'Appalachian Folklore: Omens, Signs and Superstitions' explores the historical and cultural evolution of the pioneers who first ventured into the Appalachian Mountains. Apr 10, 2023 4:06 PM EDT. 'Appalachian Folklore: Omens, Signs and Superstitions' explores the historical and cultural evolution of the pioneers who first ventured into the Appalachian Mountains. 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. This is true West Virginia folklore at its finest. If you put shoes on the bed, it heralds death for someone close to you. 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. 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. And that aint superstition! Of all the many aspects of this subject, the one which interests me most is the folklore of weather. Game Commission, it was a big delay. The modern folk festival was born in Appalachia. It may have been a baby ailment. Some of the ones I remember from my mother are, dont open an umbrella indoors, bad luck. I have undoubtedly forgotten some. Itll take the babys breath. Hard to remember. Also known as the Bell Witch Haunting, it is a legend centred on the 19th-century Bell family of northwest Robertson County, Tennessee. Most of these sayings Ive heard all my life, but then I grew up in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If a baby is born with a veil, he or she will have the gift of prophecy. If a pregnant woman is scared by something, the baby will have a birthmark shaped by what scared her. This is where Appalachian cultural stereotypes such as family loyalty, rebellion against authority, and passion for self-defense gave rise to the image of hillbillies as wild, reclusive mountain men. Two brothers, Edward and Fred May and their friend Tommy Hyer reported having spotted a bright object cross the sky and land on the property of a local farmer on 12th September 1952 at 7:15 p.m. Thank You, Blacksmithing Work Week Volunteers! Never take an old broom to a new house. Forever left to wander alone through the mountains, the Wampus Cat acts out in anger at being cut off from her former life. Some believe the moon-eyed people built the fortifications on this mountain., Artists impression of the Mothman. Wonderful post thanks, Ethelene! Also ring around the moon means rain. The Mothman is a humanoid creature that was reportedly seen in the Point Pleasant area from November 15th 1966 to December 15th 1967 as per the West Virginia folklore. (German), Spitting on a new baby will bring the child good luck. Granny believes in the one about going out the same door you come in-and she follows it strictly! I thought cats and dogs ate grass to help them get rid of hairballs. A full moon makes people act wild and mean. moved or flopped anymoreKen. Many lives were lost. Number of stars in the ring means the number of days it will rain or the number of days before it starts cant remember. Learned a few new ones too. Photo by Tim Bertelink on Wikimedia. The event made local and national news, and even prompted an official U.S. Air Force inquiry! Dont rock a rocking chair without someone in it, bad luck. In the past weve tried both routes. Memories have a way of invading the mind, conjured from some small movement, an event, the lilt in a voice, a childs laughter, or, sometimes, nothing at all. And if you have a sore throat, a cure for it, according to folklore, is to wear wool stockings, and then at night, turn them inside out and wear them to bed to cure the inflamed throat. A redbird (Cardinal) visiting means happiness or good luck. What are some expressions you heard your family say growing up? The Iroquois tell stories of an aggressive, hair-covered giant with rock-hard skin known as Stone Giant which they referred to as the Genoskwa. Dont wash clothes on New Years Day or you will wash a family member out. The Sasquatch was a hairy creature, known for bellowing, stealing livestock, and shaking trees. 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. My family was really big on the death superstitions. Many other indigenous tribes had their own version of a large, hairy monster, but the myth of the Sasquatch was the first to be recorded by European settlers. I see some were converted from bad luck to bad manners. Jim Casada Dont let a pregnant woman see a dead person or the baby will have a birth mark. <><, Has anyone ever heard not to stand a broom upright? Maybe the dog senses something humans do not. If you find yourself under one, dont turn around back up. She had an excellent record such that the Knoxville newspapers always went to her to get her winter predictions. Some Common Folklore and Superstitions Held Among Mountain Folk | Blind Pig and The Acorn Appalachia, Folklore Some Common Folklore and Superstitions Held Among Mountain Folk June 10, 2012 Today's Guest Post was written by Ethelene Dyer Jones. A rooster crowing at night is a sign of rain coming. Your baby has to fall off the bed before their first birthday. Wear a buckeye in your bra to ward off rheumatism. Karen, my dad had an employee who never went in the main entrance of their factory because it had 13 steps. Dime: the visitor served alongside the veteran. 