Calling all antiquarians!

[IrishAyes]

8. Oh, I see... a quote from the BOOK, not the posts.

Sometimes I can be so dense it scares me.

No, all the book said was that Mama took care of the kids while Papa went for a keg of nails. Nothing else at all to tip off a reader who didn't catch the reference.

Thanks also for the other info. I agree, it probably was a socially acceptable way of calling someone a drunk.

While I've got your ear for the moment, let me add that many lasting superstitions in this country came from the Irish. Not that we were more superstitious than others, but a lot of our notions were/are derived from the ancient pagan celts. Opening a window in the room where someone dies so their soul can escape is one, though it is sadly dying out itself. I do it to honor the departed, not because I fear trapping their ghost.

Those white toes that were included on all socks for many years have been laid at our door too. A variety of explanations attach, but my favorite is that we believed it protected the wearer - white being the color of purity and the toes preceding the rest of the body in motion. I have a large reference book on ancient superstitions around here somewhere. You know people used to think that thunder would poison dairy products? As rare a treat as ice cream could be, if a thunderstorm came up at a picnic, they dumped the ice cream when it might be the only batch they'd have all year.

Of course milk and fish made poison too. I must be a witch or something because I've eaten them together all my life with no ill effect.