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| Saints Jude and Simeon and the magicians - from Alciato's Book of Emblems, 14th century |
"On October 28th, the day dedicated to Saints Simeon and Jude, is the most propitious on which to use the following incantation for the discovery of the future one's initials. Take a fine round apple, peel it in one whole length. Take the paring in the right hand, stand in the centre of a large room, and while waving the paring gently round your head repeat :
St. Simeon and St. Jude on you I intrude,
By this paring I hold to discover.
Without delay, tell me I pray,
The first letters of my own true lover.
By this paring I hold to discover.
Without delay, tell me I pray,
The first letters of my own true lover.
Then drop the paring over the left shoulder and it will form the initial of your future husband's name; if it break up into small pieces you will die an old maid."
Hewett 1900
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