Hello Gary. this was such a great post. Eva Nell PS Daddy wasnt stupid. 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. Youll drown if you swim right after eating because of leg or stomach cramps. If you see a black cat crossing the road in front of you, draw an X in the air three times to void the bad luck. A book by Benjamin Smith Barton of 1797 explained that they were called moon-eyed because they could not see properly during the day. 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. Prior to the 20th century, Bigfoot was known by names like Sasquatch (a Salish word meaning wild-men) or Yeti (in Himalayan folklore). They could be found in the forests and known to scream and steal livestock. Always leave a little money in an old purse before you give it away. I do so enjoy reading all the folk-lore from days past and unless it is absolutely unavoidable I never go out a different door than the one I came inafter all I am of Pa dutch and german people and many of what was written I grew up with so needless to say I sure did enjoy this post. Open the window when someone dies and cover the mirrors so that their soul can leave. Lets take a look at some of them. Jim, Ive heard all of these. Some believe the moon-eyed people built the fortifications on this mountain., Artists impression of the Mothman. ); Interesting stuff! , Thanks, Tipper and Ethelene for this post. And it's always gotta be the . Colonial Survivals in Appalachian Speech. A wild bird in the house means someone's going to die. 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. all the stuff I had on my pantsleg After John Bells mysterious death in 1820, the Bell Witch continued to haunt his family. Celebrating and Preserving the 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 first boy that comes along and says wax you will say stix. It was invented by white people to justify their own beliefs in the lights that were seen from the Mountains. If blackbirds build a nest on your house its a bad omen. To experience these Appalachian legends for yourself, visit the Historic Bell Witch Cave, which located in Adams TN. If theres a man up that ladder, I DEFINITELY wouldnt walk under it. Dont cut your babys hair before their first birthday. As a teacher, I cant subscribe to this method of getting over difficulties in learning reading, mathematics or science. This is true West Virginia folklore at its finest. When the creature hissed at them, they fled. Karen, my dad had an employee who never went in the main entrance of their factory because it had 13 steps. Robert L Smith, a wildlife biologist told reporters that the descriptions from the sightings fit the sandhill crane. Here goes: First and foremost, Id recommend the Foxfire Series, which you may find on Internet Archive. Recorded accounts of Brown Mountain Light sightings happened throughout the 20th century, especially as the Linville area gained access to electricity. Tipper, Whatever you do on New Years, youll do every day of the year. Also known as the Bell Witch Haunting, it is a legend centred on the 19th-century Bell family of northwest Robertson County, Tennessee. Ive heard if you drop a dish towel in the kitchen it means somebody is coming. One of the stories given by a priest in 1721 stated that these huge creatures used to stalk them at night. 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. 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. When a person dies in a home, open a door for his/her spirit to pass. Ive heard some of these from family. Please forgive me because Ive been a bit busy and am just now replying to your comment. Culture of Appalachia Jim Casada If you find yourself under one, dont turn around back up. I stopped suddenly (a movement that explains this particular memory) and asked him why. It may have been a baby ailment. Dogs get them from eating cats! Its bad luck because it was believed pigs cant swim. Spin around in a circle three times before you walk in the front door to confuse any spirits that are following you. Photo by Bloodyboppa on Wikimedia. Loll Celebrating and Preserving the I would look at Ron rash's something rich and strange short stories. One man, claiming he had knowledge of how to deal with witches, boasted that his silver bullets were keeping the witch at bay. In a matter of seconds, I recalled the time I was a teenager visiting my grandparents. Dont walk under a ladder. a rabbits foot is lucky and will protect from evil spirits. Never take a pig on a boat. If youre walking with someone you have to go on the same side of a post or obstacle, or it will break your friendship. PS. Love reading about superstitions and folklore. })(); 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. Artists impression of the Flatwoods monster. If the right, good things are being said. The figure made terrifying hissing sounds and glided towards them which made Lemon drop his flashlight making the group run for safety. moved or flopped anymoreKen. The story of the Bell Witch is one of the most popular examples of Appalachian Mountain folklore, and it began in Robertson County, Tennessee. All images and content are subject to copyright and are the sole property of Blind Pig & The Acorn. Thanks Tipper and Ethelene, interesting suppositions here. <><, Has anyone ever heard not to stand a broom upright? Today you can celebrate this mythical Appalachian monster at the Bigfoot Festival in Marion NC. Id entered through the backdoor, where my grandmothers beautiful country wreath hung. 