Distrust of old people

Distrust of old people

Zep-Pliny The Elder
205.188.199.24
02-03-29
00:28

Distrust of old people in folklore In spite of the numerous tales and proverbs celebrating the wisdom of old people and promoting their care, folklore is replete with reflections of a basic distrust of age. Various demonic personages, notably changelings and the devil himself, can be rendered powerless by tricking them into revealing their age. More significantly, in pre-industrial Europe superstitions abound that cast suspicion at old people, especially women. Proverbs and popular superstitions state the claim succinctly: If the devil can't come himself, he sends an old woman. It is not good if one goes out in the morning and encounters an old woman. He who walks between two old women early in the morning shall have only bad luck the rest of the day. To meet old women first thing in the morning means bad luck; young people, good luck. Many men would rather let themselves be beaten to death, than to pass between two old women. A person on his way to an important undertaking will have bad luck if he encounters an old woman. Encountering a young girl will bring him good luck

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