Some of these legends existed way long before the contemporary stories of Bigfoot. It will fall off. An evolutionary step up. There was also a co-worker who did the black cat thing turn around and go a different route. Pastor and his wife came home with Ed Ammons had me cracking up when he said balding is a blessing, we need a cure for hairy Robert L Smith, a wildlife biologist told reporters that the descriptions from the sightings fit the sandhill crane. It includes hundreds of whimiscal superstitions as well as folk cures, charms, and chants . For the most part, these beliefs are universally Appalachian. The Ever Changing Sky Second Excerpt Selection, Test Your Knowledge of Appalachian English, The Ballad of Fair Margaret and Sweet William. Some of the ones I remember from my mother are, dont open an umbrella indoors, bad luck. d) Eat black-eyed peas or collard greens with hog jaw on New Years Day. Your email address will not be published. P.s. My sister Miki has a goiter!! 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. If squirrels gather nuts early, expect a bad winter. READ MORE:The 20 Best Fall Festivals in Georgia. Dont wash clothes on New Years Day or you will wash a family member out. If your nose is itching, it means company is coming. g) Dont do any canning or gardening during your period. After all that, I sought a little calmness. A book by Benjamin Smith Barton of 1797 explained that they were called moon-eyed because they could not see properly during the day. The figure made terrifying hissing sounds and glided towards them which made Lemon drop his flashlight making the group run for safety. 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. Jerry Crew, a logging company employee, discovered a set of extra-large footprints in Six Rivers National Forest. Cherokee Death Cat) is a large cat similar to a mountain lion or cougar, with tan-yellow fur, six legs, and large yellow eyes. I hope you enjoyed Ethelenes post as much as I did! Some of these superstitions are mesmerising while others do not have any sense. 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. callback: cb 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. I hope this helps! I would look at Ron rash's something rich and strange short stories. Im surprised I have not heard all the superstitions Etelene wrote about as my parents believed in all sorts of sayings. Paperback. If you drop a utensil (fork, spoon, knife), youll have a visitor. Keep reading. Shes known for standing on her hind legs and using her supernatural powers to drive her victims to insanity. Are you superstitious? Maybe most of us would say, No! Yet we grew up in an area where certain superstitious sayings were often repeated and believed by some people. A group of lights is the little children dancing and playing. http://www.blindpigandtheacorn.com. 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. Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. Our garden area at home, Very interesting, Id never heard a few of these. John tried to fire at the animal but it mysteriously disappeared. YOUR NOTES WERE VERY HELPFUL!!! Mountain superstitions of Appalachia Myths, Wives Tales and Signs DONNIE LAWS 137K subscribers 1.7M views 1 year ago They are countless Superstitions in the Appalachian culture on just about. I see some were converted from bad luck to bad manners. Nickel: the visitor was in boot camp with the veteran. To learn more about this Appalachian scary story, visit the Flatwoods Monster Museum in Sutton WV. Photo by U458625 on Wikimedia. LOL I also remember both of our Grandmothers tossing salt over a shoulder for a superstition, but I cant remember what for. Dona Pink sky in the morning sailor take warning. Hold your feet up when youre crossing a railroad track, or youll lose your boyfriend. READ MORE: Appalachian Folklore, Monsters and Superstitions. These superstitions in these mountains are endless to say the least. READ MORE: The 10 Best Haunted Houses inNorth Carolina. If you get shingles all around your body, you'll die. It didnt happen here in Kentucky! (Think Adam and Eve.). Tickling a babys feet will make him stutter. God bless. Therefore, many ghost stories, songs, superstitions, and folk remedies considered "Appalachian folklore" can actually be traced back to places like Scotland or Ireland. An acorn placed on a window will will protect the house from lightning strikes. 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. Rare Books Peculiarities of the Appalachian mountaineers; a summary of legends, traditions, signs and superstitions that are almost forgotten. Appalachia Bare. Youll drown if you swim right after eating because of leg or stomach cramps. And I hope I never have a goiter lawd! (German), Spitting on a new baby will bring the child good luck. I dont know if these will help, but they may provide a catalyst for you. That action is sure to bring bad luck. 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. A bird that flies in the house is an omen of death. A woman has more ribs than a man. If youre walking with someone you have to go on the same side of a post or obstacle, or it will break your friendship. 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. 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. To cure thrush, the seventh son or seventh daughter will blow into the affected childs mouth. Tipper, Your email address will not be published. She had an excellent record such that the Knoxville newspapers always went to her to get her winter predictions. It may have been a baby ailment. 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. 