"When the corpse is 'laid-out', the death chamber is shrouded in white, the clock is stopped, and the looking-glass covered, to show that for the dead time is no more and earthly vanity departed." Painting of abstract grandfather clock and doorway. Quote from: Leighton, Henry R. (~1910). Memorials of Old Durham. Available HERE. Image: Pringle, … Continue reading #Flashlore 18

"Happy is the bride the sun shines on, and blessed is the corpse the rain rains on."— Proverb According to folk belief, a rainy day is unlucky for a wedding, but a good omen for a funeral, as sunshine is a symbol of joy and rain of sorrow. Painting of funeral cortege, entering the cemetery. … Continue reading #Flashlore 17

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