Shetland Folk-Lore
When animals were observed rubbing themselves against stones or fences rain was supposed to be near, and the sensation that caused this behaviour in animals appears to have been felt in the human. An old fisherman might have been heard remarking “Boys, he's gaein' ta be weet, for dey wir an oondömious yuk i' my head i' da moarnin'.” A feeling of langour or tendency to sleep indicated the approach of thunder and rain—hence the saying: “It's fey folk that thunder waukens.”
The various articles of furniture about a fisherman's house in the olden days were made from raaga trees (drift wood), and certain cracking sounds occasionally heard in such articles were considered sure indications of a change of weather. Sparks flying more than usual from a peat fire foretold the approach of frost; and if spunks (sparks) were seen adhering to the bottom of the maet kettle when taken off the fire, snow was near if in winter, and cold, windy weather if in summer.
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