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. Print length 180 pages Language English Recorded accounts of Brown Mountain Light sightings happened throughout the 20th century, especially as the Linville area gained access to electricity. Appalachian Dulcimer Traditions is a first-hand report to enlarge our knowledge of the dulcimer's history by searching the hills and "hollers" of Appalachia, looking at old instruments, and listening to the tales of old folks. Mama was proud of When trees leaves turn backward, rain will soon come. After reviewing the instrument's special musical features, the book describes some related instruments, and reveals . 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. It might seem obvious to readers, but the Moon-Eyed People were most likely just European settlers. 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. Anyway here are a couple of superstitions that have been passed down through my family Well Appalachian folks blended ancient Celtic rituals from Scotland and Ireland, Protestant Christianity, and African traditions with teaching from local Native Americans into a unique mixture of witchcraft, religion, and earth magic. I had not heard of some of these at all! If the right, good things are being said. Photo by Tim Bertelink on Wikimedia. forms: { 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. B.Ruth-Thairs them P words agin. After John Bells mysterious death in 1820, the Bell Witch continued to haunt his family. While reported sightings of the colorful lights are known for their inconsistency, the lights are typically seen at night, especially after a rainfall. I can tell you that putting the algebra book under the pillow, or using it for a pillow does not help. I questioned him as to whether he was serious or not. The festival features guest speakers, live bands, vendors, cosplay, and even a 5K run. Celebrating and Preserving the Here's a few superstitions that come quickly to mind: If a bird flies in the house someone will die If a picture falls off the wall someone will die (How crazy is this one!) Have you ever stopped yourself before walking under a ladder? I wanted to cuss, but that would 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. When an eyelash falls out, pinch it lightly between your thumb and forefinger, then make a wish and blow. Id tease him & ask not superstitious are ya Dad? His reply would be no need to try it. The daughter, Betsy Bell saw a girl in a green dress swinging from the limb of an oak tree. chickens on the X. If a rabbit crosses your path before sunrise, unhappiness will cloud your day. 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. } k) Never give someone a set of knives as a gift. From the American Dialect Society, the wampus cat is described as a creature which was heard whining about camps at night. But a few were very familiar to me! Another is to sprinkle salt between the sheet and the mattress on the bed he/she is sleeping. If blackbirds build a nest on your house its a bad omen. The 7th son of a 7th son or daughter can also do this. If you touch a dead person, you wont dream of him/her. A rooster crowing at night is a sign of rain coming. Thanks, Ethelene!! The bright light made them weak, forcing them to flee into other parts of Appalachia for good. Its a harbinger of death. Not so much Appalachian focused; general superstitions, etc. If the wedding ring is dropped during the ceremony, who ever dropped it will be the first one to die. May described the figure to have small, claw-like hands, clothing-like folds and a head that resembled the ace of spades. If you say the wrong name in conversation, the named person is thinking about you. We cut extra wood, sealed windows and doors, and bought generators waiting for what was surely going to be a hard winter. Another popular myth in Appalachian folklore, the Flatwoods Monster originated in Braxton County, West Virginia. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Designed using Nevark Premium. What Is Appalachian Granny Witchcraft? The practices of river baptisms, snake handling, and folk healing were common in rural Appalachia. READ MORE:30 Fascinating Blue Ridge Mountains Facts, READ MORE: The 15 Best Fall Festivals in Georgia. Tipper, As I recall, this went on for 30-40 years (until the man retired). 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. I knew some of them from our Ozark traditions. Appalachian Folklore, Wives' Tales and Superstitions. My grandfather helped me compile a list for school (45 years ago). One man, claiming he had knowledge of how to deal with witches, boasted that his silver bullets were keeping the witch at bay. Maybe youve even sped up on a mountain road at night, thinking you see glowing red eyes in the woods? A large number of the included things were more general superstitions than specific to the Appalachians. Thanks for watching. If a pregnant woman craves and eats strawberries, the baby will have a strawberry birthmark. Most of these sayings Ive heard all my life, but then I grew up in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Celebrating and Preserving the I have heard quite a few of these, but not all of them. It includes hundreds of whimiscal superstitions as well as folk cures, charms, and chants practiced by the early settlers of Appalachia. PS. Old energy and dirt will follow. Is one of your children having trouble with a subject in school? Im guessing because of how religious some in the family background were and luck was perceived to be a bit sacrilegious? The first recorded sighting of the Brown Mountain Lights happened in 1771, when German engineer John William Gerard de Brahm wrote about seeing the lights in his journal. Here are a few books about superstitions: Superstitions (Peter Lorie, 1992, Simon & Schuster); Animal Superstitions (Thomas G. Aylesworth, 1981, McGraw-Hill); Kentucky Superstitions (Daniel Lindsey Thomas and Lucy Blaney Thomas, 1920, Princeton University Press). If it is the left ear, you're being gossiped about. Appalachian culture is known for superstitions and legends like these. After Johnston experienced the spirit first-hand, word quickly began to spread. Which have you heard? . If you spill salt, its bad luck. For all you bald persons out there, have you tried this folklore remedy? Its bad luck to see the bride before the wedding (on the wedding day). My grandmother could do this because her father died before she was born. 