With some (Macduff, Rosehearty), at least not many years ago, it was a custom to throw into the water before entering it three stones of different sizes, beginning with the largest. White stones, if they could be found, were preferred (Rosehearty). Others again threw in a few without regard to number. Words were repeated, as the stones were being pitched in, but my informants (Macduff, Rosebearty) could not recall them.[1]
Bathing in the sea is believed to be much more wholesome than in fresh water. Frequent bathing in fresh water, especially if done oftener than once a day, is looked upon as injurious to health.
Sea-water is much used as a lotion in cases of local inflammation, weakness or stiffness of a joint, and spine disease. The water must be drawn when the tide is "flouin," otherwise it is useless. If it is drawn during the waxing moon, so much the more powerful are its virtues. It is warmed, and the affected part is rubbed downwards as strongly as the patient is able to bear, generally in the morning and evening.
By some the same water is used again and again, from the belief that the oftener it is used the stronger grow its curative powers.
This health-giving power of the rising tide is not confined to human beings. Lugworms (Arenicola piscatorum, Lamk.) are much used as bait for fish. When they are not wanted immediately they must be kept alive. It is believed that this can be done only by keeping them among water drawn when the tide is rising. If the water is changed daily they may be preserved alive for eight days or more, whereas, if they are put into water taken from an ebbing or "back-gain" tide, they die within a short time.—(Told by two fishermen of Rosehearty.)
A sea-voyage is supposed to bring about a cure of any lingering disease, such as that arising from indigestion or the liver. Or if a voyage cannot be taken, a sail for a day or a few hours with a "guid twist o' sea-sickness and a guid clean-oot" works wonders. Sea-sickness is commonly believed to be healthful.
It is a common idea that a drenching with sea-water is followed by no such evil consequences as arise from a drenching with fresh
- ↑ J. Leite de Vasconcellos, Tradicoes populares de Portugal, pp. 69, 70.
