Irish Cures, Mystic Charms, and Superstitions

by Jane Francesca Wilde, Marlene Ekman (Illustrations)

Lady Wilde, mother of famed author Oscar Wilde, over 100 years ago collected these hundreds of archaic cures, spells, homespun proverbs, visionary omens and prophecies. 128 pages, 16 b/w illus., 5 3/8 x 8 1/4.

Genres: Nonfiction, Ireland, Folklore, Witchcraft, Religion, Irish Literature, Historical

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 1991

About the author

Jane Francesca Agnes, Lady Wilde (born Jane Francesca Elgee in Dublin) was an Irish poet under the pen name "Speranza" and supporter of the nationalist movement; and had a special interest in Irish Fairy Tales, which she helped to gather. She married Sir William Wilde on 12 November 1851,

Mother of Oscar Wilde.

Reviews

[DJ Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of ancient cures, traditions, incantations, spells, omens, prophecies, folklore, superstitions, secrets, history, herb-o-logy, and proverbs! Even better, it's all connected to the Irish !

Excerpt:

"Reputation is more enduring than life."

This book was written by Oscar Wilde's mother, Lady Wilde. Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854. His novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891), and social comedies Lady Windermere's Fan (1892), A Woman of No Importance (1893), An Ideal Husband (1895), and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895), established his reputation.

Get Your Copy of Irish Cures, Mystic Charms & Superstitions by Lady Wilde at Amazon Now!

[Lisa James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. Being of partly Irish descent, this resonated with me, & I found it easy to tap into these energies.

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the cover and the illustrations but the 'cures' were so ridiculous.

[Kathleen O'Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Wilde, Oscar Wilde's mother, recorded these distinctly Irish Folk Tales before the changing social landscape could sweep them away.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found it at the used book store on St. Patrick's Day so I knew I had to get it. It was interesting to learn about some of the quirky things the Irish do. Explains my natural quirkiness.

[Noah Czerny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really cool!
Just not what I was looking for. It was Irish, but not really Celtic-Irish. Too much Christian influence, but still really cool. Good insight.

[Chronicler of Creepy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not impressed honestly. The very first section proclaims that (paraphrasing), "Although language changes with time and with different groups coming into power, traditions are so seeped into daily life that they are unaffected." Then the book is filled with Christianized versions of their superstitions which is ironic and laughable.

Fine if you were looking for that era I guess.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ancient cures, superstitions, and proverbs from Ireland. I liked the introductions to the chapters which gave a bit of history. I also enjoyed the proverbs which are so true. The cures would kill you. I'm glad we have modern medicine. I did find the rest boring. I fell asleep reading it.

[Colleen Mertens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book collects folklore and tales from Ireland and puts them with herbal information. I think this could be a reference for someone wanting to write fantasy tales with the odd bits of information presented here.

[Ayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some scary peasant medicine, I liked the quotes myself

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great illustrations! Written over 100 years ago this book has some very unusual cures, harm and superstitions.

[Cordell Spears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t ever mess with the Faerie.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Educational

[C. (Comment, never msg). · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Irish Cures, Mystic Charms & Superstitions” was a peculiar, fortunate find. It is astutely explained: mythology is a more accurate guide to our roots than language because ancient idioms are easily lost. New vocabulary emerges, once strongly-held grammatical principles shirked, correctness of speech wanes. Communication follows a dominant nation or dilutes into both. This is why mysticism opens the best window into how our predecessors lived. With religious faith and belief that spirits are around us: respect for the forces of nature guided daily life.

Remnants survive but the unseen were scoffed at so much in the last 100 years, collecting these folkloric foundations was more valuable than anyone could imagine. If factual history angles so precariously, what of records about spiritual faith? I admit I exclaimed at a great deal of the ideas among these pages: “You have to be kidding”! Some are silly, several are shocking, others grossly macabre and likely illegal. Too many disposed of the lives of animals. The Irish belief in fairies was the most prominent news to me and it’s complicated. They feared them and laid charms against their anger or harm, even though they were said to be beneath humans and not meant to exist indefinitely. At once, fairies are revered and it is considered fortunate to be in their good stead; to appease them hastily if offence were risked.

The seriousness bestowed on luck is also astonishing. Trivial symbols, meanings, and warnings forewarned death everywhere. I don’t know if it was hopefulness or sharp pessimism that placed attention on it but it must have been tiresome. Superstitions about good luck seemed fewer; tougher for women than men. Of notable interest is the original folklorist author of this timeless collection. Jane Francesca Wilde is the Mother of the famous 1890s playwright, Oscar Wilde.

[Kendal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me want to touch an ass in Xmass. It's lucky, if you do it right.

[Donnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting reference material