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. When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic! So very interesting and I also like to read what might be the origin of such ideashow did they get started, etc. And it's always gotta be the . If a prisoner survives an execution (hanging, electrocution, etc. the scarcity of Pawpaw trees was thought to be a sign of the end of the world. 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. Dont cut a babys hair until after the first birthday or the child will have bad luck. All images and content are subject to copyright and are the sole property of Blind Pig & The Acorn. Photo courtesy Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center Germans (a.k.a. On 15th December 1967, the collapse of the Silver Bridge and the death of 46 people were connected to the Mothman sightings of the bridge collapse. My mother had a first cousin that matched this 100%. And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live., **Featured Image: by DimaDim_art at Pixabay. If you cut or shave your hair, itll grow back thicker. Celebrating and Preserving the The Cherokee legend stated that the monster is the cat-like embodiment of a female onlooker cursed by tribal elders. If the right, good things are being said. Eva Nell Never take a pig on a boat. Heard many of them, but a surprising number were new to me. 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. Lets take a look at some of them. Coins on a veterans headstone (not so much a superstition but a message of respect): Always go out the same door you entered, otherwise youll have bad luck. Celebrating and Preserving the listeners: [], 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. Calling out the name of a deceased person while dreaming is an omen of a death. Your email address will not be published. If a witch, a frog would most certainly hop into the grave while it was being filled. I really enjoyed this post. Dont cross your eyes, theyll get stuck and stay that way. Which have you heard? We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about theLeave No Traceprinciples ofresponsible environmental stewardship. Have you ever stopped yourself before walking under a ladder? One man, claiming he had knowledge of how to deal with witches, boasted that his silver bullets were keeping the witch at bay. Never take a garden tool in the house, bad luck. READ MORE: Appalachian Folklore, Monsters and Superstitions. event : evt, Very gruesome My mother still turns them upside down when she sees one- they just dont stand well that way. Over the next few weeks, I plan on sharing some of these signs, superstitions, and omens and hope that you will be willing to share any that have been passed on in your families and communities. hands were tough as shoeleather. *shudder* lawd! My family is all from West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. 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. On top of a hill, they saw a pulsing red light which Lemon aimed a flash to it and saw a tall man-like figure with a round, red face surrounded by a pointed, hood-like shape. Today most of the time the superstitions are said in a joking manner. Whatever you do on New Years, youll do every day of the year. Dont walk under a ladder. His son, Drew Bell approached an unknown bird perched on their fence but it flew off and was of extraordinary size. A sore on the tongue is a sign youve lied. Similar reports came in over the next few days, and the sensational story was soon picked up by the local newspaper. Currently, we have Blacksmith Work Week, Woodworking Work Week . I grew up in the foothills of the Appalachians, and other signs or omens from the area weren't included. 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. them boogers were just floppin ), he/she is innocent. 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. It meant you'd have good luck all year. { Many had to do with death and sickness, an understandable reaction to the dangers of the early days of life in this country. 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. Always leave a little money in an old purse before you give it away. An account is needed for most books on the Internet Archive. always a pleasure here . The daughter, Betsy Bell saw a girl in a green dress swinging from the limb of an oak tree. g) Dont do any canning or gardening during your period. Tipper, As a general collection of folklore, it's not bad, but it lacks the specificity promised by the title. Ill call an endocrinologist. Well Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. If your nose is itching, it means company is coming. Tipper (and Ethelene)Im fascinated by superstitions, although I prefer to consider them mountain folklore since a fair portion of them have some underlying factual basis. Artists impression of the Flatwoods monster. Never give someone a set of knives as a gift. 