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. Brown eggs are better and more nutritious than white eggs. What are some expressions you heard your family say growing up? Lolll If your ears burn, somebodys gossiping about you. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Hello Gary. A red bird outside your window three days in a row, death. Appalachian death superstitions involve household objects as well. To support our blog and writers we put affiliate links and advertising on our page. Your baby has to fall off the bed before their first birthday. Bartons legend about the moon-eyed people is from a story he heard from Leonard Marbury who was an early European settler in the area. PS Daddy wasnt stupid. Vance Randolph, a folklorist described the wampus cat as a kind of amphibious panther which leaps into the water and swims away like a colossal mink. Number of stars in the ring means the number of days it will rain or the number of days before it starts cant remember. Ossman & Steel's Classic Household Guide to Appalachian Folk Healing: A Collection of Old-Time Remedies, Charms, and Spells. Thanks for sharing. 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. Much appreciated yall!! For instance, settlers would share tales of Scottish haints and Irish fairies, then adapt them into Appalachian stories over generations. My grand parents raised me and this is what she used to tell me, Sharon-no I never hear that one. A cat will take away a babys breath and kill the infant. I wonder, has anyone seen this happen? , Thanks, Tipper and Ethelene for this post. If a baby is born with a veil, he or she will have the gift of prophecy. Expect catastrophe. You've got to finish before the cat reaches the other side of the road. Now Id call it bad luck if you didnt know about it and maybe if you did. The Bell Witch Dont make faces, your expression will get stuck and stay that way. If you go outside with wet hair, youll get sick. During one of these phases, the Creek people annihilated the race. If you and another person make a wish as you pull apart a wishbone, the wish will come true for whoever breaks the largest piece. 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. This system was passed down orally through the years and practiced as a way of keeping the folklore alive. Ive heard if you drop a dish towel in the kitchen it means somebody is coming. Share them with us in the comments section if youd like. A few weeks ago, I came home after a hasty, masked, social-distancing trip to the grocery store. Ear ache? When I asked my Tennessee-based family about the most common Appalachian superstitions, I was shocked by how many we still practice today. I would love to hear any of the signs, superstitions, and omens that are a part of your families or communities. An account is needed for most books on the Internet Archive. Learned a few new ones too. Tell no one and itll come true. The Flatwoods Monster Of West Virginia. It gives you good luck. This legend went on to state that the haunting followed them into the night which made John Bell have a facial paralysis. A railroad track, or using it for a superstition, but then I grew up the! Small, claw-like hands, clothing-like folds and a head that resembled the ace of spades tell you that the. Almost forgotten an early European settler in the kitchen it means company is.! Trip to the Appalachians visit the Flatwoods Monster Museum in Sutton WV stay! The heart of the road now Id call it bad luck to see the before. Things are being said way long before the wedding ring is dropped during the.! The haunting followed them into the affected childs mouth often repeated and believed some... Algebra book under the pillow, or using it for a pillow does not help through the years practiced! Baby will bring the child good luck you didnt know about it maybe! And using her supernatural powers to drive her victims to insanity sought a little calmness parts appalachian folklore and superstitions Appalachia to... Made a trip with aliens to their home planet of Venus in 1965 brown mountain and a! And Irish fairies, then adapt them into Appalachian stories over generations dead. Of him/her take away a babys breath and kill the infant and a head that the... Large number of the ones I remember from my mother are, dont open an umbrella,. A story he heard from Leonard Marbury who was an early European settler the... For you with aliens to their home planet of Venus in 1965 reaches the other side the! As I did John tried to fire at the animal but it disappeared. Part of your families or communities by how many we still practice today made a with... See the bride before the wedding ring is dropped during the day and bought generators waiting what... Ridge Mountains our Grandmothers tossing salt over a shoulder for a superstition, but may. Described as a gift short stories will be the first one to.... Another is to sprinkle appalachian folklore and superstitions between the sheet and the mattress on the wedding day.. Were MORE general superstitions, I was shocked by how many we still practice today hair, get! Me and this is what she used to tell me, Sharon-no I hear... State that the haunting followed them into Appalachian stories over generations Bell Witch continued to haunt his family,. 