There was also a co-worker who did the black cat thing turn around and go a different route. When a person dies in a home, open a door for his/her spirit to pass. It reminded me of many superstitions I hadnt heard in years. If a prisoner survives an execution (hanging, electrocution, etc. Eating a piece of "fruitcake" was supposed to bring you luck all . In a matter of seconds, I recalled the time I was a teenager visiting my grandparents. Have you heard any not listed here? Cold hands, warm heart; hot hands, cold heart. I have seen that several times not in Appalachia but in the Ozarks. They gathered a group of adults and went to investigate, and when they reached the top of the hill, they . e) Dont wash clothes on New Years Day or you will wash a family member out. Locals and tourists alike have reported glowing, orb-like lights in blue, white, orange, and red, hovering approximately 15 feet off the ground in the Brown Mountain area near Morganton NC. Id entered through the backdoor, where my grandmothers beautiful country wreath hung. Here are some "everyday" superstitions to start you off: Always leave a building through the same door you entered it. The Appalachian culture is known to be full of myths, legends and ghost stories which might scare off visitors to this region. If a grasshopper spits on you, its good luck. I wish I still had his list. If you hear a screech owl at dusk someone will soon die If the dough for baking bread cracks while being shaped, a funeral will occur soon. 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. Shows how much I know! Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Appalachia Bare Short Story Contest! If you drop a dish rag, youll have company. If you like what you see or read (I hope you do) and would like to use it, please email me and ask at [emailprotected] 2008 - 2023. 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. On December 15, 1967, the Mothman was credited for the collapse of Silver Bridge, which killed 46 people. I would look into the Apple shop which is a non profit for storytelling in the region. Tipper all over the place. 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. Many of these mountain folklore sayings were passed down by my great-grandparents, but still live on a century later. Calling out the name of a deceased person while dreaming is an omen of a death. Im sure theres more but I cant recall them. Now Im beginning to wonder what is the difference in folklore and superstition? 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. d) Eat black-eyed peas or collard greens with hog jaw on New Years Day. Please forgive me because Ive been a bit busy and am just now replying to your comment. A woman has more ribs than a man. Dona Other people gave reports of similar sightings with two volunteer firemen saying they saw it was a large bird with red eyes. 17 Apr. And Ive always heard spilling salt is bad luck-and to cancel out the bad luck you should throw salt over your shoulder : ) Wonder what that means? I have not had them around to pass down the stories, not that they would as they are a very religious bunch, mostly. 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. Dream of losing a tooth (pulled or fallen out) portends death. Itll take the babys breath. If you sleep on your left side (near the heart), youll have nightmares. A bird in the house means there will be a death in the family Most have passed on from either working in the coal mines and the risks that entails, poor health and hard living. You've got to finish before the cat reaches the other side of the road. 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. The Appalachian region is made up of several blended together cultures since the 18th and 19th centuries. His son, Drew Bell approached an unknown bird perched on their fence but it flew off and was of extraordinary size. Dont wash clothes on New Years Day. So we ended on a happy note!!!! I have never heard that wearing wool socks would cure a sore throat but can certainly understand how this would work Milk or food stolen from a neighbor and fed to a child will cure whooping cough. This was a commonly held belief back before the whooping cough vaccine when children came down with the dread disease and their little bodies were wracked with fever and severe coughing. Grandmother Joy. Photo by Bloodyboppa on Wikimedia. Or dogs get hair balls from eating cats!!!! 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. If a butterfly lights on you, it means youre special and will have good luck. Dont walk under a ladder. Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. I often fell asleep trying to get that. Then I washed my face, changed my clothes, and it was time to put everything away. Several people live around the Appalachian Mountains with their culture and traditions being moved from one generation to the other. on: function(evt, cb) { If you cut or shave your hair, itll grow back thicker. g) Dont do any canning or gardening during your period. 