Saint Andrew’s Night: Germanic Folklore It is commonly believed in Germany that on St. Andrew’s night, St. Thomas’ night, and Christmas and New Year’s nights, a girl has the power of inviting and seeing her future lover. A table is to be laid for two persons, taking care, however, that there are no forks upon … Read more
The Water Spirit: Germanic Folklore About the middle of the sixteenth century, when Zündorf was no larger than it is at present, there lived at the end of the village, hard by the church, one of that useful class of women termed midwives. She was an honest, industrious creature, and what with ushering the new-born … Read more
The Cellar of the Old Knights: Germanic Folklore There was a poor, but worthy, and withal very merry, fellow at Tilleda, who was once put to the expense of a christening, and, as luck would have it, it was the eighth. According to the custom of the time, he was obliged to give a plain … Read more
Hans in Luck: Germanic Folklore Hans had served his master seven years, and at last said to him— “Master, my time is up; I should like to go home and see my mother, so give me my wages.” And the master said— “You have been a faithful and good servant, so your pay shall … Read more