Ivys's domain... Superstitions and wives tales

Death

..... As might be expected death is the focus of a vast amount of superstitions...Every culture boast of a secret code of omens that warn of imminent death, the most common being the appearance of "Black Creatures" such as Crows, Black birds , Cats and Dogs... Such as the inexplicable howeling of Dogs and the sound of death knocking on ones door to gain admittance.... Sometimes the threat posed by such phenomena maybe evaded by taking actions to ward off death, by blessing ones self in the sign of the cross. But other times there is no escape.

..... In many countries friends and relitives will open doors and windows when a person is dying, so that the unfettered soul maybe allowed to escape unhindered.... The idea one should never speak ill of the dead is still strong in many communities and indeed in public life.... This taboo dates backas far as the ancient romans and was observed originally not so much out of disire for fair play towards those who can no longer defend themself ... But more from the fear of provoking their ghost of returning.

I.M.Summers