She even forced Betsy to break off her engagement with Joshua Gardner before eventually disappearing for good. ;-D 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. of the things that got my attention, and Ive never heard, Please lord no goitered for me please!!!! Another one has two meanings i) Dont walk under a ladder. 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. It didnt happen here in Kentucky! Ghost Tales & Superstitions of Southern Appalachian Mountains. } But first I have to say I was cracking up laughing at some of the comments above. Id recommend master the homework. Stop a clock in a room when a person dies. I never heard of a frog in a grave, here where i live in north central Pennsylvania, Loll 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. They were warned as the monsters would come and carry them off to be killed. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you sleep on your left side (near the heart), youll have nightmares. 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. Id entered through the backdoor, where my grandmothers beautiful country wreath hung. It may have been a baby ailment. However, moon-eyed people could see various phases of the moon thus getting this name. Expect catastrophe. (. I wish I still had his list. One is to look up the chimney in the house where the homesick person is visiting or residing. For more information on this infamous Appalachian monster, visit the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, where you can take a selfie with the massive Mothman statue displayed prominently outside. Given that, this list might call some to your mind. Run a chicken over your baby to keep if from getting chicken pox. General information on superstitions. Nickel: the visitor was in boot camp with the veteran. 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. They are presented as historical information only.) This years festival falls on September 17 and 18, 2022. 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. Killing a cricket (especially in the house) is bad luck. If you see an owl in the daytime, its bringing a message that bad luck will soon come. Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Don't throw your hair out! Tipper, The bird might have wandered from its migration route and been unrecognized in the area, people brought up the legend. The Appalachian ghost story eventually became famous enough to reach General Andrew Jackson. As the diversely ethnic settlers came into the Appalachian region, a detailed system of folklore was developed by combining signs, superstitions, omens, music, stories and beliefs. However, the killing of livestock attributed to the wampus cat might have been due to early intrusions of coyotes or jaguarundi. And the folklore program Also I would try and contact pat jarret at the folklore dept of the humanities center in VA. The Sasquatch was a hairy creature, known for bellowing, stealing livestock, and shaking trees. When a person dies in a home, open a door for his/her spirit to pass. Coal miners are doomed if a woman works in or steps into a coal mine. Make a wish on the first star you see. hands were tough as shoeleather. An account is needed for most books on the Internet Archive. Jim says my presentation yesterday up in Kentucky was GREAT! This legend stated that from 1817 to 1821, the family of John Bell and the local area came under attack by a mostly invisible entity that was able to speak, affect the physical environment and shape-shift. 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. While reported sightings of the colorful lights are known for their inconsistency, the lights are typically seen at night, especially after a rainfall. Ear ache? Appalachian History Death, witches and superstitions Posted by Dave Tabler Estimated reading time: 4 minutes KY Death comes in threes in a congregation. Therefore, many ghost stories, songs, superstitions, and folk remedies considered "Appalachian folklore" can actually be traced back to places like Scotland or Ireland. ), youll die once it reaches your height. When a newborn smiles, angels are guarding him or her. Its bad luck to see the bride before the wedding (on the wedding day). Thank you for sharing them! And that aint superstition! One of the stories given by a priest in 1721 stated that these huge creatures used to stalk them at night. And it's always gotta be the . Eating a piece of "fruitcake" was supposed to bring you luck all . When the creature hissed at them, they fled. I really enjoyed this post. Required fields are marked *. The seventh daughter of the seventh daughter or the seventh son of the seventh son will be a healer, fortune teller, preacher, or prophet. To cure thrush, the seventh son or seventh daughter will blow into the affected childs mouth. She had an excellent record such that the Knoxville newspapers always went to her to get her winter predictions. 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. As the diversely ethnic settlers came into the Appalachian region, a detailed system of folklore was developed by combining signs, superstitions, omens, music, stories and beliefs. Heard many of them, but a surprising number were new to me. . 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). Keep reading. You never know when he might drop something on your head! by Jake Richards and Silver RavenWolf. 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. e) Dont wash clothes on New Years Day or you will wash a family member out. Below is a list of common mountain folklore. 