The Stob

La Cheville -The Peg (Stob) was considered to be one of the tools of Norman (Norman- Northern French Shepherds).  Les Bergers (Shepherds) were viewed as magicians, apparently based on folklore.  Different wood stakes carried certain natural potencies and were said to be used by some Bergers (Jesus was a figurative Shepherd and carpenter). 

If it rains before and during a funeral, the deceased has ascended to heaven.  (Anglo-Irish American belief).  If it is sunny during a funeral, the deceased has ascended to heaven. (African-American belief).  I point out that both are Folk-Christianity, as the Bible speaks of 'sleep' before the Resurrection.  I surmise, the opposite African-American belief has it's roots in antinomian ("outlaw", being correct in my opinion) beliefs formed during slavery.  Opposition has it's power.