limey wrote:

> I grew up with the custom of handing over a penny if given a knife or
> scissors.
>
> Also - if you spill salt, toss a pinch over your shoulder or you'll have bad
> luck.
>
> Dora

Yeah, my father was always tossing salt around his shoulders. I'd
forgotten that before. So many times he would perform certain actions
without really commenting on what he was doing or why that they became
part of his image in my mind.
Sitting at the dinner table, 7 of us, I know he would often grumble and
point the evil eye at someone as he was being stern. Perhaps a warning
or just teasing...?