Popular Cures
Chincough:
(no. 8) Boil a black snail in sweet milk and give milk to child.
Warts:
(no. 1) Get a black snail without looking for it, rub it on warts three times, then hang on a white-thorn bush. As snail withers warts will disappear.
Earache:
Get a black snail, cut off both horns with one cut - instant cure.
Excerpts from 'Folklore from Co. Longford' by Cait Ni Bhradaigh, in Bealoideas, v6 (1936).
* chincough = whooping cough.
Divination of your future husband
At May Eve a snail is picked and put into a clean metal pot and covered close during the night by the young unmarried females, chiefly Roman Catholic, who in the morning expect to see the name of the man, to whom they will be married, written by the trail of the snail.
'Folklore in Maghera Parish* by O. Davies, in the Ulster Journal of Archaeology, v8, 1945.
*County Derry.
Taken from the 1835 O.S. Memoirs for Co. Derry.
'Folklore in Maghera Parish* by O. Davies, in the Ulster Journal of Archaeology, v8, 1945.
*County Derry.
Taken from the 1835 O.S. Memoirs for Co. Derry.
Snails and warts
Wart curing is very common, and in most classes there will be someone who has had experience of it. At Fowlmere in Cambridgeshire I was told this story by a man over seventy who, incidentally, never missed [an evening] class.
"When I was a boy I had warts on the back of my hands, and was advised to rub a black snail on them, then stick the snail on a thorn, and at the new moon I was to point my hand to the moon and blow along the back of it. I did that, and the warts went." He added humorously, "I don't know where they went to."
'Adult education and folklore', by GW Pattison, in Folklore v.64 (1953).
"When I was a boy I had warts on the back of my hands, and was advised to rub a black snail on them, then stick the snail on a thorn, and at the new moon I was to point my hand to the moon and blow along the back of it. I did that, and the warts went." He added humorously, "I don't know where they went to."
'Adult education and folklore', by GW Pattison, in Folklore v.64 (1953).
Orkney snail drink
There are in these isles many little Chappels, now generally ruinous, as in the isle of Unst there are 24 and upwards. In the isle of Yell there are 21 and many in other isles. I saw one of them in the Parish of Tingwal, wherein also there are several mo; it would have contained scarce 30. People, as I judge, and tho so little, yet very great Stones were in the Walls, which was strange to me, how that in this Countrey, where their Beasts are weak, and they have not the help of Machines, they got them lifted and laid.
These are said to have been built by Superstitious Zealots in the time of Popery, or as some rather think by Ship-wrackt Seamen, who coming late[?] to shore, have Built them according to their Vows made by them when in danger, which they dedicated to so many several Saints, whom they looked upon as the Patrons of their Respective Chappels. About which also Men and Women of Old had their night walkings, which occasioned much uncleanness, but now such walkings are but little used.
About the Walls of these old Chappels are found Snails, called Shell-Snails, which they dry and pulverize, mingling the dust with their drink for the Jaundice, by which means these who labour under this sickness in 3 or 4 days time will recover of the same, but if they let this dust ly for a Year, without making use of it, it turneth into small living Creatures or Vermine, which they dry and bray over again, if they make any further use of it.
From A new description of Orkney.. by John Brand, 1703.
These are said to have been built by Superstitious Zealots in the time of Popery, or as some rather think by Ship-wrackt Seamen, who coming late[?] to shore, have Built them according to their Vows made by them when in danger, which they dedicated to so many several Saints, whom they looked upon as the Patrons of their Respective Chappels. About which also Men and Women of Old had their night walkings, which occasioned much uncleanness, but now such walkings are but little used.
About the Walls of these old Chappels are found Snails, called Shell-Snails, which they dry and pulverize, mingling the dust with their drink for the Jaundice, by which means these who labour under this sickness in 3 or 4 days time will recover of the same, but if they let this dust ly for a Year, without making use of it, it turneth into small living Creatures or Vermine, which they dry and bray over again, if they make any further use of it.
From A new description of Orkney.. by John Brand, 1703.
"Wall Fish" in Somerset and beyond
WALL FISH. - Snails have long been recommended as a cure for tuberculosis, and in Somerset, in my younger days, it was quite common to meet with cases where this cure was applied.
I know, too, that in Bristol it was quite a usual practice for men to visit houses where ivy covered the walls to seek permission to search for wall fish, or wall fruit, as snails were often designated. Probably the custom is still in existence. Not long since an attempt was made in some quarters to make the snail a popular edible dish, but I have not heard it succeeded to any extent, as in France. Snail farming is said to be quite interesting once you can get over that slippery, slimy sort of feeling that every snail fancier must experience the first time he finds himself alone and unprotected in the midst of a few thousand real live snails.
Two years ago a note on snail eaters appeared in the "Herald." We were then told cooked snails were rather insipid, but are said to be as nutritious as calves' foot jelly when stewed in milk. Glass blowers in many parts of England have a firm belief in the efficacy of garden snails as a cure for consumption. Mr. Walter Raymond, in his "Book of Crafts and Character," devotes a chapter to the snail merchant who collects snails and they are described as tasting better than the best mutton.
