Salt was, during the middle ages, a very expensive commodity used mainly for medicinal purposes. For this reason, spillage was to be avoided at all costs. The idea that it is unlucky to do so probably stems from the belief that Judas spilt salt during the last supper.

Throwing spilt salt over the left shoulder is linked to its medicinal use. If it could not be administered, the next best thing was to throw it into the eye of the evil spirits that brought sickness upon us. These spirits were thought to lurk behind your shoulder, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

• It’s bad luck to meet a barking dog early in the morning.
• It’s good luck to meet a Dalmation or a Greyhound with a white spot.
• Black poodles appear on the graves of clergymen who have broken their vows.
• It’s good luck for a strange dog to follow you home.
• When a strange dog enters your house it’s a symbol of a new friendship.
• In baseball, It’s bad luck for the batting team if a dog walks across the playing field.

Running:

• A dog running between a dating couple means they will fight and not marry.
• A dog running between a woman’s legs means her father or husband will punish her for something.

Colored dogs:

• It’s good luck for a black dog to follow you home.
• If you dream of a black dog, or to see an image of a black dog in a fire, means a friend is near.
• It’s bad luck if a black dog crosses in front of you.
• It’s good luck to see a white dog before noon.
• It’s good luck to see three white dogs together.
• Regarding business, if a black and white dog crosses your path while you are on your way to a meeting, you’ll have good luck in your dealings.

Weather omens:

• If a dog retreats under a table or into a corner, bad weather is coming.
• Dogs eat grass and scratch for long periods of time when rain is coming.

Cures:

• Melted dog fat alleviates rheumatism.
• Wearing a dried dog’s tongue aroudn the neck cures scrofula
• A dog’s lick can cure sores on skin.

Death Omens:

• A dog howling at an open door for no reason.
• A dog howling outside at night.
• A dog howling once and then falling silent.
• A dog howling three times and then falling silent.
• A dog howling persistently in front of a house where someone lies ill.
• A dog digging a hole in your garden.
• A dog sleeping with it’s paws curled up and tail outstretched.