If you cross paths with a black cat, you will have bad luck. Various body parts itching indicate you will receive money, meet someone new, hear news, or others will gossip about you. Carrying mint is believed to prevent sickness, and deliberately killing a cat brings 17 years of misfortune. An old superstition holds that leaving a snail on flour overnight will reveal your future spouse's initial in the pattern it leaves. Finding and nailing a horseshoe to your door is considered lucky, while getting your clothes wet while washing dishes means you will marry an alcoholic.