Superstition says, if the first butterfly you see in Spring is white, you'll be lucky the rest of the year. If it's brown, not so much. This is because the colour of butterflies was once associated with bread, and white bread was expensive! Painting of butterflies alighting in brambles. Image: Tratt, Richard. (1984). Bramble Patch. … Continue reading #Flashlore 16

According to superstition, hearing the first cuckoo of Spring is good luck. The direction from which you hear its call is significant. Some say that, from the right, it means prosperity. It'll be even better if you turn a coin in your pocket! Painting of cuckoo on a branch. Image: Booth, Raymond C. (1929-2015). Cuckoo. … Continue reading #Flashlore 15

I hope that you didn't fall for any jokes, lies or pranks on April Fools, last Saturday! Did you know, in the United Kingdom all misdemeanours must cease at noon? After that, you'll be the fool — and besides, it's bad luck! Painting of a sad jester, sitting on a bench with something that looks … Continue reading #Flashlore 14