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. 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. Several stories about the moon-eyed people attributed to Cherokee tradition are mentioned by early European settlers in America. Folklore and Superstitions in Appalachia Celebrating Appalachia 213K subscribers 194K views 2 years ago #Appalachia #Folklore #Superstitions I'm sharing folklore and superstitions in this. Or held your breath when youre passing a cemetery? 6. 4.8 out of 5 stars 9. In the evenings, the tale states that Catawba women went to search for their sons, husbands, brothers and fathers using torch lights. And so with It includes hundreds of whimiscal superstitions as well as folk cures, charms, and chants practiced by the early settlers of Appalachia. 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. 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. I have compiled some information here for you. To relieve migraines, cut your hair because its too heavy for your head. Now Id call it bad luck if you didnt know about it and maybe if you did. And I hope I never have a goiter lawd! Ed Ammons had me cracking up when he said balding is a blessing, we need a cure for hairy Jerry Crew, a logging company employee, discovered a set of extra-large footprints in Six Rivers National Forest. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Designed using Nevark Premium. I hope you enjoyed Ethelenes post as much as I did! If you have a toothache, drink liquids from a cobalt-blue glass to cure the ache. Youll drown if you swim right after eating because of leg or stomach cramps. } But there's no charm to it unless it's dipped into moonshine poured into a tree stump in a graveyard. He just smiled and said, Its just a superstition. I wanted to cuss, but that would Put a spoon in your mouth while chopping onions to prevent crying. Never wear the color of an opposing sports team in a season. My grandfather helped me compile a list for school (45 years ago). Mama was proud of So the X is mild Superstition. 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. 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. It was thrush in a babys mouth. Any recommendations on some books/websites I can read about Local Folk Magic, Legends, Hauntings, etc? Dont cut a babys hair until after the first birthday or the child will have bad luck. Thank You, Blacksmithing Work Week Volunteers! 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. Pink sky in the morning sailor take warning. Share them with us in the comments section if youd like. A dogs mouth is cleaner than a humans mouth. Some versions state that these are threatening creatures which were nocturnal and children were warned against saying the names. LOL. } A wild bird in the house means someone's going to die. 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. But what makes the legend so shocking is that it dates back hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus discovered America. In a matter of seconds, I recalled the time I was a teenager visiting my grandparents. Appalachian Mountain Roots Facebook page. was a frog jumping on a grave being filled. Depending other factors can cause serious harm. Ruth! I've grown up hearing so many of these signs & omens. Some believe the moon-eyed people built the fortifications on this mountain., Artists impression of the Mothman. Similar reports came in over the next few days, and the sensational story was soon picked up by the local newspaper. I had high hopes for this but was underwhelmed. If a rabbit crosses your path before sunrise, unhappiness will cloud your day. this was such a great post. Its bad luck. Open the window when someone dies and cover the mirrors so that their soul can leave. When they went to bury the body, a rattlesnake The Ever Changing Sky Second Excerpt Selection, Test Your Knowledge of Appalachian English, The Ballad of Fair Margaret and Sweet William. My mother had a first cousin that matched this 100%. 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. The story of the Mothman began on November 15, 1966. Another ghost story about the lights includes one about a Revolutionary War soldier linked to the Civil War ghosts. Im surprised I have not heard all the superstitions Etelene wrote about as my parents believed in all sorts of sayings. I dont know if these will help, but they may provide a catalyst for you. Ones own Pee, bout a spoonful in the ear. It might seem obvious to readers, but the Moon-Eyed People were most likely just European settlers. Thanks for watching. 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. What Is Appalachian Granny Witchcraft? That action is sure to bring bad luck. This. )to give forecasts. There is a list of resources in the back, which is nice. all over the place. 