If you eat before bed, youll have bad dreams. Instead, this is pretty much just a list of omens, signs, and superstitions (three different lists) and a little background. Whew. Youll encounter danger. })(); 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. According to both Appalachian folk tales and Cherokee legend, a group of pale-skinned humanoids called the Moon-Eyed People might be hiding somewhere in the Appalachian range. Your email address will not be published. Ive done a fair amount of writing on weather folklore over the years, and I know of three or four books on the subject. If you find yourself under one, dont turn around back up. My mother still turns them upside down when she sees one- they just dont stand well that way. Some legend tells about a brutal battle between the Cherokee and Catawba warriors on Brown Mountain which left several warriors dead. Our garden area at home, Very interesting, Id never heard a few of these. The Flatwoods Monster Of West Virginia. The factory made cowboy boots. chickens on the X. I was hoping for a more indepth look at the why and more about the reasoning behind the beliefs. Ive heard some of these from family. You can also celebrate the Appalachian myth at the annualMothman Festival, which typically happens on the third weekend in September. Ed Ammons had me cracking up when he said balding is a blessing, we need a cure for hairy Avoid walking atop graves as a sign of respect. Legend tells of a brutal battle betweenCherokee and Catawba warriorson Brown Mountain,which left many dead on the battlefield. Fascinating. A UFO writer, Gray Barker described the Flatwoods Monster as 10 feet tall, with a round blood-red face, a large pointed hood-like shape around the face, eye-like shapes which emitted greenish-orange light and a dark black or green body. Are you aware of any superstitions about hanging a ladder back chair on the wall outside the front door? for me to turn my shoe sole side- The Stsailes people usually tell stories about Bigfoot that is a shape-shifting creature that protects the forest. I never heard of a frog in a grave, here where i live in north central Pennsylvania, If the right, good things are being said. They were warned as the monsters would come and carry them off to be killed. Hold your feet up when youre crossing a railroad track, or youll lose your boyfriend. Dime: the visitor served alongside the veteran. 'Appalachian Folklore: Omens, Signs and Superstitions' explores the historical and cultural evolution of the pioneers who first ventured into the Appalachian Mountains. For the most part, these beliefs are universally Appalachian. 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. A large number of the included things were more general superstitions than specific to the Appalachians. hands were tough as shoeleather. If a black cat crosses your path youll have bad luck. Wampus Cat. Appalachian Folklore and Superstitions In the next few weeks on Zoo Fam Podcast, we will be discussing Appalachian Folklore, superstitions, and expressions that are only heard here in the mountains. Many lives were lost. Visitors should always depart by the same door they entered to prevent bad luck to themselves and their hosts. Ive actually heard people say they came in one door and must go out by the same door. Appalachian superstitions surrounding Christmas also came from Scotland and Wales As in all cultures which celebrate Christmas, many superstitions and myths surround the holiday, most of them based on the pagan celebrations of the winter solstice which predated the Christian holiday. After reviewing the instrument's special musical features, the book describes some related instruments, and reveals . I dont know if these will help, but they may provide a catalyst for you. So the X is mild Superstition. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Designed using Nevark Premium. And why would I value folklore and disbelieve superstition? Appalachian History Death, witches and superstitions Posted by Dave Tabler Estimated reading time: 4 minutes KY Death comes in threes in a congregation. Stretching from Alabama andNorth Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian mountain range was formed millions of years ago before being settled by Native Americans and, later, Scots-Irish, English, German, and Polish immigrants. In one of her books, "Appalachian Folklore Omens, Signs and Superstitions," Richmond defines superstition as a seemingly "irrational belief, arising from ignorance or fear, that is held by a number of people but is without foundation." Superstitions are thought to influence coming events, despite any demonstrable correlation. 6. The hauntings began sometime between 1817 and 1821, when the Bell Witch would show up disguised as an animal, such as a dog or bird. The legend holds that a Cherokeefemale was cursed by tribal elders for witnessing a sacred pre-hunt ceremony. I enjoyed the post regardless of whether I believe them or not. Similar reports came in over the next few days, and the sensational story was soon picked up by the local newspaper. Tipper Thanks! When it was time for me to leave, I rose to exit out the front door. Not so much Appalachian focused; general superstitions, etc. But his written account stated that he saw the lights at a consistent time every night, leading many people to believe he was actually seeing train lights in the distance. It was invented by white people to justify their own beliefs in the lights that were seen from the Mountains. If the wedding ring is dropped during the ceremony, who ever dropped it will be the first one to die. I hope you'll join me as I do my best to celebrate and preserve Appalachia. Tipper, This years festival will be held on May 13 & 14, 2022. Skilled makers are invited to come for a week and volunteer their time to help with projects around campus and make improvements in the studio. If you plant a coniferous tree (pine, cedar, etc. My sister Miki has a goiter!! Fort Mountain, a Georgia State Park near Ellijay GA, contains the ruins of an 850-foot-long stone wall that is said to have been constructed by the mysterious tribe. Slander by George Wooliscroft Rhead - Old Book Illustrations Few wanted a spoon to fall. One is to look up the chimney in the house where the homesick person is visiting or residing. Never give someone a set of knives as a gift. Some versions state that these are threatening creatures which were nocturnal and children were warned against saying the names. Some weather lore holds that the number of heavy fogs on August mornings determines the numbers of snows that will fall in the same area in the winter. by Tammy J Poore. Your email address will not be published. 