Long rumoured to possess magical properties in addition to being rare, in the time of King Louis the IX women were forbidden to wear diamonds, even queens, until courtesan Agnès Sorel broke the taboo centuries later.
Portrait by Jean Fouquet
The protection their innocence engendered was thought to extend to the whole ship, so sailors thought it good luck to travel with children.
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Vladimir Kush's Departure of the Winged Ship
A Germanic legend states will-o'-the-wisp are the souls of unbaptized children; to free them, one need only throw a handful of consecrated ground at the fiery orbs.
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Will-o'-wisp by Ilyich at Deviant Art
Just about my favorite thing to do: recommend stories that I love!
The Black Fairy’s Curse by Karen Jay Fowler: A piercingly unique refurb of the Sleeping Beauty tale as a dream interrupted.
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Sing for your supper if you must, but not during it, or you’ll soon suffer disappointment (choking, maybe?). Also, make sure not to sing before breakfast, or you’ll cry before dinner.
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Singer with a Glove by Degas
After death, one will be made 2 walk barefoot over unforgiving ground, unless in life, they gave a pair of shoes in good repair 2 one who couldn't afford them; in that case, a spirit will greet the deceased, with said pair of shoes, and spare them the task.
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Woe to the orchard owners too fanatical in their picking—if a few apples weren’t left to fall and ferment for the wee folk’s party favors, their disappointment would be taken out on next season’s crops.
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pic from: https://t.co/3zwRcnObA8