Irish Superstitions

Dáithí Ó hÓgáin, one of Ireland's leading folklorists, gives a lively and informative account of the widespread folk beliefs of Ireland in Irish Superstitions, this popular guide to Irish superstitions, old wives' tales and other spooky stuff from the Irish countryside. Irish Superstitions includes a list of good-luck charms, spells, soothsayings and other irrational but charming and creative folk beliefs. There are stories of leprechauns and sprites, ghosts, the evil eye and wise women's curses. There are also charms and spells to make crops grow, to keep cattle healthy, to ensure safe childbirth, and to fulfil many other longed-for desires. Most of the superstitions are of pagan origin; many were overlaid with popular Christian belief. Irish Superstitions: Table of Contents Foreword - The Mind Engaged - Man the Summation of All Things - The World Around Us - Ourselves and the Others - Rules and Practices of Life

The late Dáithí Ó hÓgáin was the author of several books of poetry, short stories and academic research. Born in Bruff, Co. Limerick, Dáithí Ó hÓgáin was educated at University College Dublin. As Professor of Irish Folklore in UCD, his main interests lay in the interplay between folklore and literature and the ways in which folklore enriches the individual imagination and creative culture. Ó hÓgáin was the author of six collections of poetry, among them Cois Camhaoireach, Idir an Dá Dhealbh and Footsteps from Another World, and three short story collections: Breacadh, Imeall an Bhaile and Scéalta Nua. His literary and folklore research includes Fionn Mac Cumhaill, Celtic Warriors, The Sacred Isle, The Celts-A History and Ireland-People and Places. He was a well-known broadcaster on radio and television, and also had four radio plays produced.