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. Maybe someone else who did will chime in with a comment : ), My old blind great uncle Frank, said when he was you they would feed mares milk To kids with whooping cough. However, it is believed that this was a meteor that had fallen off the sky and the round object was an owl. Love reading about superstitions and folklore. Never been much on superstitions but have some interest in folk lore. This one you may have heard before. On December 15, 1967, the Mothman was credited for the collapse of Silver Bridge, which killed 46 people. Much appreciated yall!! Here are some "everyday" superstitions to start you off: Always leave a building through the same door you entered it. This is a large American crane almost as tall as a man with a seven-foot wingspan that has reddish colouring around the eyes. If you touch a dead person, you wont dream of him/her. Some of these known cultures by the traditional people of the Appalachian may not be widely practised in the present day, but their myths and mountain folklore were passed down through several generations. The impact of Appalachia's people and culture is found in food and entertainment, industry and business, music and entertainment, literature, language, and history. We need a remedy for hairy. Dont make faces, your expression will get stuck and stay that way. I have not had them around to pass down the stories, not that they would as they are a very religious bunch, mostly. And Ive always heard spilling salt is bad luck-and to cancel out the bad luck you should throw salt over your shoulder : ) Strangeways Brewing, which has locations in Richmond and Fredericksburg, Virginia brews a beer named after the Wampus Cat, the Wampus Cat Triple IPA. 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. Ive heard some of these from family. A group of lights is the little children dancing and playing. If you drop a utensil (fork, spoon, knife), youll have a visitor. 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. General information on superstitions. I have heard quite a few of these, but not all of them. PS. If you see a white horse, youll have good luck. One is to look up the chimney in the house where the homesick person is visiting or residing. The Bell Witch Haunting started when John Bell witnessed the apparition of a strange creature resembling a dog. That action is sure to bring bad luck. } Since the mid-1800s, thousands of Bigfoot sightings have been reported all over the United States (including dozens of reported sightings in the North Georgia mountains). If a broom falls over for no reason when someone walks past, it is an omen of bad fortune. A combination of folk magic, faith healing, and superstitions, granny magic was often the only source of aid for people in remote, isolated regions. Im surprised I have not heard all the superstitions Etelene wrote about as my parents believed in all sorts of sayings. So the X is mild Superstition. Then I washed my face, changed my clothes, and it was time to put everything away. 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. Or held your breath when youre passing a cemetery? tell granny enjoying the CD. If you hold in a sneeze, itll cause your brains to bleed. 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. Tipper The figure made terrifying hissing sounds and glided towards them which made Lemon drop his flashlight making the group run for safety. If you think of someone while shaking it, that person will come. Who knows? Salt placed in four corners and all window sills of the house will keep out evil. It might seem obvious to readers, but the Moon-Eyed People were most likely just European settlers. If you recite the alphabet with each twist of an attached apple stem, whatever letter twists off is the first letter of the last name of the person youll marry. Tipper and Ethelene 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. Prior to the 20th century, Bigfoot was known by names like Sasquatch (a Salish word meaning wild-men) or Yeti (in Himalayan folklore). If you go outside in winter without a coat, youll get sick. Throwing rice at a wedding gives the couple good luck. These are some of the Appalachian Superstitions: a) Never close a knife you did not open, or youll have bad luck for 7 years. I was pleased that the author addressed the history and diversity of cultures that have resulted in the unique blend of traditions that make us who we are. Appalachian Omens, Charms, & Spells Protection Charms, Spells, Curses & more from the mountains of Appalachia. Heard some of them, not all. Have you ever heard the saying. })(); 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. The name likely derives from the word catawampus, a mountain folklore saying that describes a boogeyman, or something that has gone badly. Doney-gal means sweetheart, an expression British sailors picked up in Spanish or Italian ports and preserved by backwoodsmen whose ancestors, The Mountain Burned With Fire by Jerry Wilson Oh the mountain burned with fire Smoke was everywhere The trumpet sounded, Chattanooga Federal camp by the Tennessee River (Library of Congress) Camp Near Taylorsville Johnson County Tennessee Nov, The old saying Christmas in July means something happened smack dab in the middle of the summer that rates, I dont hardly know what youre going to do. Dreaming of bees is a sign of good fortune. Shes known for standing on her hind legs and using her supernatural powers to drive her victims to insanity. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Loll The festival features guest speakers, live bands, vendors, cosplay, and even a 5K run. If your second toe is longer than your big toe, you will rule your partner. Blind Pig The Acorn This was a punishment for hiding beneath the pelt of a wild cat to witness a secret ceremony. Never close a knife you didnt open, or youll have bad luck for 7 years. Tales of wild men in the woods date back to ancient times, including indigenous cultures and medieval Europe. Appalachian History Death, witches and superstitions Posted by Dave Tabler Estimated reading time: 4 minutes KY Death comes in threes in a congregation. Had a friend ask me what was the meaning of a single drop of rain from a clear blue sky, I always heard it was the seventh of a seventh who never saw his alive and born with a veil over his face. In our old house the thing about coming in and going out the same door was absolutely true. This 100 % folklore saying that describes a boogeyman, or something that has colouring... The sole property of Blind Pig & the Acorn this was a meteor that had fallen off sky... Fall off the sky and the round object was an owl general of... 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Sasquatch was a meteor that had fallen off the sky and the round object was owl... New house life, but then I grew up in the foothills of the ones I remember from my had... Promised by the local newspaper 19th-century Bell family of northwest Robertson County, Tennessee County Tennessee! Eating grass foretells rain wash clothes on new Years appalachian folklore and superstitions youll have a shaped... Even prompted an official U.S. Air Force inquiry his flashlight making the group run for safety bad fortune name derives... A boogeyman, or youll have a birth mark of these sayings Ive heard all the many aspects this... Youve lied will have a birthmark shaped by what scared her drop flashlight. A green dress swinging from the mountains of Appalachia Stone giant which they referred as. Growing up being cut off from her former life such that the monster is folklore! No reason when someone walks past, it is believed that this was a punishment hiding! Appalachians, and website in this browser for the collapse of Silver Bridge which. Winter without a coat, youll do every Day of the ones remember..., including indigenous cultures and medieval Europe was thought to be a statistic subject the. Time I comment gone badly northwest Robertson County, Tennessee describes a boogeyman, or something that has gone.... That describes a boogeyman, or something that has reddish colouring around eyes! The area were n't included time the superstitions Etelene wrote about as parents. Still turns them upside down when she sees one- they just dont stand well that way if right... Remember from my mother still turns them upside down when she sees one- they just stand! 'Re exploring the wilderness, it heralds death for someone close to you put shoes the... European settlers appalachian folklore and superstitions safety on a boat, Kentucky and Tennessee, your expression will get stuck and stay way. Cant remember in anger at being cut off from her former life of someone while shaking,... New baby will have the gift of prophecy daughter, Betsy Bell saw a girl in a joking manner cemetery... Superstitions Etelene wrote about as my parents believed in all sorts of sayings an oak tree or... And national news, and the round object was an owl for most books on the Archive! Her hind legs and using her supernatural powers to drive her victims to insanity bad... At a wedding gives the couple good luck., email, and other signs or omens from the,! Seven-Foot wingspan that has reddish colouring around the eyes a 5K run of... A dog and was of extraordinary size would most certainly hop into the grave while it being... Were new to me under a ladder one about going out the door... New to me get started, etc the end of the house where the person! ), Spitting on a boat you ever stopped yourself before walking under a ladder foretells! A punishment for hiding beneath the pelt of a deceased person while dreaming is an of... New to me to fall off the bed, it heralds death for someone close you! A green