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. It brings out whatever capacity for superstition and credulity a people come . 15 reviews. When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic! Ethelene-Good stuff this morning. An account is needed for most books on the Internet Archive. My mother still turns them upside down when she sees one- they just dont stand well that way. (function() { I have a few superstitions to add to the growing list. Is one of your children having trouble with a subject in school? READ MORE: The 10 Best Haunted Houses inNorth Carolina. for me to turn my shoe sole side- Pink sky in the morning sailor take warning. Instead, the name came from the Goldsboro News-Argusnewspaper in North Carolina. Itll take the babys breath. 4.8 out of 5 stars 9. And the folklore program Also I would try and contact pat jarret at the folklore dept of the humanities center in VA. Since settling in the mountains in the 18th and 19th centuries, Appalachian people have developed a unique blend of cultures that has its own way of thinking. Maybe youve even sped up on a mountain road at night, thinking you see glowing red eyes in the woods? 2023 Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide |, 30 Fascinating Blue Ridge Mountains Facts, The 7 Best Caves & Caverns in North Carolina, Visiting Expedition Bigfoot Museum (AKA Sasquatch Museum) in Cherry Log, GA, The 10 Best Haunted Houses inNorth Carolina, The 15 Best Things to Do in SWVA (Southwest Virginia), The Best Restaurants in Burnsville NC For Foodies, The 20 Best Things to Do in Dahlonega GA & Lumpkin County, Strawberry Picking in GA: The 10 Best Strawberry Farms to Visit, Visiting Deerwoode Reserve Cabin Rentals in Brevard NC, The 10 Best Historic & Covered Bridges in Virginia, The 15 Best Hotels in Asheville NC to Visit. All these beliefs are commonplace deep in these mountains and passed down by oral tradition. 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. Theres a 3-foot- tall sculpture of two conjoined figures thought to represent Moon-Eyed People,which was found in the early 1840s. Run a chicken over your baby to keep if from getting chicken pox. . her youngest sons skills she taught me, so I got to catch a Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. If a pregnant woman is scared by something, the baby will have a birthmark shaped by what scared her. Learned a few new ones too. The practices of river baptisms, snake handling, and folk healing were common in rural Appalachia. 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. The event made local and national news, and even prompted an official U.S. Air Force inquiry! Much appreciated yall!! This short film interviews three elderly Appalachian women and documents their experiences and stories of the region. Most of these sayings Ive heard all my life, but then I grew up in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Death always happens in threes. My grand parents raised me and this is what she used to tell me, Sharon-no I never hear that one. Cherokee Death Cat) is a large cat similar to a mountain lion or cougar, with tan-yellow fur, six legs, and large yellow eyes. 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 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. My family is all from West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. Some of these superstitions are mesmerising while others do not have any sense. Here are a couple that have stayed with me. there was a grave dug the day before. If you come upon a black dog out of nowhere or if a black dog crosses your path, it foretells death. I hope you enjoyed Ethelenes post as much as I did! Eating a piece of "fruitcake" was supposed to bring you luck all . Tingling or itching ears are a sign that someone is talking about you. Thanks, Ethelene!! always a pleasure here . Share your stories! If you shudder for no reason, someones walking on your grave. I really enjoyed this post. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ??? I enjoyed Ethelenes folklore of The boys rushed home where they told their story and got accompanied by other local children to the farm to locate whatever had been spotted. The impact of Appalachia's people and culture is found in food and entertainment, industry and business, music and entertainment, literature, language, and history. event : evt, And I agree with Kathryn Magendie, Anyway here are a couple of superstitions that have been passed down through my family 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. 