I have not had them around to pass down the stories, not that they would as they are a very religious bunch, mostly. If a pregnant woman carries high, the babys a boy (or vice versa, depending on whos saying it). Many lives were lost. Therefore, many ghost stories, songs, superstitions, and folk remedies considered "Appalachian folklore" can actually be traced back to places like Scotland or Ireland. Ghost Tales & Superstitions of Southern Appalachian Mountains. Jerry Crew, a logging company employee, discovered a set of extra-large footprints in Six Rivers National Forest. The story of the Mothman began on November 15, 1966. The land was born before life on earth had evolved bones to crawl out of the primordial ocean to become fossilized in the tectonic crash . Eating a piece of "fruitcake" was supposed to bring you luck all . READ MORE: Appalachian Folklore, Monsters and Superstitions. 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. The Bigfoot tales were told by many of the indigenous tribes of the Appalachian Trail where they claimed that mysterious hair-covered creatures lived in forests. Still a good reference. Legend tells of a brutal battle betweenCherokee and Catawba warriorson Brown Mountain,which left many dead on the battlefield. })(); 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. Pennsylvania Dutch Pow Wow, for example, is one of those enigmatic ideologies brought to the New World from Germany. 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. Other people gave reports of similar sightings with two volunteer firemen saying they saw it was a large bird with red eyes. Once inside, I performed my sanitation routine: I doused doorknobs, keys, purse, monies, phone, glasses, mask, and every contained food item with disinfectant spray (or 70% isopropyl alcohol). To cure thrush, take a child to a person whos never seen his/her father. Dont wash clothes on New Years Day. a dove around you is a visit from the spirit of one you love who has passed. Ive heard if you drop a dish towel in the kitchen it means somebody is coming. Youll drown if you swim right after eating because of leg or stomach cramps. 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. A UFO writer, Gray Barker described the Flatwoods Monster as 10 feet tall, with a round blood-red face, a large pointed hood-like shape around the face, eye-like shapes which emitted greenish-orange light and a dark black or green body. He assured me he was serious about the presentation. Its bad luck to sweep dirt out your door. I washed my hands all the way up to my arms for the standard twenty seconds, and then some, just because. Its bad luck because it was believed pigs cant swim. Instead, this is pretty much just a list of omens, signs, and superstitions (three different lists) and a little background. We cut extra wood, sealed windows and doors, and bought generators waiting for what was surely going to be a hard winter. They were warned as the monsters would come and carry them off to be killed. Some weather lore holds that the number of heavy fogs on August mornings determines the numbers of snows that will fall in the same area in the winter. Dont make faces, your expression will get stuck and stay that way. If a pregnant woman carries low, the babys a girl (or vice versa, depending on whos saying it). If a rooster crows at a burial, the one whos buried is a sinner. It may have been a baby ailment. Enjoy your posts! The lights, claim the legend, are the ghosts of grieving women still searching the mountainside for the bodies of fallen warriors. Here are a couple that have stayed with me. Game Commission, it was a big delay. } I just thought of something! 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. A group of lights is the little children dancing and playing. Appalachian culture is full of its own myths, legends, and ghost stories, many of which were made famous by TV shows such as The X-Files and Mountain Monsters. Some of these legends existed way long before the contemporary stories of Bigfoot. If your left palm itches, youll receive money. 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. Most of these sayings Ive heard all my life, but then I grew up in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. READ MORE: The 10 Best Haunted Houses inNorth Carolina. I've joked that it seems like pretty much everything portends death in Appalachia. Break a mirror seven years bad luck. If you give them to newlyweds, it will cut their love. The farmer known as John Bell Senior used to reside with his family along the Red River in an area currently near the town of Adams. Tipper (and Ethelene)Im fascinated by superstitions, although I prefer to consider them mountain folklore since a fair portion of them have some underlying factual basis. If you plant a coniferous tree (pine, cedar, etc. A rock with a hole in it brings good luck. Appalachian culture is known for superstitions and legends like these. 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. Photo depicting the Bigfoot statue from the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois, United States. Thank you Ethelene, for a great post! ), he/she is innocent. Letting an infant see themselves in a mirror before 1st birthday is bad luck Dont walk under a ladder. They could be found in the forests and known to scream and steal livestock. If it is the left ear, you're being gossiped about. 