NOTE1850
Something else about "Salting."
By A. G. (Ecclesfield Vicarage)
On the first occasion, after birth, of any children being taken into a neighbour's house, the mistress of the house always presents the babe with an egg, a little flour, and some salt; and the nurse, to ensure good luck, gives the child a taste of the pudding, which is forthwith compounded out of these ingredients. This little "mystery" has occurred too often to be merely accidental; indeed, all my poorer neighbours are familiarly acquainted with the custom; and they tell me that money is often given in addition at the houses of the rich. What is the derivation of *cum grano salis* as a hint o…
Topics: Historical Customs, Genealogy