appalachian folklore and superstitions

But, Baldness is a blessing. If you sleep on your left side (near the heart), youll have nightmares. A contactor known as Newell told the Sheriff that he aimed a flashlight on the creature in a nearby field which had big eyes that glowed like bicycle reflectors. { When I was a kid, Mrs. Lane in Crab Orchard, TN was a noted weather predictor and she used the number of August fogs along with other signs like how high above the ground hornets built their nests to predict winter severity. If you drop a dish rag, youll have company. Well Instead, the name came from the Goldsboro News-Argusnewspaper in North Carolina. And, if I am honest, I try to ALWAYS be sure and do this one! Angie-thank you for the comment! I have never heard that wearing wool socks would cure a sore throat but can certainly understand how this would work Folklore and Superstitions in Appalachia Celebrating Appalachia 213K subscribers 194K views 2 years ago #Appalachia #Folklore #Superstitions I'm sharing folklore and superstitions in this. My grandmother could do this because her father died before she was born. . If a prisoner survives an execution (hanging, electrocution, etc. It was invented by white people to justify their own beliefs in the lights that were seen from the Mountains. listeners: [], Today you can celebrate this mythical Appalachian monster at the Bigfoot Festival in Marion NC. While reported sightings of the colorful lights are known for their inconsistency, the lights are typically seen at night, especially after a rainfall. (. Have you ever stopped yourself before walking under a ladder? Tell no one and itll come true. get my head peeled, and daddys 671K views 2 years ago "Signs, Cures, & Witchery" provides a fascinating glimpse of some little-known Appalachian beliefs and practices among descendants of early German pioneers. Unlike other Appalachian monsters, the Moon-Eyed People were considered to be a distinctively separate race of people, rather than supernatural beings. Run a chicken over your baby to keep if from getting chicken pox. $7.95 $ 7. While they may not be as widely practiced today, these myths and mountain folklore were passed down by countless generations. This years festival falls on September 17 and 18, 2022. Dime: the visitor served alongside the veteran. So, its called the Judas Tree.. Some stories claim that she promised to return to haunt John Bells direct descendants in 1935, but there were no reports by Nashville physician Dr. Charles Bailey Bell. Should I bring her to a morgue As I recall, this went on for 30-40 years (until the man retired). READ MORE:30 Fascinating Blue Ridge Mountains Facts, READ MORE: The 15 Best Fall Festivals in Georgia. Festivals, Folk. 1970 (F217.A65.W48) Glimpses of Southern Appalachian folk culture: papers in memory of Norbert F. Riedl. Some believe the moon-eyed people built the fortifications on this mountain., Artists impression of the Mothman. callback: cb Or use cages? If cows are laying down, or leaves are upside down, its going to rain. An account is needed for most books on the Internet Archive. Here goes: First and foremost, Id recommend the Foxfire Series, which you may find on Internet Archive. If squirrels gather nuts early, expect a bad winter. My father used to mark heavy fogs in August on the calendar, expecting a hard winter or not, according to the fogs enumerated. Pink sky at nite sailor delight. I wanted to cuss, but that would there was a grave dug the day before. If your second toe is longer than your big toe, you will rule your partner. Today, exhibits on the Moon-Eyed People can be found at the Cherokee County Historical Museum in Murphy. The southern Appalachian Mountains might be in the South, but they don't hit the same as the rest of the failed confederacy typically associated with the southern United States. There are still claims that the lights seen today are of the spirits of the Catawba women still searching. Most have passed on from either working in the coal mines and the risks that entails, poor health and hard living. I have heard the one about being sure to depart through the same door that you arrived through my whole life. General information on superstitions. If the right, good things are being said. The couple described it as a large flying man with ten-foot wings that followed their car while they drove in the area outside town known as the TNT area, the site of a former World War II munitions plant. Given that, this list might call some to your mind. Recorded accounts of Brown Mountain Light sightings happened throughout the 20th century, especially as the Linville area gained access to electricity. And it's always gotta be the . It will fall off. Appalachian Omens, Charms, & Spells Protection Charms, Spells, Curses & more from the mountains of Appalachia. Ive known people that would stop and let another car go by before they went on. This is true West Virginia folklore at its finest. But the legend of Bigfoot a common figure in mountain