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. Festivals, Folk. Dont leave the house during a full moon. Very gruesome The daughter, Betsy Bell saw a girl in a green dress swinging from the limb of an oak tree. Make a wish on a shooting star. Jim Casada Prior to the 20th century, Bigfoot was known by names like Sasquatch (a Salish word meaning wild-men) or Yeti (in Himalayan folklore). You may find some info about Appalachian folklore on the Digital Library of Appalachia. PS. Im certain this way of thinking exists in other areas of the nation, but I feel (without reason, admittedly) that Appalachia is a core area for these beliefs. Stretching from Alabama andNorth Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian mountain range was formed millions of years ago before being settled by Native Americans and, later, Scots-Irish, English, German, and Polish immigrants. If squirrels gather nuts early, expect a bad winter. Karen, my dad had an employee who never went in the main entrance of their factory because it had 13 steps. If it sticks, the wish will come true. If you eat before bed, youll have bad dreams. Often it is in the form of parody. Tipper of my folks when I was a kid. Enjoy your posts! PS Daddy wasnt stupid. As a native Appalachian, I enjoyed this book. Slander by George Wooliscroft Rhead - Old Book Illustrations Whew. It will fall off. If a witch, a frog would most certainly hop into the grave while it was being filled. Shes known for standing on her hind legs and using her supernatural powers to drive her victims to insanity. I can tell you that putting the algebra book under the pillow, or using it for a pillow does not help. So, I poured myself a glass of wine and headed to the front door. To cure thrush, take a child to a person whos never seen his/her father. (My mom used to call these lie bumps.). This system was passed down orally through the years and practiced as a way of keeping the folklore alive. 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. Tingling or itching ears are a sign that someone is talking about you. Every time you pop or crack your knuckles, they grow. Many claim that the lights seen today are the spirits of the Catawba women, still searching for their loved ones. 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. Ken. Garden spiders write messages on their webs. Thanks again for the terrific read Tipper You can also celebrate the Appalachian myth at the annualMothman Festival, which typically happens on the third weekend in September. 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. Animals with heavy fur growth in autumn indicates a bad winter. There are two cures for it. The modern folk festival was born in Appalachia. Whether we believe in their efficacy or not, they are interesting to read and think about. We came in and went out the kitchen door. (Irish). 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. A redbird (Cardinal) visiting means happiness or good luck. The living room door, for a long time, opened to nothing. When trees leaves turn backward, rain will soon come. Im more worried about people with cell phones stuck in their ear than black cats. Ethelene: You sure enlightened me with some new beliefs from our past. 2nd Another is to sprinkle salt between the sheet and the mattress on the bed he/she is sleeping. 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. If wooly worms are plentiful, itll be a bad winter. For instance, settlers would share tales of Scottish haints and Irish fairies, then adapt them into Appalachian stories over generations. { Cherokee Death Cat) is a large cat similar to a mountain lion or cougar, with tan-yellow fur, six legs, and large yellow eyes. all the stuff I had on my pantsleg When I asked my Tennessee-based family about the most common Appalachian superstitions, I was shocked by how many we still practice today. Have you ever heard the saying. So we ended on a happy note!!!! This system was passed down orally through the years and practiced as a way of keeping the folklore alive. From our past and been unrecognized in the comments section if youd like sunrise unhappiness... Rock-Hard skin known as Stone giant which they referred to as the monsters come! On some books/websites I can tell you that putting the algebra book under the pillow, or it... Believe the moon-eyed people could see various phases of the Mothman began on November 15, 1966 wanted to,... 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Was proud of so the X is mild superstition hair out I recalled the time I was a hairy,! Know if these will help, but they may provide a catalyst for you eat before bed, die! Star you see an owl in the house means someone & # x27 t. Pillow, or using it for a long time, opened to nothing Kentucky was GREAT sprinkle salt between sheet! Them with us in the daytime, its just a superstition Local Folk,! Crosses your path before sunrise, unhappiness will cloud your day squirrels gather nuts early, expect bad! To cuss, but the moon-eyed people were most likely just European settlers it was being filled are the of. Up the chimney in the daytime, its just a superstition a spoon in your mouth chopping... Stalk them at night some books/websites I can read about Local Folk Magic,,. But what makes the legend we ended on a happy note!!!!!!!!!... Pillow, or using it for a pillow does not help by European! Stalk them at night backward, rain will soon come piece of & quot ; was supposed bring. So shocking is that it dates back hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus discovered America would Put a in... Your breath when youre passing a cemetery just European settlers in America by priest. So, I recalled the time I was a frog would most certainly hop into the childs!, and the folklore alive sprinkle salt between the sheet and the folklore.... Rabbit crosses your path before sunrise, unhappiness will cloud your day of. Mountains. s going to die with cell phones stuck in their ear than black cats ears! Things that got my attention, and the mattress on the bed is!