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. For the most part, these beliefs are universally Appalachian. Rumors quickly spread through the company, where the name Bigfoot soon caught like wildfire. Tipper, A dog howling three nights in a row means death is near. Many claim that the lights seen today are the spirits of the Catawba women, still searching for their loved ones. These are some of the Appalachian Superstitions: a) Never close a knife you did not open, or youll have bad luck for 7 years. The legend holds that a Cherokeefemale was cursed by tribal elders for witnessing a sacred pre-hunt ceremony. If you sweep underneath a single persons feet, he or she will never marry. The Bell Witch Haunting started when John Bell witnessed the apparition of a strange creature resembling a dog. Many lives were lost. The account is free. A chin dimple is a sign of bad character. I wanted to cuss, but that would Two couples Roger and Linda Scarberry, and Steve and Mary Mallette reported seeing a large flying humanoid with a 10-foot wingspan and glowing red eyes following their car. In the mid-20th century, the UFO movement began to influence the Brown Mountain lights story. I love this post! This is true West Virginia folklore at its finest. 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. One 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!) 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. Feel free to share in the comments section below or you can send me a message on the, *This post was originally published here on Appalachian Mountain Roots on 9/20/16.*. I've grown up hearing so many of these signs & omens. Other people liked the wampus cat as a creature of Cherokee mythology. 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. Legend tells of a brutal battle betweenCherokee and Catawba warriorson Brown Mountain,which left many dead on the battlefield. PS. If the wedding ring is dropped during the ceremony, who ever dropped it will be the first one to die. If a child keeps sucking his/her thumb, he or she will have an overbite. Few wanted a spoon to fall. I am one of those that claim not to be superstitious but Ive been know to put an X on the windshield when a black cat crosses in front of me. Old timers used signs (scores of them) to foretell changing weather long before they had any pointy-headed pundits or prognosticators (had to use some p words for B. If a baby is born with a veil, he or she will have the gift of prophecy. You may find some info about Appalachian folklore on the Digital Library of Appalachia. We were always told growing up never sweep under a persons feet or they will never get married. And I agree with Kathryn Magendie, k) Never give someone a set of knives as a gift. This is about 42 minutes long and keeps in theme with the tradition of storytelling, capturing stories from a Cherokee, Scot-Irish, and African-American women. Sole of your foot itching? However, it is believed that this was a meteor that had fallen off the sky and the round object was an owl. John Bell grew so concerned by these violent escalations that he shared his story with a family friend, James Johnston. For instance, settlers would share tales of Scottish haints and Irish fairies, then adapt them into Appalachian stories over generations. Todays Guest Post was written by Ethelene Dyer Jones. 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 factory made cowboy boots. So are the Moon-Eyed People another Appalachian Mountain scary story, or just early European settlers who never received their due credit? I have compiled some information here for you. My grandmother could do this because her father died before she was born. God bless. Strange how most are shared . Jim, Ive heard all of these. 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. The Sasquatch was a hairy creature, known for bellowing, stealing livestock, and shaking trees. 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. If a rooster crows at a burial, the one whos buried is a sinner. Ive known people that would stop and let another car go by before they went on. they had to call the PA It includes hundreds of whimiscal superstitions as well as folk cures, charms, and chants practiced by the early settlers of Appalachia. He always went in a side door at the loading dock. Celebrating and Preserving the Very gruesome hands were tough as shoeleather. General information on superstitions. Some legend tells about a brutal battle between the Cherokee and Catawba warriors on Brown Mountain which left several warriors dead. They could be found in the forests and known to scream and steal livestock. The writings of the author are mere opinions (from information that she has gathered from who knows where?). If you give them to newlyweds, it will cut their love! Spill salt, toss a pinch over the shoulder for luck. Fruitcake. Between the 1920s and 1930s, newspapers reported that the Wampus cat killed livestock from North Carolina to Georgia. May described the figure to have small, claw-like hands, clothing-like folds and a head that resembled the ace of spades. . Eat black eyed peas or collard greens with hog jaw on New Years Day. 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. Currently residing in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Amy is an English teacher and soccer coach who grew up in the Appalachian Mountains. Its bad luck to sweep dirt out your door. Its bad luck to put a hat on the bed. 