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. Thanks for sharing. Break a mirror seven years bad luck. All images and content are subject to copyright and are the sole property of Blind Pig & The Acorn. When the moon is full hold a silver coin up to it and ask it to bring you money!!!! If your arthritis acts up, itll soon rain. Death always happens in threes. Back in the days when witchcraft was more common, and some were suspected of being witches, there was a sure sign of whether the deceased was really a witch or not. Ive heard if you drop a dish towel in the kitchen it means somebody is coming. Another one has two meanings Dont leave the house during a full moon. I reached for the doorknob, then hesitated full stop and motionless. Never take an old broom to a new house. **Just as a disclaimer, these notions are not advice medical or otherwise. Dont walk under a ladder. Hello Gary. Mason County Sheriff George Johnson believed it to be a large bird, because the stories fit the description of a Sandhill Crane, which has a red forehead and wingspans recorded up to 7 feet, 7 inches. 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. I love learning about folklore and superstitions of the Appalachian Mountains. B.Ruth-Thairs them P words agin. Another is to sprinkle salt between the sheet and the mattress on the bed he/she is sleeping. To release this curse, pinch a little and throw it over your left shoulder. I wish I still had his list. It didnt happen here in Kentucky! My family was really big on the death superstitions. The Appalachian culture is widely known for its superstitions, myths, legends and folklore. If a prisoner survives an execution (hanging, electrocution, etc. Old energy and dirt will follow. Animals with heavy fur growth in autumn indicates a bad winter. The boys rushed home where they told their story and got accompanied by other local children to the farm to locate whatever had been spotted. Letting an infant see themselves in a mirror before 1st birthday is bad luck However, the killing of livestock attributed to the wampus cat might have been due to early intrusions of coyotes or jaguarundi. g) Dont do any canning or gardening during your period. His father was was killed in WWII and I believe the veil is also referred to as a caul. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Appalachia Bare Short Story Contest! This one you may have heard before. If you have a clock on the wall or mantle that hasn't worked for a long time and it suddenly starts ticking, consider that a warning of impending death in the community. the scarcity of Pawpaw trees was thought to be a sign of the end of the world. Shes known for standing on her hind legs and using her supernatural powers to drive her victims to insanity. I washed my hands all the way up to my arms for the standard twenty seconds, and then some, just because. He assured me he was serious about the presentation. Maybe the dog senses something humans do not. As a general collection of folklore, it's not bad, but it lacks the specificity promised by the title. As a native Appalachian, I enjoyed this book. Dont cut your nails or hair on Sunday. A group of lights is the little children dancing and playing. Eva Nell For all you bald persons out there, have you tried this folklore remedy? 17 Apr. Tell no one and itll come true. He just smiled and said, Its just a superstition. A book by Benjamin Smith Barton of 1797 explained that they were called moon-eyed because they could not see properly during the day. I have heard most of these superstitions, but then were heavily scots-irish and german around here too! The Bell Witch Haunting started when John Bell witnessed the apparition of a strange creature resembling a dog. It brings out whatever capacity for superstition and credulity a people come . of my folks when I was a kid. If you spill salt, throw a pinch over your left shoulder so you wont have bad luck. Other than the folklore of the Appalachian Mountain, there are more shocking superstitions that have been passed down by several generations. If you find yourself under one, dont turn around back up. I had high hopes for this but was underwhelmed. If you hear a screech owl at dusk someone will soon die Now I can really be afraid of everything. If a witch, a frog would most certainly hop into the grave while it was being filled. Never tell a dream before breakfast or it will come true. For example, if wooly worms or extra fuzzy, or if the black stripe is thicker than usual, it will be a colder winter than normal. Please lord no goitered for me please!!!! A chicken laying an uneven number of eggs is an omen of danger. However, moon-eyed people could see various phases of the moon thus getting this name. Or use cages? Hang a mirror by the door to protect against evil. Its bad luck because it was believed pigs cant swim. Folklore & Superstitions in Appalachia | Blind Pig and The Acorn Appalachia, Folklore Folklore & Superstitions in Appalachia January 15, 2021 In my latest video I discuss folklore and superstitions. Cold hands, warm heart; hot hands, cold heart. Never take a garden tool in the house, bad luck. 2nd Why take chances? And, if I am honest, I try to ALWAYS be sure and do this one! Hang a horseshoe upside down to keep good luck from running out. READ MORE: The 10 Best Haunted Houses inNorth Carolina. You've got to finish before the cat reaches the other side of the road. } The Flatwoods Monster was first spotted on September 12, 1952, when a group of boys playing football in a field near the town saw a bright object streak across the sky and crash land on a nearby hill. There are two cures for it. If a bad storm is coming, put a 2-edged axe into a stump facing the storm to ensure the storm goes around you. It includes hundreds of whimiscal superstitions as well as folk cures, charms, and chants practiced by the early settlers of Appalachia. When A cat will take away a babys breath and kill the infant. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Id entered through the backdoor, where my grandmothers beautiful country wreath hung. Granny believes in the one about going out the same door you come in-and she follows it strictly! Bad luck to go out a different door than you come in.. If your left palm itches, youll receive money. Calling out the name of a deceased person while dreaming is an omen of a death. Blowing smoke in the ear cures an earache. Just to add a one superstition if you ever hear a rooster crow at midnight there will be a death in the family and this one i really do believe. If you see a black cat crossing the road in front of you, draw an X in the air three times to void the bad luck. Like always, I entered with the groceries through the back door. Between the 1920s and 1930s, newspapers reported that the Wampus cat killed livestock from North Carolina to Georgia. This system was passed down orally through the years and practiced as a way of keeping the folklore alive. And while some stories have proliferated in the region, taking place wherever the tale happens to be told, others are . Have you ever heard the saying. I often fell asleep trying to get that. Dont cut your babys hair before their first birthday. If a woman peels an apple in one piece, then tosses the peeling behind her, the letter shape it takes is the initial of her future husband. If you have a candle that is hard to light, it is a sign that rain is on the way. As I recall, this went on for 30-40 years (until the man retired). Part 4: Legends, Animal Tales, and Superstitions. Stop a clock in a room when a person dies. (Irish). Appalachian culture is full of its own myths, legends, and ghost stories, many of which were made famous by TV shows such as The X-Files and Mountain Monsters. In and out by the same door is the only one I follow. 1970 (F217.A65.W48) Glimpses of Southern Appalachian folk culture: papers in memory of Norbert F. Riedl. If a rabbit crosses your path before sunrise, unhappiness will cloud your day. I was about 10, one Sunday our The first visitor on New Years Day to a home will determine whether the firstborn on that homestead for the year, person or animal, will be male or female, according to the sex of the visitor. Its bad luck. Tell no one and itll come true. The blood from a murder or suicide in a home wont wash away and you cant paint over it. We need a remedy for hairy. A few weeks ago, I came home after a hasty, masked, social-distancing trip to the grocery store. Instead, the name came from the Goldsboro News-Argusnewspaper in North Carolina. If clouds are low and fog lingers, rain will come. Here are a couple that have stayed with me. The bird might have wandered from its migration route and been unrecognized in the area, people brought up the legend. Wonder what that means? If you drop a knife, a man is coming to visit. j) Dont let anyone sweep under your feet. If you dream the same dream three times, it will come true. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { My father used to mark heavy fogs in August on the calendar, expecting a hard winter or not, according to the fogs enumerated. . I wonder, has anyone seen this happen? 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. they had to call the PA But, Baldness is a blessing. I hope this helps! Pennsylvania Dutch) Soon rain a murder or suicide in a home wont wash away and you cant paint over it you... 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Advice medical or otherwise the end of the end of the end of the world behind. The road. and 1930s, newspapers reported that the Wampus cat killed livestock from North to... Catawba warriors on Brown Mountain, which typically happens on the third weekend in September I came home a! You eat before bed, youll have bad luck annualMothman Festival, which happens... The included things were more general superstitions than specific to the Appalachians pinch a little and it... You can also celebrate the Appalachian Mountain, there are more shocking superstitions that have stayed with.. Celebrate the Appalachian culture is widely known for appalachian folklore and superstitions superstitions, etc the doorknob, then hesitated full and! Lord no goitered for me to leave, I enjoyed the post regardless of I... A large number of the world and appalachian folklore and superstitions would I value folklore and superstitions look at the why and about! Norbert F. Riedl coming, put a 2-edged axe into a stump facing the storm goes you! The book describes some related instruments, and reveals twenty seconds, then. Her victims to insanity enjoyed this book down when she sees one- they just dont stand well way... Recall, this years Festival will be the first one to die ago, entered... Blood from a murder or suicide in a room when a person dies the folklore of the Mountains..., masked, social-distancing trip to the Appalachians away and you cant paint over it would most hop. Way of keeping the folklore of the Appalachian culture is widely known for its,! Most part, these beliefs are universally Appalachian was killed in WWII I! To themselves and their hosts drop a knife, a man is coming to visit away a babys and! Years ( until the man retired ) its just a superstition the sole property of Blind Pig & the.! Its migration route and been unrecognized in the house where the homesick person is or... Of everything when a cat will take away a babys breath and kill the infant cloud day. Heart ; hot hands, warm heart ; hot hands, warm heart ; hands. To insanity and kill the infant when the moon is full hold a silver coin up to my arms the! Try to always be sure and do this one visiting or residing for its superstitions, it... Anyone sweep under your feet up when youre crossing a railroad track or! Shoulder so you wont have bad luck to go out a different door you. Of folklore, it 's not bad, but they may provide a catalyst for you, just. Images and content are subject to copyright and are the sole property of Pig.