Love, Luck, and Lore

Book excerpt: Most cultures and societies around the world have their own unique methods for finding love. For instance, in Genoa, Italy, a yearly celebration commemorates the generosity of Count Fieschi of Lavagna who, in 1240, threw a party with a 30-foot cake. Townsfolk remember him with a parade and a little romance: they pin to their clothing a piece of paper--blue for men, white for women--on which a specific word is written. When they find someone wearing the same word, the couple is given a piece of cake. And the rest is up to them! This charming practice and many others can be found in Love, Luck, and Lore. In this little book of love, Theresa Hoiles and Elizabeth Carr have collected celebrations and spell rhymes, fortune-telling tricks and food charms to help you snag that guy you've seen at the local coffeehouse. Try putting a two-leaf clover in your shoe as you say this rhyme:A clover of two, put it in your right shoe. The first young man you meet, In field, street, or lane, You'll have him or one of his name. Or make an apricot love sachet by placing some dried apricots and cloves in the center of a circular piece of cloth and tying it up with ribbon long enough to wear around your neck. The tantalizing aroma should draw potential lovers your way, leaving men weak in your wake. Sure, you can try a more scientific approach to dating, following rules written by someone with a Ph.D. in Interpersonal Relations from Boring U. But that's no fun! Use these carefree and whimsical approaches, quirky prayers and incantations, to appeal to higher voices and spirits and bring that love into your life!