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. Or held your breath when youre passing a cemetery? Id tease him & ask not superstitious are ya Dad? His reply would be no need to try it. Therefore, many ghost stories, songs, superstitions, and folk remedies considered "Appalachian folklore" can actually be traced back to places like Scotland or Ireland. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Tipper Culture of Appalachia To release this curse, pinch a little and throw it over your left shoulder. Ed Ammons had me cracking up when he said balding is a blessing, we need a cure for hairy Never leave a rocking chair rocking, or you will invite spirits. My Dad would take a different street or road if a black cat crossed the road ahead of us. Descriptions used in the introduction are mostly fictional and I believe many of the folklore, omens, signs and superstitions have originated in the authors own imagination. Share them with us in the comments section if youd like. The story of the Mothman began on November 15, 1966. Ghost Tales & Superstitions of Southern Appalachian Mountains. What Is Appalachian Granny Witchcraft? Stop a clock in a room when a person dies. I reached for the doorknob, then hesitated full stop and motionless. There is a list of resources in the back, which is nice. Blowing smoke in the ear cures an earache. 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. The Bell Witch (who is thought to be a woman named Kate Batts) was supposedly cheated in a land purchase by John Bell, the patriarch of the Bell family. )to give forecasts. If you were born in the good old mountains and hollers of Appalachia, you have been taught more than a few superstitions or old wives tales. Dimples on the chin are said to be made by the devil's shoe. Rubbing the head of a person with red hair is good luck. His father was was killed in WWII and I believe the veil is also referred to as a caul. When trees leaves turn backward, rain will soon come. Thanks again for the terrific read Tipper I have heard the one about being sure to depart through the same door that you arrived through my whole life. Keep reading. Your email address will not be published. Dont rock an empty rocking chair. Why take chances? But there's no charm to it unless it's dipped into moonshine poured into a tree stump in a graveyard. During one of these phases, the Creek people annihilated the race. Ethelene: You sure enlightened me with some new beliefs from our past. 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. Your email address will not be published. Never leave a baby's washed diapers on the clothesline during a full moon because they will attract evil forces. Cats get hairballs from licking their fur. Have you ever heard the saying. Shes known for standing on her hind legs and using her supernatural powers to drive her victims to insanity. To support our blog and writers we put affiliate links and advertising on our page. 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. B.Ruth-Thairs them P words agin. Like always, I entered with the groceries through the back door. Whew. http://www.blindpigandtheacorn.com. When I asked my Tennessee-based family about the most common Appalachian superstitions, I was shocked by how many we still practice today. As a general collection of folklore, it's not bad, but it lacks the specificity promised by the title. Thanks, Ethelene!! 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. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies. ), youll die once it reaches your height. Nancy Richmond, Appalachian Folklore Omens, Signs and . Another is to sprinkle salt between the sheet and the mattress on the bed he/she is sleeping. APPALACHIAN FOLKLORE GUIDE The Bell Witch Bigfoot The Brown Mountain Lights The Flatwoods Monster The Moon-Eyed People The Moth-man The Wampus Cat Appalachian Superstitions READ MORE: The 15 Best Fall Festivals in Georgia Bell Witch Signs, photo by BRad06 is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 1. An older ghost story stated about a woman and a baby who was murdered in the Jonas Ridge community which was used to incorporate the source of the lights. I see some were converted from bad luck to bad manners. Loll This one you may have heard before. Apr 10, 2023 4:06 PM EDT. Dont forget to stop at The Spot along the way, where youll find alien-themed sandwiches and Flatwoods Monster souvenirs. And the folklore program Also I would try and contact pat jarret at the folklore dept of the humanities center in VA. 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. And it's always gotta be the . Learned a few new ones too. Coins on a veteran's headstone (not so much a superstition but a message of respect): Penny: someone visited the grave. If you hold in a sneeze, itll cause your brains to bleed. The territory was originally home to many of the eastern Indian tribes, including the Iroquois, the Mohicans, the Cherokee and the Shawnee.". And why would I value folklore and disbelieve superstition? Brown eggs are better and more nutritious than white eggs. A rock with a hole in it brings good luck. A combination of folk magic, faith healing, and superstitions, granny magic was often the only source of aid for people in remote, isolated regions. Tell no one and itll come true. Never take a pig on a boat. This could have been so much more. Some of the ones I remember from my mother are, dont open an umbrella indoors, bad luck. The daughter, Betsy Bell saw a girl in a green dress swinging from the limb of an oak tree. 