1. [As a child in Nottinghamshire in the 1920s] to catch a falling leaf was very lucky [Oban, Argyllshire, October 1990].

2. [In my schooldays about 60 years ago, it was believed that] if a falling leaf lands on your clothes you should not throw it away but keep it carefully in your satchel and it will bring you good luck [Great Bookham, Surrey, November 1979].

Image: fallen leaves of beech, Fagus sylvatica, and Norway maple, Acer platanoides, Welford Road Cemetery, Leicester; November 2014.