Looking back after a funeral
Among the Polish superstitions concerning death, there are also those related to the funeral ceremony itself. One of the beliefs says that people returning from the cemetery after a funeral could not look back. In Mazovia, it was believed that such a look back could cause someone to die.
Howling dog
In some regions of Poland, it was believed that a dog’s howl could be a sign of the imminent departure of one of the household members, especially if the animal lowers its head during three evenings or nights. – A dog on a chain, when it howls at night, the death of one will clean the house, or it means war – noted Łukasz Gołębiowski in the 19th century.
birds
Among the Slavic and Celtic beliefs, in turn, you can find information about superstitions that said that birds flying near dying people take their souls with them. Hence one of the beliefs that an owl sitting near a given house calls the soul of one of the household members to leave this world. In addition, it was believed that the sounds of ravens, crows and jackdaws herald both the departure of people and cattle plague. The villagers, however, had their own ways to ward off the evil spell. To this end, they reportedly prayed and spit over their shoulder.
A picture and a shadow falling from the wall
Another sign of imminent death was a painting falling from the wall for no apparent reason, especially if it happened on the day of someone’s death or funeral. Yet another sign that people feared was their dim shadow. There was such a custom that during Christmas Eve people watched their shadows falling on the wall. Only household members seeing a clear outline could be calm.
A dream about teeth
Concerns, especially in the areas of Wielkopolska and Lesser Poland, were aroused by dreams in which teeth appeared. Years ago, people believed that a dream about teeth falling out could mean the imminent death of a person or someone close to them.
Source: interestinghistorical.pl
It should be remembered that such superstitions are only folk beliefs that should be approached with distance and a pinch of salt.
Source: Gazeta
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