2007-01-04 01:45:43 · 4 answers · asked by ebrandt75 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
The idea was that you don't want to appear *too* happy because you jinx yourself. So if you're so happy that you sing before breakfast, you catch the attention of some kind of jealous spirits who will make sure that things change, and you will cry before dinner. It's all about being low-key about being happy (which is considered more polite in many cultures).
2007-01-04 19:41:28 · answer #1 · answered by Vaughn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means if you sing before you eat breakfast, you will cry before you eat dinner. It's not that hard.
It's an old wive's tale. The origin is lost.
2007-01-04 01:53:47 · answer #2 · answered by janicajayne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
never heard of this one!
only know of - Breakfast like a King - Lunch like a Prince and Dine like a Pauper - but don't know the origin of this one either!
but seems like a link between them!
2007-01-04 01:49:47 · answer #3 · answered by snowymountains123 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My mother used to say that too, and we're Swedish. I believe she got it from her mother. She scared my sister, so she didn't dare sing in school in the morning.
2007-01-04 03:31:42 · answer #4 · answered by furienna 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