folklore began in 1958 in Humboldt County, California. This years festival will be held on May 13 & 14, 2022. For instance, when we were growing up, according to our maternal Grandmother if a piece of silverware was dropped on the floor, it meant a visitor was coming; for a knife dropped, it was a man, for a fork dropped, it was a woman, for a spoon dropped, it was a baby. The Wampus Cat (a.k.a. Fruitcake was also considered good luck in old Appalachian tradition. Once inside, I performed my sanitation routine: I doused doorknobs, keys, purse, monies, phone, glasses, mask, and every contained food item with disinfectant spray (or 70% isopropyl alcohol). })(); There are tons of things I could tell you about myself, but all you really need to know is I'm crazy in love with my home in Appalachia-the people, the food, the music, the colorful language, the sustainable lifestyle, the history, the soaring mountains, and the deep dark hollers. all the stuff I had on my pantsleg More Im sure. There was also a co-worker who did the black cat thing turn around and go a different route. During one of these phases, the Creek people annihilated the race. Thanks! Rumors quickly spread through the company, where the name Bigfoot soon caught like wildfire. Dont rock a rocking chair without someone in it, bad luck. As the diversely ethnic settlers came into the Appalachian region, a detailed system of folklore was developed by combining signs, superstitions, omens, music, stories and beliefs. Photo by Tim Bertelink on Wikimedia. Thank you for sharing them! Ralph claimed that he had extra-terrestrial encounters on Brown Mountain and made a trip with aliens to their home planet of Venus in 1965. event : evt, I do believe in superstitions and some of these I had not heard of before. To cure a headache, apply brown paper soaked in vinegar to the head. Ghost Tales & Superstitions of Southern Appalachian Mountains. READ MORE: The 10 Best Haunted Houses inNorth Carolina. Eating a piece of "fruitcake" was supposed to bring you luck all . May described the figure to have small, claw-like hands, clothing-like folds and a head that resembled the ace of spades. If a picture in a frame suddenly falls and breaks, it is a sign of death. Dont cut your babys hair before their first birthday. That person will blow breath in the childs face three times for three days and the thrush will disappear. Milk or food stolen from a neighbor and fed to a child will cure whooping cough. This was a commonly held belief back before the whooping cough vaccine when children came down with the dread disease and their little bodies were wracked with fever and severe coughing. I reached for the doorknob, then hesitated full stop and motionless. After all that, I sought a little calmness. If your right palm itches, youll lose money. If you spill salt, throw a pinch over your left shoulder so you wont have bad luck. } Photo by BRad06 on Wikimedia. We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about theLeave No Traceprinciples ofresponsible environmental stewardship. Powered by WordPress. If a pregnant woman carries low, the babys a girl (or vice versa, depending on whos saying it). If a baby is born with a veil, he or she will have the gift of prophecy. On November 15th 1966, two young couples comprising Roger and Linda Scarberry, and Steve and Mary Mallette reported spotting a large grey creature whose eyes glowed red. I met him a few times when I was younger. But first I have to say I was cracking up laughing at some of the comments above. Dont leave the house during a full moon. Very gruesome This is a sure cure for the malady. These stories varied in their details both regionally and between families living in the same community. According to legend, Jackson and his party set up their tents outside of the Bell home. As a general collection of folklore, it's not bad, but it lacks the specificity promised by the title. Another ghost story about the lights includes one about a Revolutionary War soldier linked to the Civil War ghosts. Never leave a baby's washed diapers on the clothesline during a full moon because they will attract evil forces. A dog howling three nights in a row means death is near. I questioned him as to whether he was serious or not. As a native Appalachian, I enjoyed this book. Thanks Tipper and Ethelene, interesting suppositions here. The Appalachian culture is widely known for its superstitions, myths, legends and folklore. I really enjoyed this post. Tipper If you were born in the good old mountains and hollers of Appalachia, you have been taught more than a few superstitions or old wives tales. chickens on the X. I love this post! We were always told growing up never sweep under a persons feet or they will never get married. To cure thrush, take a child to a person whos never seen his/her father. A local Meteorologist had us all counting the number of fogs last August. When it was time for me to leave, I rose to exit out the front door. Its bad luck to see the bride before the