Now no chits would bo more likely
to retain Mich beliefs and practices
than tho class that has to deal
most with horses und Mnbles -n
class who btill lirmly believo in nil
sorts of heathenish luckies nnd
It seems probable, therefore, that
in many eahes tho hoioshoo was hot
np not only to frighten away tho
ovil eve. ghosts and trolK fulfil
. .'-' ..
ami witches, but to some ex
tent, to curry favor with tho irood
old gods by what was in many ways
a denial of allegiance to tho new
ones.
It was as much an to :uy to the little
folk on tho one hand, "Don't
conio near;'wau iron; we're under
Thor's protection, and nhlo to hurt
you I" and, on tho other hand, to
Thor, "We're still your men; we've
nover abjured you; take good euro
of usf If this wero not the true
meaning of tho hoiehoe, I think
wo should havo had a crucifix or the
sign of tho crtha in its place, which
is tho ordinary and recognized Christian
way of protecting one's nelf
aahwt the attacks of evil spirits.
Co in bill Magazine.
Tho l'luolmilluii if rirr.
