Post by Dean Winchester on Apr 17, 2008 0:12:39 GMT -5
A Hand of Glory (or the Hangmans Right Hand) is the hand of a murderer, removed while he is on the gallows and then pickled and dried. The blood and fat the of the hanged man was then utilized to make a candle which would then be placed between the fingers of the Hand of Glory. When a thief broke into a house, he would light the candle and recite a small rhyme: "Hand of Glory shining bright, lead us to our spoils tonight!" While the candle was lit, it was believed that the inhabitants of the house would continue to sleep deeply and not be awakened by the thief. The candle could only be extinguished by using blood or skimmed milk. The Hand Of Glory also counts as remains for a spirit and would have to be salted and burned for the spirit to rest in peace.
