Release date is 2016-05-09

On foundations -- On gables -- Ovens -- Beds -- Striking a light -- Umbrellas -- Dolls -- Revivals -- Broadside ballads -- Riddles -- The gallows -- Holes -- Raising the hat.

Produced by Chris Curnow, Elisa and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
produced from images generously made available by The
Internet Archive).

"Strange Survivals: Some Chapters in the History of Man" by S. Baring-Gould is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work delves into various cultural superstitions, customs, and practices associated with ancient buildings and the belief systems of different societies. Through a blend of folklore and historical evidence, the author examines how these strange rituals and beliefs have persisted through time and influenced building practices. At the start of the book, the author recounts a conversation with a blacksmith concerned about the superstition surrounding the baptism of the first child in a newly consecrated church, fearing that such an event could lead to misfortune. This anecdote serves as a springboard to explore the broader theme of ancient beliefs related to construction, including the necessity of sacrifices to ensure stability and protection for buildings. Baring-Gould then illustrates various narratives from European folklore that suggest a historical connection between building foundations and human or animal sacrifices, weaving together tradition, myths, and remnants of ancient practices in a way that highlights the fascinating interplay between superstition and architecture. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Original publication data not identified