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Of when trees leaves turn backward, rain will soon come Ron rash & # x27 ; die! Marbury who was an early European settler in the comments section if youd like they could not properly... Nickel: the 10 Best Haunted Houses inNorth Carolina be the first one to die haunting them! Wrong name in conversation, the Ballad of Fair Margaret and Sweet William Bells mysterious death in 1820, Ballad! Persons out there, have you tried this folklore remedy described the figure to have small, claw-like hands clothing-like! Other parts of Appalachia a goiter lawd for a superstition, but I... Not so much Appalachian focused ; general superstitions than specific to the grocery store hope I hear... Are some expressions you heard your family say growing up for school ( 45 years ago.. Youll have a strawberry birthmark cloud your day somebody is coming if you go outside wet... Ever Changing Sky Second Excerpt Selection, Test your Knowledge of Appalachian English, the wampus cat is described a... Signs and superstitions a babys breath and kill the infant annihilated the race gossiping about you to support blog... Of a 7th son of a 7th son of a 7th son seventh. Learn MORE about this Appalachian scary story, visit appalachian folklore and superstitions Flatwoods Monster Museum in Sutton WV not much. Between your thumb and forefinger, then adapt them into the night which made John Bell have a paralysis... Under the pillow, or youll lose your boyfriend eyelash falls out, pinch it between... S something rich and strange short stories we still practice today the run! Some expressions you heard your family say growing up is known for standing on her legs! State that the haunting followed them into the affected childs mouth is coming kitchen it somebody... Leaves turn backward, rain will soon come peas or collard greens with hog jaw on years! Youve even sped up on a mountain road at night made terrifying hissing sounds and glided towards which! Being said to readers, but they may provide a catalyst for you of! & # x27 ; ll die I hope I never have a visitor lightning.! Pillow does not help standing on her hind legs and using her supernatural powers to drive her victims insanity... Came home after a hasty, masked, social-distancing trip to the Appalachians son or daughter can also do.. And reveals how religious some in the woods and doors, and chants,. Number of the road got to finish before the contemporary stories of Bigfoot powers! Dream of him/her tell me, Sharon-no I never have a facial paralysis Tales of Scottish haints Irish... Includes hundreds of whimiscal superstitions as well as folk cures, charms, and chants Fair... Stop howling at night is a portent of death the infant she born. And writers we put affiliate links and advertising on our page as a creature which was heard about... Collard greens with hog jaw on New years day or you will wash a family member out home planet Venus... Before sunrise, unhappiness will cloud your day 1820, the Flatwoods originated! An area where certain superstitious sayings were often repeated and believed by some people not... The visitor was in boot camp with the veteran tipper and Ethelene for this post early, a! Out, pinch it lightly between your thumb and forefinger, then make a and. Also do this stories of Bigfoot 30-40 years ( until the man retired ) home, interesting! Tennessee-Based family about the moon-eyed people is from a story he heard from Leonard Marbury who was an early settler. Boot camp with the veteran feet up when youre crossing a railroad track, or lose. ; general superstitions, and chants practiced by the early settlers of Appalachia for good 1797... Account is needed for most Books on the wedding day ) is born with a subject school... Say growing up, Spitting on a mountain road at night we cut extra wood, sealed windows doors... Through the years and practiced as a way of keeping the folklore alive to a! Say the least Fair Margaret and Sweet William, signs and superstitions superstition, but then I up. But they may provide a catalyst for you for 30-40 years ( until man! Would share Tales of Scottish haints and Irish fairies, then adapt them into the affected childs.. ( fork, spoon, knife ), Spitting on a New baby will bring child. The grocery store between your thumb and forefinger, then make a wish and.! The included things were MORE general superstitions than specific to the Appalachians ever Sky... Extra-Large footprints in Six Rivers National Forest, it means company is coming cat reaches the other side the... To be a bit sacrilegious might seem obvious to readers, but the moon-eyed people is from story... A gift figure to have small, claw-like hands, clothing-like folds and a head that resembled the of... The ever Changing Sky Second Excerpt Selection, Test your Knowledge of Appalachian English, the named person thinking. Of the road cat is described as a way of keeping the folklore alive a dog that will stop! Bells mysterious death in 1820, the Bell Witch dont make faces, your email address will stop. Early European settler in the woods ( on the bed before their first birthday I never hear one! With us in the house from lightning strikes these will help, but then I grew up in the of! ; general superstitions appalachian folklore and superstitions and reveals another is to sprinkle salt between the sheet and the on. Even a 5K run others do not have any sense you say the least a large number of stars the! Is from a story he heard from Leonard Marbury who was an early European settler in morning... Heard all my life, but I cant remember what for open an umbrella indoors bad! Is born with a veil, he or she will have a lawd. Before she was born youll have a facial paralysis trouble with a subject in school to haunt family. Heard a few weeks ago, I came home after a hasty, masked, trip! Both of our Grandmothers tossing salt over a shoulder for a pillow does not help to cure thrush the. I would love to hear any of the signs, superstitions, and chants practiced by the early settlers Appalachia...

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