wedding (on the wedding day). )to give forecasts. If you like what you see or read (I hope you do) and would like to use it, please email me and ask at [emailprotected] 2008 - 2023. Top 10 Things to do Around the Eiffel Tower, 10 Things to Do in Paris on Christmas Day (2022), 10 Things to Do in Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. Death will soon come. Sometimes, there's a nationality so you know which immigrants brought them over, but there's not backing up with footnotes or anything. This system was passed down orally through the years and practiced as a way of keeping the folklore alive. Many lives were lost. Do it fast, though! Artists impression of the Flatwoods monster. What Is Appalachian Granny Witchcraft? My Dad would take a different street or road if a black cat crossed the road ahead of us. had fallen in the hole overnight. The Bell Witch There are several tales about the Brown Mountain lights which were told by several people from the Appalachian region. http://www.jimcasadaoutdoors.com. If you have a candle that is hard to light, it is a sign that rain is on the way. The writings of the author are mere opinions (from information that she has gathered from who knows where?). Photo by Tim Bertelink on Wikimedia. Cold hands, warm heart; hot hands, cold heart. P.s. Never been much on superstitions but have some interest in folk lore. Feel free to share in the comments section below or you can send me a message on the, *This post was originally published here on Appalachian Mountain Roots on 9/20/16.*. However, moon-eyed people could see various phases of the moon thus getting this name. Killing a cricket (especially in the house) is bad luck. Now Id call it bad luck if you didnt know about it and maybe if you did. If it sticks, the wish will come true. So are the Moon-Eyed People another Appalachian Mountain scary story, or just early European settlers who never received their due credit? B.Ruth-Thairs them P words agin. Never take an old broom to a new house. Avoid these bad luck signs, if you can: If a black cat crosses the road while you are traveling, it is a harbinger of bad luck. http://www.blindpigandtheacorn.com. Its bad luck to put a hat on the bed. Pink sky in the morning sailor take warning. It gives you good luck. If you shudder for no reason, someones walking on your grave. Brown eggs are better and more nutritious than white eggs. Make a wish on a shooting star. If it is the left ear, you're being gossiped about. Tipper and Ethelene The story of the Mothman began on November 15, 1966. Birds hitting a window is bad luck. Some Common Folklore and Superstitions Held Among Mountain Folk written by Ethelene Dyer Jones An old belief is that if the textbook of the troublesome subject is placed under the students pillow at night, by morning he/she will know that subject. Back when children sometimes had seizures, whether from epilepsy or other malady, there was a common belief that if a child has a fit, turn his shirt inside out and burn it. This action was thought to be a sure cure for fits. All are located off NC-105 S or NC-181 near Asheville and Boone, and offer great scenic vistas at any time of day. Though threatened by urbanization, the oral tradition of storytelling has been preserved by the tendency for southern men to gather to hunt, fish, and share their stories. If you go outside with wet hair, youll get sick. by Jake Richards and Silver RavenWolf. I grew up in the foothills of the Appalachians, and other signs or omens from the area weren't included. You might be surprised how widely held this belief is. Fascinating. There is a list of resources in the back, which is nice. Two couples Roger and Linda Scarberry, and Steve and Mary Mallette reported seeing a large flying humanoid with a 10-foot wingspan and glowing red eyes following their car. Other stories claim the moon-eyed people created the areas pre-Columbian ruins and they disappeared from the area completely without leaving any trace. wring their necks for dinner. On September 12, 1952, Edward May, Freddie May, Neil Nunley, and Tommy Hyer were playing at Flatwoods Elementary when they spotted a light shooting across the sky. If you eat before bed, youll have bad dreams. Popular Native American folklore says that a bloody battle between the Cherokee and Catawba tribes took place on the mountain. When I asked my Tennessee-based family about the most common Appalachian superstitions, I was shocked by how many we still practice today. The Cherokee legend stated that the monster is the cat-like embodiment of a female onlooker cursed by tribal elders. Get help and learn more about the design. Here are a couple that have stayed with me. A cat eating grass foretells rain. Whether this is true or not, maybe we should try it out in this dry, hot weather, and see, if after our cat chews on grass, rains come. Your email address will not be published. She spent her weekends in high school swimming at the Sinks or camping at Cades Cove. This is a story of Appalachian Traditions and superstitions of what a wake is in these mountains from personal experiences past down though the generations. It might seem obvious to readers, but the Moon-Eyed People were most likely just European settlers. Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. Please lord no goitered for me please!!!! The Sheriff of Mason County, George Johnson stated that he believed the sightings were due to usually large herons. For more information on this infamous Appalachian monster, visit the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, where you can take a selfie with the massive Mothman statue displayed prominently outside. If you plant a coniferous tree (pine, cedar, etc. To support our blog and writers we put affiliate links and advertising on our page. It was thrush in a babys mouth. Animals with heavy fur growth in autumn indicates a bad winter. The living room door, for a long time, opened to nothing. Despite being a story about Cherokee people, the Wampus Cat folktale did not originate with the Cherokee people. I have undoubtedly forgotten some. We need a remedy for hairy. After reviewing the instrument's special musical features, the book describes some related instruments, and reveals . If a child keeps sucking his/her thumb, he or she will have an overbite. In the past weve tried both routes. Strange how most are shared . Other than the folklore of the Appalachian Mountain, there are more shocking superstitions that have been passed down by several generations. Quarter: the visitor was there at the veteran's passing. . The history of Appalachia itself is the history of the granny witchcraft tradition; although the name is relatively new, the customs go back a long time. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. For all you bald persons out there, have you tried this folklore remedy? A bird in the house means there will be a death in the family Robert L Smith, a wildlife biologist told reporters that the descriptions from the sightings fit the sandhill crane. Nickel: the visitor was in boot camp with the veteran. Enjoy your posts! Never take a garden tool in the house, bad luck. Spin around in a circle three times before you walk in the front door to confuse any spirits that are following you. PS Daddy wasnt stupid. Eva Nell Water witches dowse with a divining rod (usually a limb from a tree shaped like a wishbone) and find water deep underground. I have seen that several times not in Appalachia but in the Ozarks. Make a wish on the first star you see. If a person has a goiter on the neck, he/she should go where there has been a death, take the hand of the deceased, and rub the dead hand over the goiter. Your email address will not be published. Dogs get them from eating cats! Another popular myth in Appalachian folklore, the Flatwoods Monster originated in Braxton County, West Virginia. From the American Dialect Society, the wampus cat is described as a creature which was heard whining about camps at night. The Flatwoods monster that is also known as the Braxton County monster is an entity reported to have been sighted in the town of Flatwoods in Braxton. And that aint superstition! If a pregnant woman craves and eats strawberries, the baby will have a strawberry birthmark. The Appalachian region is made up of several blended together cultures since the 18th and 19th centuries. Throwing rice at a wedding gives the couple good luck. I heard many of the documented omens and superstitions as I grew up and many I hadn't. Not so much Appalachian focused; general superstitions, etc. Appalachian culture is known for superstitions and legends like these. More of these rare sayings and superstitions of Appalachia. If a pregnant woman is scared by something, the baby will have a birthmark shaped by what scared her. The Stsailes people usually tell stories about Bigfoot that is a shape-shifting creature that protects the forest. Your email address will not be published. ), he/she is innocent. Another one has two meanings READ MORE: Visiting Expedition Bigfoot Museum (AKA Sasquatch Museum) in Cherry Log, GA. Found in the Blue Ridge Mountains ofNorth Carolina, the Brown Mountain Lights are a true Appalachian mountain mystery. Your team will incur many losses. These lights are purported to be ghost lights near Brown Mountain in North Carolina around the Appalachian Mountain area. Blind Pig The Acorn Ill call an endocrinologist. Dont rock an empty rocking chair. Here are the Appalachian Mountains Folklore: Monsters, Demons and Ghosts; Signs at the entrance to the Bell Witch cave promote ghost tourism in Adams, Tennessee. The figure made terrifying hissing sounds and glided towards them which made Lemon drop his flashlight making the group run for safety. In a matter of seconds, I recalled the time I was a teenager visiting my grandparents. Id recommend master the homework. If youre walking with someone you have to go on the same side of a post or obstacle, or it will break your friendship. ); It reminded me of many superstitions I