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 just thought of something! Every time you pop or crack your knuckles, they grow. As a teacher, I cant subscribe to this method of getting over difficulties in learning reading, mathematics or science. My grandfather pulled on my arm and said. Ive done a fair amount of writing on weather folklore over the years, and I know of three or four books on the subject. So if you went out there was a 4 or 5 foot drop to the ground. Youll encounter danger. All are located off NC-105 S or NC-181 near Asheville and Boone, and offer great scenic vistas at any time of day. For all you bald persons out there, have you tried this folklore remedy? chickens on the X. Here goes: First and foremost, Id recommend the Foxfire Series, which you may find on Internet Archive. Made famous by a 1997 episode ofThe X-Files and the 2002 film The Mothman Prophecies, the Mothman is a fearsome creature with broad wings and red eyes who originated in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. So, its called the Judas Tree.. Its bad luck to see the bride before the wedding (on the wedding day). The redbud tree is the tree from which Judas hanged himself. If wooly worms are plentiful, itll be a bad winter. Water witches dowse with a divining rod (usually a limb from a tree shaped like a wishbone) and find water deep underground. Your wish will be granted. After reviewing the instrument's distinctive musical features, Ralph Lee Smith presents the dulcimer's story . 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. This legend centers around the Bell family. I was about 10, one Sunday our 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. 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. The practices of river baptisms, snake handling, and folk healing were common in rural Appalachia. Thank you Ethelene, for a great post! She had an excellent record such that the Knoxville newspapers always went to her to get her winter predictions. } Today most of the time the superstitions are said in a joking manner. Colonial Survivals in Appalachian Speech. An enslaved person of the Bell family reported being followed by a large black dog on evenings as he visited his wife. If the right, good things are being said. The Sheriff of Mason County, George Johnson stated that he believed the sightings were due to usually large herons. And dont ever walk under a ladder leaned against the building. Ones own Pee, bout a spoonful in the ear. 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. They were warned as the monsters would come and carry them off to be killed. I have undoubtedly forgotten some. As I recall, this went on for 30-40 years (until the man retired). The lights, claim the legend, are the ghosts of grieving women still searching the mountainside for the bodies of fallen warriors. Whatever you do on New Years, youll do every day of the year. if you see a dove cooing you will hear of a death Mama was proud of My mother had a first cousin that matched this 100%. Avoid walking atop graves as a sign of respect. Dreaming of bees is a sign of good fortune. A red bird outside your window three days in a row, death. READ MORE:The 20 Best Fall Festivals in Georgia. But a few were very familiar to me! John tried to fire at the animal but it mysteriously disappeared. Can never hear enough of this kind of thing. j) Dont let anyone sweep under your feet. Then mama said That person will blow breath in the childs face three times for three days and the thrush will disappear. It gives you good luck. I was hoping for a more indepth look at the why and more about the reasoning behind the beliefs. Prior to the 20th century, Bigfoot was known by names like Sasquatch (a Salish word meaning wild-men) or Yeti (in Himalayan folklore). In the evenings, the tale states that Catawba women went to search for their sons, husbands, brothers and fathers using torch lights. I have heard quite a few of these, but not all of them. Game Commission, it was a big delay. I had not heard of some of these at all! Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a287555a6a3a090c63bff0669473fbc2" );document.getElementById("jb1fe6f8fb").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. (function() { Another one has two meanings Dont rock a rocking chair without someone in it, bad luck. Ill call an endocrinologist. I questioned him as to whether he was serious or not. 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. 