More about Gypsy Folklore--on Love and Marriage
(also taken from the same book)

A scarf given by a man, worn constantly by the woman is a sign that she loves him, too. He might propose to the woman right away.
--> How come you never give me a scarf?

Your marriage will be more prosperous if you marry when the moon is waxing rather than waning. Best choice: marry during a full moon!
--> Gosh. I thought I got married when the moon was waxing, but, well... have to check it again later, then. Oh, wait a minute! The marriage ceremony was held during the day! Does it matter?

It's unlucky to receive knives or other sharp instruments as a wedding present. You can counter this bad luck by giving a coin to the person who gives you the particular gift.
--> Yikes. Got a set of knives as a wedding present.

During the ceremony, it's also bad luck if the bridegroom looks over his shoulder when his bride approaches.
--> He didn't need to look over his shoulder. He stared at me intently, blatantly, causing me to blush at that time (if such things are possible).

Romanies believe in breaking bread over the couple's heads will bring love, luck, health, and prosperity. The bread is made of flour, fresh or dried fruits, with a bit blood taken from the ring fingers of the couple.
--> Whaaa~at! No blood, please!


It is unlucky to marry in Lent:
Marry in Lent and you will live to repent.

Monday for wealth,
Tuesday for health,
Wednesday the best of all,
Thursday for losses,
Friday for crosses,
And Saturday, no luck at all.
--> Ohkay, so the marriage was on Saturday...

It is an ill omen if the surnames of the couple begin with the same initial.
"If you change the name but not the letter, you marry for worse and not for better."
--> What if we don't have surnames?

The first person to sleep on the wedding night will be the first to die.
--> If this is true, then you will die first! Hohohooooo~ooo!
Why am I laughing?
It's no laughing matter... boo hooooo... :(

Conclusion:
Well, I am glad that I wasn't born as a Gypsy!
I am not one yet I believe some of their myths and folklores.
Good thing is, I can choose which one(s) to believe...

Anyway, speaking of horseshoes, found several interesting superstitions regarding horses on a book called "The Little Giant Encyclopedia of Superstitions" (interesting how they put 'little' and 'giant' next to each other).

1. To cure whooping cough, inhale horse breath, especially that of a piebald horse.
--> Don't know how a piebald horse looks like, but I'm pretty sure the breath stinks. Or maybe the stink is supposed to cure you. Wouldn't know. Anybody care to find out?

2. To cure goiter, eat the hair from a horse's tail.
--> Yikes. I think it must be quite tough... good luck in chewing it, then.

3. To alleviate fever, use horses' hooves.
--> Maybe we should stick to the regular pills. At least they're much easier to find.

4. To counter nightmares, use horses' teeth.
--> Cool. If only they're sold openly at the markets.

5. To get rid of worms, eat a single horse hair with bread and butter.
--> Ugh.

6. To treat chilblains, use horses' teeth.
--> Aiyaa.

7. To cure sore throats, drink the juice of live crabs mixed with horse saliva.
--> Eeew. I'd rather drink the mixture of lemon juice and honey blended well in warm water. At least I know they taste good!