The quote from Jeanette Winterson's "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit" reflects a belief in superstition regarding hair clippings. It suggests that if a mouse were to collect these clippings for its nest, the person whose hair was used would suffer a headache. This fear hints at an irrational connection between personal belongings and health, demonstrating how folklore can influence people's minds.

Moreover, the notion that a sufficiently large nest could lead to madness emphasizes the weight of such beliefs. It showcases the distrust in nature and the unseen forces that people attribute to their well-being. This theme connects to broader ideas about how personal identity and psychological states can be impacted by seemingly absurd beliefs that exist in society.