Burning Cheeks

By Crusader1307

 This ''Custom'' appears all over many Medieval Texts, found in many Countries. It was thought in the 13th Century onward, that if a Woman had “Burning Cheeks” (or felt warm and had an obvious rash), she was under a Spell or Hex. It was also associated with the belief that SOMEONE was “talking” about You! A common “antidote” (say)was said to counteract such “gossiping” -

“Right Cheek, Left Cheek – why do you burn? Cursed be She that Doth me harm!
If she be a Maid, let her Staid, if she a Widow – let her mourn long!
But if it be my own true love, Burn Cheek Burn!”

In The New World, another “counteracting” activity was to bite the corner of one's Apron with your teeth!. This was said to “stop” gossipy “Backbiters” (or people talking about you behind your back!)