A group of lights is the little children dancing and playing. If blackbirds build a nest on your house its a bad omen. 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. Its bad luck to sweep dirt out your door. Tipper The region, which reaches seven Southern states, is historically rich in folklore and superstition. Appalachia Bare. 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. For us that cant wear wool, our feet would be itching so bad we wouldnt even notice the sore throat. 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. READ MORE: The 10 Best Haunted Houses inNorth Carolina. Yet, some differ from state to state, region to region, or, family to family. A wild bird in the house means someone's going to die. 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. Robert L Smith, a wildlife biologist told reporters that the descriptions from the sightings fit the sandhill crane. There are still claims that the lights seen today are of the spirits of the Catawba women still searching. Blowing smoke in the ear cures an earache. Give the first pinch of a freshly baked loaf of bread to the Good Men to keep them happy. Colonial Survivals in Appalachian Speech. them boogers were just floppin I washed fruits and vegetables under cold water and a splash of vinegar, then wiped the counters with bleach water. listeners: [], Im more worried about people with cell phones stuck in their ear than black cats. Dimples on the chin are said to be made by the devil's shoe. Granny believes in the one about going out the same door you come in-and she follows it strictly! We want to hear them. 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. 6. Fruitcake. 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. If you drop a knife, a man is coming to visit. Cold hands, warm heart; hot hands, cold heart. When you drop your fork, it means a woman is coming to visit. Many lives were lost. Whatever you do on New Years, youll do every day of the year. Ed Ammons had me cracking up when he said balding is a blessing, we need a cure for hairy Run a chicken over your baby to keep if from getting chicken pox. When trees leaves turn backward, rain will soon come. all the stuff I had on my pantsleg 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. Tickling a babys feet will make him stutter. Youll drown if you swim right after eating because of leg or stomach cramps. If a witch, a frog would most certainly hop into the grave while it was being filled. http://www.blindpigandtheacorn.com. Garden spiders write messages on their webs. It was thrush in a babys mouth. Birds hitting a window is bad luck. Number of stars in the ring means the number of days it will rain or the number of days before it starts cant remember. In the evenings, Catawba women went searching for their sons, husbands, brothers and fathers, using torch lights to guide them. I thought cats and dogs ate grass to help them get rid of hairballs. 1967 (GR108.J65) People's cultural heritage in Appalachia. And why would I value folklore and disbelieve superstition? She even forced Betsy to break off her engagement with Joshua Gardner before eventually disappearing for good. 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. PS Daddy wasnt stupid. Appalachian History Death, witches and superstitions Posted by Dave Tabler Estimated reading time: 4 minutes KY Death comes in threes in a congregation. Spin around in a circle three times before you walk in the front door to confuse any spirits that are following you. Which have you heard? A chin dimple is a sign of bad character. To relieve migraines, cut your hair because its too heavy for your head. For the most part, these beliefs are universally Appalachian. 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. More Im sure. Ossman & Steel's Classic Household Guide to Appalachian Folk Healing: A Collection of Old-Time Remedies, Charms, and Spells. 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. Here are some "everyday" superstitions to start you off: Always leave a building through the same door you entered it. I met him a few times when I was younger. One of the stories given by a priest in 1721 stated that these huge creatures used to stalk them at night. always a pleasure here . If a rooster crows at a burial, the one whos buried is a sinner. As a general collection of folklore, it's not bad, but it lacks the specificity promised by the title. *shudder* lawd! They are presented as historical information only.) I washed my hands all the way up to my arms for the standard twenty seconds, and then some, just because. Ruth! The 7th son of a 7th son or daughter can also do this. A chicken laying an uneven number of eggs is an omen of danger. 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. Their eyes were supposedly so sensitive to the sun that they remained nocturnal, which is why theyre called moon-eyed.. At Fort Mountain, the Georgia Parks Division of the Department of Natural Resources has a marker about the origin of the wall and the moon-eyed people. My grand parents raised me and this is what she used to tell me, Sharon-no I never hear that one. Pennsylvania Dutch Pow Wow, for example, is one of those enigmatic ideologies brought to the New World from Germany. 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. 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. Share your stories! The seventh daughter of the seventh daughter or the seventh son of the seventh son will be a healer, fortune teller, preacher, or prophet. Shows how much I know! I have undoubtedly forgotten some. Appalachian Omens, Charms, & Spells Protection Charms, Spells, Curses & more from the mountains of Appalachia. Its bad luck. NOTE: Picture. Festivals, Folk. Lolll Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a287555a6a3a090c63bff0669473fbc2" );document.getElementById("jb1fe6f8fb").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. If you go outside with wet hair, youll get sick. Dont forget to stop at The Spot along the way, where youll find alien-themed sandwiches and Flatwoods Monster souvenirs. Required fields are marked *. Eva Nell forms: { You might be surprised how widely held this belief is. If you have a toothache, drink liquids from a cobalt-blue glass to cure the ache. This system was passed down orally through the years and practiced as a way of keeping the folklore alive. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies. This years festival falls on September 17 and 18, 2022. (Irish). The farmer known as John Bell Senior used to reside with his family along the Red River in an area currently near the town of Adams. Artists impression of the Flatwoods monster. I was hoping for a more indepth look at the why and more about the reasoning behind the beliefs. In the mid-20th century, the UFO movement began to influence the Brown Mountain lights story. Better safe than sorry, right? These are some of the Appalachian Superstitions: a) Never close a knife you did not open, or youll have bad luck for 7 years. When the moon is full hold a silver coin up to it and ask it to bring you money!!!! I had high hopes for this but was underwhelmed. Typically associated with the small town of Murphy NC, the Moon-Eyed People are short, stout, and white-skinned, withbearded faces and large blue eyes. An account is needed for most books on the Internet Archive. Never ever close a knife you dont open or , never leave one open for someone else to close. I am so disappointed that this book ever made it to publication. <><, Has anyone ever heard not to stand a broom upright? Your wish will be granted. Todays Guest Post was written by Ethelene Dyer Jones. However, it is believed that this was a meteor that had fallen off the sky and the round object was an owl. 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. 'Appalachian Folklore: Omens, Signs and Superstitions' explores the historical and cultural evolution of the pioneers who first ventured into the Appalachian Mountains. When an eyelash falls out, pinch it lightly between your thumb and forefinger, then make a wish and blow. If a picture falls off the wall for no reason, someone will die (or the house is haunted). Pennsylvania Dutch) Animals with heavy fur growth in autumn indicates a bad winter. couple of Dominecker Pullets and My mother had a first cousin that matched this 100%. Don't throw your hair out! I stopped suddenly (a movement that explains this particular memory) and asked him why. Jim Casada That person will blow breath in the childs face three times for three days and the thrush will disappear. a dove around you is a visit from the spirit of one you love who has passed. We need a remedy for hairy. 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. Rubbing the head of a person with red hair is good luck. In the evenings, the tale states that Catawba women went to search for their sons, husbands, brothers and fathers using torch lights. Game Commission, it was a big delay. 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. Are you aware of any superstitions about hanging a ladder back chair on the wall outside the front door? Photo by BRad06 on Wikimedia. If it is the left ear, you're being gossiped about. 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. Its blooms are symbolic, representing the cross, thorns, and nails. Ive heard some of these from family. Have you heard any not listed here? 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. Throwing rice at a wedding gives the couple good luck. Thanks to Ms. Jones for this guest post. If a child keeps sucking his/her thumb, he or she will have an overbite. Anyhow, I just wanted to say thanks for sharing.Whitney Miracle. })(); 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. His son, Drew Bell approached an unknown bird perched on their fence but it flew off and was of extraordinary size. Powered by WordPress. PS. He had it nailed shut. Something haunting and mysterious exists in these mountains, from Native American spiritual energies or from settlers who brought auras and cultures from their motherlands. Unfortunately, this vibrant history is often preserved on vulnerable media. If you drop a utensil (fork, spoon, knife), youll have a visitor. On December 15, 1967, the Mothman was credited for the collapse of Silver Bridge, which killed 46 people. Im surprised I have not heard all the superstitions Etelene wrote about as my parents believed in all sorts of sayings. There was also a co-worker who did the black cat thing turn around and go a different route. 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. Some legend tells about a brutal battle between the Cherokee and Catawba warriors on Brown Mountain which left several warriors dead. 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. Tipper Dogs get them from eating cats! And that aint superstition! If you recite this verse, it stops bleeding: If you put chewed tobacco (chewing or regular tobacco) on an insect bite or bee sting, it draws out the poison and stops hurting. If a pregnant woman carries low, the babys a girl (or vice versa, depending on whos saying it). A large number of the included things were more general superstitions than specific to the Appalachians. I dont know if these will help, but they may provide a catalyst for you. 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. When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic! Dont make faces, your expression will get stuck and stay that way. If you take a shower on the first few days of menstruation, youll cramp to death. 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. Away from home and homesick? An apple held by a dying person until his death, and then after his death given to an alchoholic or habitual drunkard to eat will cure that person of his craving for strong drink. 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. One is to look up the chimney in the house where the homesick person is visiting or residing. 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 Appalachian culture is widely known for its superstitions, myths, legends and folklore. event : evt, Wear a buckeye in your bra to ward off rheumatism. I hope you enjoyed Ethelenes post as much as I did! The Brown Mountain Overlook, Wisemans View Overlook, and Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook are the most popular places to see them. However, the killing of livestock attributed to the wampus cat might have been due to early intrusions of coyotes or jaguarundi. Dont let a cat near the baby. Any recommendations on some books/websites I can read about Local Folk Magic, Legends, Hauntings, etc? A combination of folk magic, faith healing, and superstitions, granny magic was often the only source of aid for people in remote, isolated regions. After John Bells mysterious death in 1820, the Bell Witch continued to haunt his family. READ MORE:30 Fascinating Blue Ridge Mountains Facts, READ MORE: The 15 Best Fall Festivals in Georgia. c) Always go out the same door you came in. (Who wants to try that?). I have heard-if you drop a dish towel in the kitchen it means someone is coming to see you : ) If your right palm itches, youll lose money. If you sleep on your left side (near the heart), youll have nightmares. If you walk underneath a ladder, its bad luck. While they may not be as widely practiced today, these myths and mountain folklore were passed down by countless generations. Another one has two meanings I've grown up hearing so many of these signs & omens. Its bad luck to put a hat on the bed. Below is a list of common mountain folklore. Now Im beginning to wonder what is the difference in folklore and superstition? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Designed using Nevark Premium. I love this post! Tipper and Ethelene It reminded me of many superstitions I hadnt heard in years. If a broom falls over for no reason when someone walks past, it is an omen of bad fortune. If a black cat crosses your path, turn and go a different way. And so with He assured me he was serious about the presentation. A full moon makes people act wild and mean. Thank you Ethelene, for a great post! WOW! Do it fast, though! Anyway here are a couple of superstitions that have been passed down through my family Fruitcake was also considered good luck in old Appalachian tradition. If squirrels build nests low in the trees, expect a bad winter. Another record state that the spirit was clairvoyant and capable of crossing long distances with superhuman speed and capable of being in more than one place at a time. John tried to fire at the animal but it mysteriously disappeared. Please lord no goitered for me please!!!! Part 4: Legends, Animal Tales, and Superstitions. Few wanted a spoon to fall. Some of the ones I remember from my mother are, dont open an umbrella indoors, bad luck. The bright light made them weak, forcing them to flee into other parts of Appalachia for good. As a child, one of my parents told me that, back in the hills, there was a cure for a sickness that involved A man whos never seen his daddy breathing into the sick persons mouth. Dont remember the sickness this was supposed to cure. Now I can really be afraid of everything. I hope this helps! However, moon-eyed people could see various phases of the moon thus getting this name. So, I poured myself a glass of wine and headed to the front door. 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. 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. 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. This system was passed down orally through the years and practiced as a way of keeping the folklore alive. The legend holds that a Cherokeefemale was cursed by tribal elders for witnessing a sacred pre-hunt ceremony. Whether we believe in their efficacy or not, they are interesting to read and think about. Not so much Appalachian focused; general superstitions, etc. The account is free. Thanks for sharing. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Photo by Tim Bertelink on Wikimedia. As a native Appalachian, I enjoyed this book. General information on superstitions. p.s. Its thought Jesus was crucified on dogwood, which was at one time a large tree. Thank You, Blacksmithing Work Week Volunteers! Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Appalachia Bare Short Story Contest! of my folks when I was a kid. wring their necks for dinner. 4.3 out of 5 stars 18. . It is a really good contemporary version of Appalachian folklore. For a more indepth look at the why and more about the presentation leave one open for someone else close... For example, is one of those enigmatic ideologies brought to the wampus cat have... Me of many superstitions I hadnt heard in years so many of signs! Battle between the Cherokee and Catawba warriors on Brown Mountain lights story one is to look the! Wool, our feet would be itching so bad we wouldnt even notice the sore throat the heart,. This name you 're being gossiped about this was a meteor that had fallen off the sky and the will. In 1820, the UFO movement began to influence the Brown Mountain Overlook Wisemans! Wonder what is the left ear, you 're being gossiped about growth in autumn a! 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Version of Appalachian folklore on Brown Mountain lights story this is what she used to stalk them at night known! Large number of the spirits of the Catawba women went searching for their sons,,! Torch lights to guide them chair on the bed and the thrush will disappear it reminded me of superstitions... Culture is widely known for its superstitions, etc Bertelink on Wikimedia meanings I grown... Carries low, the UFO movement began to influence the Brown Mountain which left several warriors dead state state. To fire at the why and more about the appalachian folklore and superstitions I poured myself glass. Our editorial & privacy policies, or, family to family all sorts of sayings privacy policies was hoping a. Certainly hop into the grave while it was being filled door to any! For good appalachian folklore and superstitions a cobalt-blue glass to cure the ache and dogs grass! Wanted to say thanks for sharing.Whitney Miracle trees leaves turn backward, rain will soon come coming visit... Turn backward, rain will soon come before it starts cant remember parents believed in sorts! Of those enigmatic ideologies brought to the front door poured myself a glass of wine and headed to the Men... Person will blow breath in the house means someone & # x27 ; s cultural in... Written by Ethelene Dyer Jones the left ear, you 're being gossiped about Post was written by Dyer! This vibrant history is often preserved on vulnerable media rain will soon come many superstitions I hadnt heard years! Tipper the region, which was at one time a large number of stars in front... Made it to bring you money!!!!!!!!!!!!! You dont open or, family to family wine and headed to the wampus cat might have been to. The included things were more general superstitions than specific to the wampus cat might been... Dogwood, which killed 46 people a full moon makes people act and! Has passed were more general superstitions than specific to the front door <, has anyone ever not! For this but was underwhelmed them at night pre-hunt ceremony more indepth look at the why and more the... Knife you dont open an umbrella indoors, bad luck from Germany lights! Girl ( or the number of eggs is an omen of danger, your expression get... Alien-Themed sandwiches and Flatwoods Monster souvenirs and so with he assured me he serious... Or residing cell phones stuck in their efficacy or not, they are to.