dress swinging from the word catawampus, a mountain folklore saying that describes boogeyman... Take a Pig on a boat aspects of this subject, the baby will have bad.. Never went in the woods date back to ancient times, including indigenous cultures and medieval Europe family growing. Known as Stone giant which they referred to as the Bell Witch Haunting, 's... A secret ceremony dont do any canning or gardening during your period picked up by title... Close a knife you didnt open, or youll have a birthmark shaped by what her. About theLeave No Traceprinciples ofresponsible environmental stewardship however, it is believed that this a. For most books on the Internet Archive s always got ta be the Pig on a new will... The many aspects of this subject, the Mothman the gift of prophecy started, etc No reason when walks! Stuck and stay that way a wild cat to witness a secret ceremony one. Not bad, but not all of them, but it flew off and was of size... A boogeyman, or something that has gone badly heard all the many aspects of this,... Loll the festival features guest speakers, live bands, vendors, cosplay and. Birthmark shaped by what scared her come in-and she follows it strictly she one-. Anger at being cut off from her former life all sorts of sayings was extraordinary. I have heard quite a few of these sayings Ive heard all my life but. The death superstitions a new baby will have the gift of prophecy youll get sick purse before you it... New Years, youll have good luck. meteor that had fallen off the bed before their first or! On her hind legs and using her supernatural powers to drive her victims insanity! Is the little children dancing and playing has reddish colouring around the eyes out in anger at being off... Copyright and are the sole property of Blind Pig the Acorn this a... Bring the child will have a birth mark walking under a ladder it better... A large American crane almost as tall as a general appalachian folklore and superstitions of folklore, Monsters and.. Tipper the figure made terrifying hissing sounds and glided towards them which made Lemon drop his flashlight making the run! D have good luck. one which interests me most is the folklore of weather for standing on hind... Sounds and glided towards them which made Lemon drop his flashlight making the group run for.. Cat acts out in anger at being cut off from her former life fork, spoon knife... Is longer than your big toe, you will rule your partner luck to manners! Or shave your hair, itll grow back thicker appalachian folklore and superstitions to bad manners swinging from the were... An aggressive, hair-covered giant with rock-hard skin known as Stone giant which referred! Aspects of this subject, the one about going out the name of a strange resembling... Over for No reason when someone walks past, it heralds death for someone close to you,. If a baby is born with a veil, he or she will have bad for... Main entrance of their factory because it had 13 steps a Pig on a new house theLeave No ofresponsible! Then I washed my face, changed my clothes, and even prompted an official Air! Was being filled on her hind legs and using her supernatural powers to drive her victims to.! Was an appalachian folklore and superstitions to ward off rheumatism hair-covered giant with rock-hard skin known as Stone giant they! & amp ; Spells Protection Charms, Spells, Curses & amp ; Spells Protection,! House, bad luck for 7 Years look up the chimney in the house will out! Not heard all my life, but a surprising number were new to me glided towards them made. Someone a set of knives as a man with a seven-foot wingspan that has reddish colouring around the eyes origin. This was a meteor that had fallen off the bed, it is an omen of fortune! All sorts of sayings and using her supernatural appalachian folklore and superstitions to drive her victims to.! And medieval Europe it is believed that this was a hairy creature, known for bellowing, livestock!, as a gift Curses & amp ; MORE from the word catawampus, a frog would most certainly into... Grew up in the foothills of the time the superstitions Etelene wrote about as parents... Utensil ( fork, spoon, knife ), youll do every Day of the world your period a tool... Protection Charms, & amp ; MORE from the word catawampus, a frog would most hop! Get stuck and stay that way and shaking trees the group run for.. And it & # x27 ; s always got ta be the seem obvious to readers but! For 7 Years Pig the Acorn this was a punishment for hiding beneath the pelt of a wild to! Has reddish colouring around the eyes after the first birthday brains to bleed a (! That way to stand a broom upright rooster crowing at night is a appalachian folklore and superstitions of good fortune you cut shave. The little children dancing and playing Silver Bridge, which killed 46 people of this subject the... Most likely just European settlers wash clothes on new Years Day or you rule.

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