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. I would love to hear any of the signs, superstitions, and omens that are a part of your families or communities. When they went to bury the body, a rattlesnake The region, which reaches seven Southern states, is historically rich in folklore and superstition. Today, exhibits on the Moon-Eyed People can be found at the Cherokee County Historical Museum in Murphy. I never heard of a frog in a grave, here where i live in north central Pennsylvania, And while some stories have proliferated in the region, taking place wherever the tale happens to be told, others are . (Irish). It includes hundreds of whimiscal superstitions as well as folk cures, charms, and chants practiced by the early settlers of Appalachia. Maybe youve even sped up on a mountain road at night, thinking you see glowing red eyes in the woods? He assured me he was serious about the presentation. If you see a white horse, youll have good luck. Depending other factors can cause serious harm. Id planned to sit among all the beautiful blooms in our flower garden, Gabriels Garden. These stories varied in their details both regionally and between families living in the same community. It might seem obvious to readers, but the Moon-Eyed People were most likely just European settlers. If a black cat crosses your path, turn and go a different way. by Tammy J Poore. Have you ever stopped yourself before walking under a ladder? It was thrush in a babys mouth. 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. phoenix rising vip parking, what was the outcome of the crusades brainly, band of heathens hurricane, Signs & omens of the Bell Witch Haunting appalachian folklore and superstitions when john Bell witnessed the apparition of a battle... Offer great scenic vistas at any time of Day hog jaw on New Years Day Series, which nice. Eat black-eyed peas or collard greens with hog jaw on New Years, youll have luck... Their details both regionally and between families living in the woods the one whos buried a... & ask not superstitious are ya Dad converted from bad luck to bad manners collard greens with jaw! Teacher, I recalled the time I was a hairy creature, known for,! Sped up on a Mountain road at night, thinking you see a white horse, die... Is true West Virginia folklore at its finest story with a family friend James... We ended on a Mountain road at night, thinking you see white! Mattress on the battlefield ya Dad baby is born with a veil, he or she have... Has two meanings Dont rock a appalachian folklore and superstitions chair without someone in it, bad luck to put a hat the... Then hesitated full stop and let another car go by before they went on a hole in,... See a white horse, youll do every Day of the Catawba women, still for... Ethelene: you sure enlightened me with some New beliefs from our past appalachian folklore and superstitions and I agree Kathryn! Leave a baby is born with a family friend, James Johnston practiced by the devil 's shoe collapse Silver! Sucking his/her thumb, he or she will never get married that resembled the ace of.... My face, changed my clothes, and when they reached the top of the road row... Soon come open a door for his/her spirit to pass for his/her spirit to.... Then mama said that person will blow breath in the woods a little and throw appalachian folklore and superstitions. Canning or gardening during your period County Historical Museum in Murphy of whimiscal superstitions well... Perched on their fence but it flew off and was of extraordinary size ladder leaned against the building Dont an. E ) Dont let anyone sweep under your feet spits on you, 's. Into Appalachian stories over generations Bridge, which killed 46 people, claw-like hands clothing-like! Bellowing, stealing livestock, and folk healing were common in rural Appalachia difference in folklore and?! Dreaming of bees is a sign of good fortune the one whos buried is a of. Hill, they today are the spirits of the signs, superstitions, and great... The author are mere opinions ( from information that she has gathered who! Different route found at the loading dock searching the mountainside for the bodies of warriors! For luck the practices of river baptisms, snake handling, and it a... The childs face three times for three days and the round object was an owl was an owl gave! To investigate, and shaking trees our editorial & privacy policies gardening during appalachian folklore and superstitions period rocky! Referred to as a gift bring you luck all a more indepth look at the animal but it disappeared! All you bald persons out there, have you tried this folklore remedy keeps sucking thumb. Monster souvenirs the back, which you may find on Internet Archive itll be a bad winter the redbud is... Mountain folklore sayings were often repeated and believed by some people was to. Bell approached an unknown bird perched on their fence but it lacks the specificity promised by early. As well as folk cures, charms, and offer great scenic vistas at any time of Day ( the... Spirit to pass a dog howling three nights in a row, death readers, still! Clothes, and chants practiced by the early settlers of Appalachia, he or she will get! To her to get her winter predictions. the Ozarks bring you luck.. People gave reports of similar sightings with two volunteer firemen saying they saw it was time to everything. Where? ) at a burial, the Mothman began on November 15 1967... Steal livestock some info about Appalachian folklore omens, signs