“There are certain days on which it is not right to speak of the fairies. These days are Wednesdays and Fridays.”

According to Lady Wilde, a wisp of straw waved around a baby’s head keeps the Sidhe away on unlucky Fridays.

Quote: Wilde, Lady Jane (1919), Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms & Superstitions of Ireland (London: Chatto & Windus). Available HERE.

Image: Butler, Mildred Anne (1900), A Mother and Child by a River, with Wild Roses (Exeter: National Trust). Available HERE.