Southey tells us that Maecenas of Cookery, Sir Kenelm Digby, who is remembered for so many odd things, was one of the persons who introduced the great shell snail (Helix Pomaria) into this country as a delicacy. He dispersed the breed about Gothurst, his seat near Newport Pragnel; but the merit of first importing it is due to Charles Howard, of the Arundel family.
Snails were sold in Covent Garden as a remedy for consumption. Fifteen years ago snails were sold in Swindon Market, being considered nourishing, especially in cases of consumption or after illness. The sort found most often is the common garden snail, Helix Aspersa.
Udal, in "Dorsetshire Folk-lore," says "The value of the snail for medicinal purposes is well known. Richard Jefferies, in his book, 'Round about a Great Estate' states that in Dorsetshire an extract of snails is sometimes prepared, and, mixed with rum, is rubbed into weak backs, or legs, especially of children. I myself have known of the use both internally and externally of the 'liquor' of snails, in West Dorset. I think this was used as a cure or palliative, for 'sore legs.'" -- W.G. Willis Watson.
In the Taunton Courier, 10th June 1925.
I know, too, that in Bristol it was quite a usual practice for men to visit houses where ivy covered the walls to seek permission to search for wall fish, or wall fruit, as snails were often designated. Probably the custom is still in existence. Not long since an attempt was made in some quarters to make the snail a popular edible dish, but I have not heard it succeeded to any extent, as in France. Snail farming is said to be quite interesting once you can get over that slippery, slimy sort of feeling that every snail fancier must experience the first time he finds himself alone and unprotected in the midst of a few thousand real live snails.
Two years ago a note on snail eaters appeared in the "Herald." We were then told cooked snails were rather insipid, but are said to be as nutritious as calves' foot jelly when stewed in milk. Glass blowers in many parts of England have a firm belief in the efficacy of garden snails as a cure for consumption. Mr. Walter Raymond, in his "Book of Crafts and Character," devotes a chapter to the snail merchant who collects snails and they are described as tasting better than the best mutton.
Southey tells us that Maecenas of Cookery, Sir Kenelm Digby, who is remembered for so many odd things, was one of the persons who introduced the great shell snail (Helix Pomaria) into this country as a delicacy. He dispersed the breed about Gothurst, his seat near Newport Pragnel; but the merit of first importing it is due to Charles Howard, of the Arundel family.
Snails were sold in Covent Garden as a remedy for consumption. Fifteen years ago snails were sold in Swindon Market, being considered nourishing, especially in cases of consumption or after illness. The sort found most often is the common garden snail, Helix Aspersa.
Udal, in "Dorsetshire Folk-lore," says "The value of the snail for medicinal purposes is well known. Richard Jefferies, in his book, 'Round about a Great Estate' states that in Dorsetshire an extract of snails is sometimes prepared, and, mixed with rum, is rubbed into weak backs, or legs, especially of children. I myself have known of the use both internally and externally of the 'liquor' of snails, in West Dorset. I think this was used as a cure or palliative, for 'sore legs.'" -- W.G. Willis Watson.
In the Taunton Courier, 10th June 1925.
Snails and the weather
The domestic hen persistently rolling in the dust is an omen of wet; whilst even the humble snails are aware of the changing conditions. They will cross roads and paths when the signs are bad. Thus the old English saying: "When black snails cross your path, black clouds much moisture hath."
Similarly, those who recall childhood days in the countryside, will remember the village boy crooning to a snail: "Snailie, snailie, shoot out your horn, and tell us if it will be a bonny day the morn?"
Britannia and Eve, 1st June 1932.
Similarly, those who recall childhood days in the countryside, will remember the village boy crooning to a snail: "Snailie, snailie, shoot out your horn, and tell us if it will be a bonny day the morn?"
Britannia and Eve, 1st June 1932.
Gloucestershire Folk Lore
The exuded froth of a pickled snail dropped into the ear is a cure for earache.
The same insect sewn up in a bag and worn round the neck for nine days is an antidote for ague. After the nine days the bag is opened, and the snail thrown into the fire, when it is said to shake like the ague (no doubt!) and after this the patient is never again troubled with the complaint.
The poor snail is again tortured to cure warts. One is to be pierced as many times as the warts in number, and then stuck on a blackthorn in a hedgerow; as the creature dies, the warts wane and disappear.
Gloucester Journal, 15th May 1880.
The same insect sewn up in a bag and worn round the neck for nine days is an antidote for ague. After the nine days the bag is opened, and the snail thrown into the fire, when it is said to shake like the ague (no doubt!) and after this the patient is never again troubled with the complaint.
The poor snail is again tortured to cure warts. One is to be pierced as many times as the warts in number, and then stuck on a blackthorn in a hedgerow; as the creature dies, the warts wane and disappear.
Gloucester Journal, 15th May 1880.