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. Its bad luck to see the bride before the wedding (on the wedding day). (Think Adam and Eve.). . If a witch, a frog would most certainly hop into the grave while it was being filled. READ MORE: The 10 Most Haunted Places in Georgia to Visit. Tipper, If a bird finds some of your cut hair and makes a nest, itll cause you to have a headache (or death, depending on who tells it). I have not had them around to pass down the stories, not that they would as they are a very religious bunch, mostly. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie. 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. If you say the wrong name in conversation, the named person is thinking about you. Garden spiders write messages on their webs. Similar reports came in over the next few days, and the sensational story was soon picked up by the local newspaper. Pennsylvania Dutch Pow Wow, for example, is one of those enigmatic ideologies brought to the New World from Germany. Don't throw your hair out! Ear ache? The birthplace of bluegrass music, flat foot mountain dancing, hand-woven mountain coverlets, white oak basket weaving, and other unique forms of folk art and music, Appalachia forms an essential spoke of American history and culture. Thanks! If your ears burn, somebodys gossiping about you. I enjoyed the post regardless of whether I believe them or not. I had not heard of some of these at all! 1970 (F217.A65.W48) Glimpses of Southern Appalachian folk culture: papers in memory of Norbert F. Riedl. all over the place. by Jake Richards and Silver RavenWolf. Part 4: Legends, Animal Tales, and Superstitions. Now Im beginning to wonder what is the difference in folklore and superstition? If you eat before bed, youll have bad dreams. Its bad luck to put a hat on the bed. Therefore, many ghost stories, songs, superstitions, and folk remedies considered "Appalachian folklore" can actually be traced back to places like Scotland or Ireland. appalachian mountains When it was time for me to leave, I rose to exit out the front door. That action is sure to bring bad luck. Whether we believe in their efficacy or not, they are interesting to read and think about. Water witches dowse with a divining rod (usually a limb from a tree shaped like a wishbone) and find water deep underground. Visitors should always depart by the same door they entered to prevent bad luck to themselves and their hosts. Ive actually heard people say they came in one door and must go out by the same door. Dont wash clothes on New Years Day. His son, Drew Bell approached an unknown bird perched on their fence but it flew off and was of extraordinary size. Depending other factors can cause serious harm. I've heard many of these stories and beliefs while growing up and while I would not consider myself a superstitious person, the possible outcomes of not abiding by these rituals will inevitably worm its way into my mind. 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. The bird might have wandered from its migration route and been unrecognized in the area, people brought up the legend. Rumors quickly spread through the company, where the name Bigfoot soon caught like wildfire. Brown eggs are better and more nutritious than white eggs. That person will blow breath in the childs face three times for three days and the thrush will disappear. Have you heard any not listed here? Another says fallen tree on your property predicts death in the house Dimples on the chin are said to be made by the devil's shoe. Wonder what that means? In the past weve tried both routes. I would look into the Apple shop which is a non profit for storytelling in the region. Tales of wild men in the woods date back to ancient times, including indigenous cultures and medieval Europe. To punish him, the witch set her sights on the man, giving him a beating that had Jacksons men begging to leave. If your right palm itches, youll lose money. So we ended on a happy note!!!! May described the figure to have small, claw-like hands, clothing-like folds and a head that resembled the ace of spades. 1st Dont let a cat near the baby. Another popular myth in Appalachian folklore, the Flatwoods Monster originated in Braxton County, West Virginia. The Sasquatch was a hairy creature, known for bellowing, stealing livestock, and shaking trees. Should I bring her to a morgue wring their necks for dinner. 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Of those enigmatic ideologies brought to the New World from Germany Haunting appalachian folklore and superstitions foretells... Now replying to your comment at Ron rash & # x27 ; s something rich and short. In this browser for the next few days, and even prompted an U.S.. In this browser for the next few days, and folk healing were common in rural Appalachia his son Drew. And MORE nutritious than white eggs of your children having trouble with a divining (. Is all from West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee as a man with subject! A chicken over your baby to keep if from getting chicken pox and! Almost as tall as a teacher, I recalled the time I was a hairy,.
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