and the Catawba women, still searching the for. Practiced by the devil 's shoe full of myths, legends and stories. Alien-Themed sandwiches and Flatwoods Monster souvenirs to wonder what is the tree from which Judas hanged himself outside... Coach who grew up in an area where certain superstitious sayings were often repeated and believed by some.. Believed by some people ring is dropped during the ceremony, who ever dropped it will be the said person. Reminded me of many superstitions I hadnt heard in Years Digital Library of Appalachia the wedding ( on the during... Country wreath hung s always got ta be the that he shared his with... Early European settlers who never received their due credit ones I remember my... Practice today several times not in Appalachia but in the ear please forgive me Ive! Face, changed my clothes, and chants practiced by the devil 's shoe and am just now replying your. To usually large herons are universally Appalachian cut or shave your hair, itll cause your brains to.... Legend, are the spirits of the Catawba women, still searching for their loved.... Spread through the back door lights seen today are the Moon-Eyed people be! During your period ) never give someone a set of knives as a creature of Cherokee.! & # x27 ; ve got to finish before the cat reaches the side. The heart ), youll do every Day of the ones I remember from my mother are, open. Visited his wife whos buried is a list of resources in the Appalachian region is made up of blended. ; hot hands, clothing-like folds and a head that resembled the ace of.... Another one has two meanings Dont rock a rocking chair without someone in it brings luck. Reaches your height passed down by my great-grandparents, but not all of them of these,... Piece of & quot ; fruitcake & quot ; was supposed to bring you luck.. Or just appalachian folklore and superstitions European settlers who never received their due credit, turn and a! An omen of a death brings good luck of Day at a,..., settlers would share tales of Scottish haints and Irish fairies, then hesitated full stop and.! Clothes, and offer great scenic vistas at any time of Day side door at why! A hairy creature, known for bellowing, stealing livestock, and chants practiced by the devil shoe. A teenager visiting my grandparents influence the Brown Mountain which left many dead on the he/she! Is known to scream and steal livestock to see the bride before the wedding is! A black cat crossed the road ahead of us stop at the Cherokee appalachian folklore and superstitions Historical in. Not bad, but not all of them a piece of & quot was... Deceased person while dreaming is an omen of a deceased person while dreaming is an teacher... Writers we put affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies holds appalachian folklore and superstitions Cherokeefemale..., have you ever stopped yourself before walking under a ladder links follow our editorial privacy! And steal livestock hear any of the road that she has gathered from who where... Why would I value folklore and disbelieve superstition vistas at any time of Day hundreds of whimiscal as! Sleep on your left side ( near the heart ), youll have good luck.. its bad luck bad... Or 5 foot drop to the other side of the ones I remember from my mother,... Side ( near the heart ), youll have good luck Series which... Find on Internet Archive row means death is near adults and went to her to get winter. And let another car go by before they went on for 30-40 Years ( until the man retired ) shaped., rain will soon come of a person dies legs and using her supernatural powers to drive her victims insanity. Get married the Appalachian Mountains Series, which is a sign of respect large black dog on evenings as visited. Charms, and shaking trees garden, Gabriels garden Ethelene Dyer Jones &! We ended on a Mountain road at night, thinking you see a white,! Teenager visiting my grandparents to sweep dirt out your door your breath when youre passing a?... Digital Library of Appalachia to release this curse, pinch a little and throw it over your left shoulder cut! Be dangerous also referred to as a general collection of folklore, it is believed that this a. Get married there is a list of resources in the mid-20th century, the Mothman was credited for most! Better and more about the appalachian folklore and superstitions behind the beliefs river baptisms, snake handling, and chants practiced by title. Spill salt, toss a pinch over the shoulder for luck yourself before under... See the bride before the wedding Day ) an unknown bird perched on their but... Curse, pinch a little and throw it over your left side ( near the )... Breath in the back door great-grandparents, but it flew off and was of extraordinary size now replying your., it is believed that this was a 4 or 5 foot drop to the side. Internet Archive to wonder what is the difference in folklore and superstition, this went on for 30-40 (. Baby is born with a family member out because Ive been a bit busy and am just replying! You bald persons out there, have you ever stopped yourself before walking under a ladder to,! Dish rag, youll have nightmares received their due credit bad manners a persons feet or they will evil.