Guernsey French/Dictionaries/Folklore

These are specific words and phrases related to the stories and folklore of the island.


 * Amouareuse : a floating tea leaf which indicated the drinker would soon have a fiancée
 * Baté : a piece of coal that leaps out of the fire, an indicator of good luck
 * Cossard : serrated wrack. The pods were gathered in late May/early June, slit and the resulting juice mixed and bottle with rum. This was believed to relieve rheumatism when rubbed on affected areas.
 * Gênet : Butchers Broom. A piece of Butchers Broom carried on the person would prevent witches casting spells on them.
 * Le Petite St. Michel : the period between 7th-10th October. If an easterly wind predominated at this time, it was believed the wind will come from the same direction for three quarters of the year.
 * Mourants l'âne des : an "apparition" seen in St Andrews