opposite. "Good Friday is regarded as a very bad day for any new work. It is unlucky to meddle with earth or to do any kind of gardening. If you use a sewing needle, lightning will destroy you or your premises." Ouch, that sounds unpleasant.
Another superstition is that walking barefoot on Good Friday is believed to grant immunity against colds for the remainder of the year. Also, if you've been praying but have yet to hear a response, the hour of Christ's Crucifixion, 3 p.m., was considered particularly potent for prayers and requests. For those who are venturing to the beach today, objects washed ashore are tokens of good health, but don't go swimming. The sea is said to have a particular craving for dead bodies today.
Regardless of your religion, we are reminded of the rich tapestry of superstitions and apotropaic practices surrounding this religious day. From the luck of a haircut and the reverence shown by certain professions to the varied agricultural beliefs across different cultures, the superstitions surrounding Good Friday offer a glimpse into the diverse ways in which people mark this solemn occasion. Whether it's planting or refraining from certain activities out of respect, these traditions reflect the depth of human spirituality and the enduring influence of folklore on our lives. As we navigate through these beliefs, may we find meaning and connection in the customs passed down through generations, honoring the essence of this day with reverence and reflection.
Sources:
Folklore of Wales, 1909
The Irish Times