Arion ater is actually a slug
Omens were drawn from the black snail (Arion ater - Linn.). If it was seen the first time during the season on any soft substance the year would be prosperous and happy; but if it was on a hard substance there was little but difficulties and trials in the way.
Aberdeen Evening Express, 16th September 1879
Aberdeen Evening Express, 16th September 1879
Importance of choosing your tree
[Another] wart cure is connected with the blackthorn; in this case a snail has to be sacrified to make the cure complete; it is impaled on a thorn, and as it wastes away the wart slowly vanishes.
Banbury Guardian, 28th December 1916.
Banbury Guardian, 28th December 1916.
Lancashire folklore
[excerpt from 'Lancashire Folklore and Superstition of a Past Generation']
Warts were supposed to be removed by the following means: A snail was hung upon a thorn, and as it wasted away so would the warts; or a piece of meat was stolen from the butcher's, the wart rubbed with it, and the meat secretly buried at four cross roads, and the warts decayed as the meat did. This latter remedy was most popular because most efficacious; it was practised in recent years in North-East Lancashire.
Blackburn Standard, 2nd June 1894.
Warts were supposed to be removed by the following means: A snail was hung upon a thorn, and as it wasted away so would the warts; or a piece of meat was stolen from the butcher's, the wart rubbed with it, and the meat secretly buried at four cross roads, and the warts decayed as the meat did. This latter remedy was most popular because most efficacious; it was practised in recent years in North-East Lancashire.
Blackburn Standard, 2nd June 1894.
International snail customs
Village Customs and Folk Lore of Cheshire.
The Superstitions of Childhood.
Children amuse themselves by chaunting to snails, I suppose, in their simple way to charm them - generally the large garden snail with a thick brown shell is chosen. The following, which is varied to suit circumstances, also in different divisions of the county the rhyme changes.
Snail, snail, come out of your hole,
Or else I'll beat you as black as a coal.
Or --
Snail, snail, put out your horns,
Father and mother are dead,
Brother and sister are far away,
Begging for barley bread.
In the North of Ireland we hear the children repeat as follows:--
Shell a muddy, shell a muddy,
Put out your horns,
For the king's daughter is
Coming to town,
With a red petticoat and a green gown.
It is pleasing to observe this peculiar charm, intended, though often to the child's astonishment and vexation in vain, to pursuade the snail to shoot out his horns, is not confined to the United Kingdom. Thus in Naples it occurs somewhat like -
Snail, snail, slug slow,
To me thy four horns show;
If thou dost not show me thy four
I will throw thee out of the door,
For the crow in the gutter
To eat for bread and butter:-
and-
Snail, snail, put out your horn,
Your mother is laughing you to scorn,
For she has a little son just born.
[...] from the Cheshire Observer, 19th July 1873.
Snails.
The snail is a peculiar fellow. He has odd notions of things, odd ways, odd likes and dislikes, and there is much diversity in the modes in which he is regarded by human creatures - varying from decided favour to unmitigated disgust. Some of us give him so high a character for genius that we attribute him, rather than to Sir Charles Wheatstone and Professor Morse, the invention of the electric telegraph; while others amongst us display the crowning proof of our liking for him - we eat him.
Children have their favourite way of coaxing snails to come out of their sentry boxes. In some parts of Surrey they make use of a couplet equally marked by clearness and severity:
Snail, snail, come out of your hole,
Or else I'll beat you as black as a coal!
And this is continued until the snail puts his head out of his shell. In Devonshire the invocation is expanded to four verses, and begins in a somewhat more poetic form:
Snail, snail, shoot out your horns.
In Silesia the "Schnecke, schnecke" is threatened with the dire fate of being thrown to the crows to eat in the gutter unless he shows his horns. In Naples the cry, "Jesce, jesce, Corna" has precisely the same meaning - so true it is that, in this as in many other instances, nursery rhymes and children's sing-song find their way from country to country throughout the greater part of Europe.
Stonehaven Journal, 12th August 1880.
Demoniacal snails
It is curious that in folk-lore the esnail should be always so unceremoniously treated. It will not pull in its horn you should say, "I'll kill your father and mother the morn," and if it will not "come out of its hole," "I'll beat your body as black as coal."
And could anything be in worse taste than the following:--
Snail, snail, shoot out your horn.
Your father andmother are dead.
Brother and sister are in the back yard
Begging for barley bread.
It is odd that it should be so rated at. But it is, all the world over, and as Gubernatis says, "the snail of popular superstition is demoniacal."
-- Good Words for October.
In the Dundee Evening Telegraph, 2nd October 1893.
And could anything be in worse taste than the following:--
Snail, snail, shoot out your horn.
Your father andmother are dead.
Brother and sister are in the back yard
Begging for barley bread.
It is odd that it should be so rated at. But it is, all the world over, and as Gubernatis says, "the snail of popular superstition is demoniacal."
-- Good Words for October.
In the Dundee Evening Telegraph, 2nd October 1893.
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