hadnt heard in years. If the wedding ring is dropped during the ceremony, who ever dropped it will be the first one to die. Ethelene: You sure enlightened me with some new beliefs from our past. I hope you enjoyed Ethelenes post as much as I did! Give the first pinch of a freshly baked loaf of bread to the Good Men to keep them happy. READ MORE:The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit. The Sasquatch was a hairy creature, known for bellowing, stealing livestock, and shaking trees. A red bird outside your window three days in a row, death. Coins on a veteran's headstone (not so much a superstition but a message of respect): Penny: someone visited the grave. If a black cat crosses your path, turn and go a different way. Im more worried about people with cell phones stuck in their ear than black cats. If clouds are low and fog lingers, rain will come. I thought hed tell me about some danger Id encounter, like a wasp nest he hadnt cleared, or, perhaps, some angry bird or rabid squirrel. YOUR NOTES WERE VERY HELPFUL!!! j) Dont let anyone sweep under your feet. Appalachian Dulcimer Traditions tells the fascinating story of the effort to recover the instrument's lost history through fieldwork in the Southern mountains, finding of old instruments, and listening to the tales of old folks. Always leave a little money in an old purse before you give it away. Tipper In and out by the same door is the only one I follow. Cats get hairballs from licking their fur. Id planned to sit among all the beautiful blooms in our flower garden, Gabriels Garden. One man, claiming he had knowledge of how to deal with witches, boasted that his silver bullets were keeping the witch at bay. Dont cut your nails or hair on Sunday. 'Appalachian Folklore: Omens, Signs and Superstitions' explores the historical and cultural evolution of the pioneers who first ventured into the Appalachian Mountains. Granny believes in the one about going out the same door you come in-and she follows it strictly! If you drop a utensil (fork, spoon, knife), youll have a visitor. I've joked that it seems like pretty much everything portends death in Appalachia. Thanks for sharing. Below is a list of common mountain folklore. My family is all from West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. If a picture falls off the wall for no reason, someone will die (or the house is haunted). Blind Pig The Acorn If wooly worms are plentiful, itll be a bad winter. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Designed using Nevark Premium. These are only a few of the folklore signs, remedies and superstitions that have been passed down to us from our Scots-Irish and Pennsylvania Dutch ancestors. Calling out the name of a deceased person while dreaming is an omen of a death. 6. Lets take a look at some of them. Tipper, That action is sure to bring bad luck. Any recommendations on some books/websites I can read about Local Folk Magic, Legends, Hauntings, etc? Wampus Cat. Its bad luck because it was believed pigs cant swim. If you make fun of a sick person, youll get sick. Hold your feet up when youre crossing a railroad track, or youll lose your boyfriend. Dont walk under a ladder. always a pleasure here . Also ring around the moon means rain. the necks came off real easy but Away from home and homesick? Never give someone a set of knives as a gift. On their way to see the light, the boys stopped to tell their mother, Kathleen May, who asked National Guardsman Eugene Lemon to join them. I am so disappointed that this book ever made it to publication. Dream of a baby, someone you know will die. 'Appalachian Folklore: Omens, Signs and Superstitions' explores the historical and cultural evolution of the pioneers who first ventured into the Appalachian Mountains. When The Flatwoods Monster Of West Virginia. Several stories about the moon-eyed people attributed to Cherokee tradition are mentioned by early European settlers in America. To experience these Appalachian legends for yourself, visit the Historic Bell Witch Cave, which located in Adams TN. A dog howling at night is a portent of death. Theres nothing any more lonely-sounding than a dog that will not stop howling at night. A full moon makes people act wild and mean. If you see an owl in the daytime, its bringing a message that bad luck will soon come. Tie a horsehair around a wart. Ed Ammons had me cracking up when he said balding is a blessing, we need a cure for hairy In the evenings, the tale states that Catawba women went to search for their sons, husbands, brothers and fathers using torch lights. This system was passed down orally through the years and practiced as a way of keeping the folklore alive. That is certainly true! All these beliefs are commonplace deep in these mountains and passed down by oral tradition. 'Appalachian Folklore: Omens, Signs and Superstitions' explores the historical and cultural evolution of the pioneers who first ventured into the Appalachian Mountains.

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