The adder is only native poisonous snake in Britain. It was feared as an omen of misfortune and it was believed that if an adder was found on the doorstep, death was imminent.
The only way to counteract the bad luck of an adder was to kill it. In fact, it was felt that good fortune would come to those who killed the first adder spotted in spring.
Ash wood was used as a counter charm to the evil notions surrounding the adder. Country folk would carry ash twigs to protect them from the adders misfortune. For this same reason, people would make staffs or walking sticks from the ash tree.
Even though adders had a bad reputation, their skin was used in folk remedies. For example, a bit of the adder skin, when kept inside one’s hat, was believed to prevent headaches.
Adder skin would also be bound to any limb suffering from the effect of rheumatism. This folk charm was considered a cure for the aches and stiffness of old age.
Furthermore, the adder skin would also be hung inside the chimney to bring good fortune to the household. As a charm against fire, the skin would be hung from the rafters.
Sources:
1. A Companion to the Folklore, Myths and Customs of Britain. Marc Alexander.
2. A Dictionary of Omens and Superstitions. Philippa Waring.
