Pinch punch first day of the month

Biblioklept

Did anyone else do this when they were young? Where did it even come from? I've fond memories but as a teenager it got to where it was many versus long and I think just an excuse to hit each other 

Alex_Alumni

I'm not sure where it comes from myself, but I've also heard the replies:

• "A punch on the low for being so slow"
• "a flick and a kick for being so quick"
• "a punch in the eye for being so sly"

But again, no idea really what it means, or where it came from   

chiarieds

I hadn't heard this saying. Apparently, 'This phrase is thought to date back to when people believed in the existence of witches. The 'pinch' part refers to the pinching of the salt - as this kitchen ingredient was believed to weaken the witches when thrown at them. The 'punch' part was to banish the witch once and for all.'  https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wellbeing/news/a1296/pinch-punch-white-rabbits-first-day-month/

My parents used to always say 'White rabbits & hares,' but it seems you should more correctly say, 'Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit' or 'white rabbit.' Rabbits were thought of as being lucky. My parents may have added the hares!

Biblioklept

You're so sweet looking that up, thank you. I didn't know it was linked to people believing in witches, that's pretty awesome.

Tori_Scope

We always used to do this too @Biblioklept, and I'd totally forgotten about the 'a punch in the eye for being so sly' one @Alex_Scope!

I had no idea of the history of it either Thanks @chiarieds.

Lisatho11987777

We used to say white rabbit