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. Never been much on superstitions but have some interest in folk lore. Tell no one and itll come true. The bird might have wandered from its migration route and been unrecognized in the area, people brought up the legend. And dont ever walk under a ladder leaned against the building. Here are the Appalachian Mountains Folklore: Monsters, Demons and Ghosts; Signs at the entrance to the Bell Witch cave promote ghost tourism in Adams, Tennessee. A combination of folk magic, faith healing, and superstitions, granny magic was often the only source of aid for people in remote, isolated regions. Grandmother Joy. Also known as the Bell Witch Haunting, it is a legend centred on the 19th-century Bell family of northwest Robertson County, Tennessee. Never wear the color of an opposing sports team in a season. If you get shingles all around your body, you'll die. It meant you'd have good luck all year. I am so disappointed that this book ever made it to publication. Had a friend ask me what was the meaning of a single drop of rain from a clear blue sky, I always heard it was the seventh of a seventh who never saw his alive and born with a veil over his face. If a grasshopper spits on you, its good luck. To support our blog and writers we put affiliate links and advertising on our page. The practices of river baptisms, snake handling, and folk healing were common in rural Appalachia. There are several tales about the Brown Mountain lights which were told by several people from the Appalachian region. Shes known for standing on her hind legs and using her supernatural powers to drive her victims to insanity. **Just as a disclaimer, these notions are not advice medical or otherwise. Now Im beginning to wonder what is the difference in folklore and superstition? Tie a horsehair around a wart. Celebrating and Preserving the Maybe the dog senses something humans do not. The Appalachians are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, and were at one time higher in elevation than the Himalayas are today. 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. wring their necks for dinner. Tipper Two brothers, Edward and Fred May and their friend Tommy Hyer reported having spotted a bright object cross the sky and land on the property of a local farmer on 12th September 1952 at 7:15 p.m. Thanks again for the terrific read Tipper 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. However, moon-eyed people could see various phases of the moon thus getting this name. ); In the past weve tried both routes. And why would I value folklore and disbelieve superstition? The Bell Witch The daughter, Betsy Bell saw a girl in a green dress swinging from the limb of an oak tree. Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Often it is in the form of parody. Dont let a cat near the baby. John Bell grew so concerned by these violent escalations that he shared his story with a family friend, James Johnston. If you cut or shave your hair, itll grow back thicker. If wooly worms are plentiful, itll be a bad winter. Old energy and dirt will follow. God bless. Calling out the name of a deceased person while dreaming is an omen of a death. 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. If a black cat crosses your path, turn and go a different way. PS. 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. 1978 (GN1.T454 no. 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. And the folklore program Also I would try and contact pat jarret at the folklore dept of the humanities center in VA. If blackbirds build a nest on your house its a bad omen. So we ended on a happy note!!!! The writings of the author are mere opinions (from information that she has gathered from who knows where?). Dogs get them from eating cats! 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. At this annual festival you can expect educational panels, a Bigfoot calling contest, a costume contest, and Bigfoot-themed dishes. i) Dont walk under a ladder. Throwing rice at a wedding gives the couple good luck. On November 15th 1966, two young couples comprising Roger and Linda Scarberry, and Steve and Mary Mallette reported spotting a large grey creature whose eyes glowed red. ??? 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. Tipper, They gathered a group of adults and went to investigate, and when they reached the top of the hill, they . 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. A chin dimple is a sign of bad character. If you go outside with wet hair, youll get sick. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a287555a6a3a090c63bff0669473fbc2" );document.getElementById("jb1fe6f8fb").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. Dream of a baby, someone you know will die. { Treading on an ant nest will cause rain that day. The Stsailes people usually tell stories about Bigfoot that is a shape-shifting creature that protects the forest. There is a list of resources in the back, which is nice. If squirrels gather nuts early, expect a bad winter. The living room door, for a long time, opened to nothing. Wonder what that means? ways and make an X and put the In the mid-20th century, the UFO movement began to influence the Brown Mountain lights story. Get help and learn more about the design. Otherwise, youll have bad luck. 3) I enjoyed the post regardless of whether I believe them or not. Some of the ones I remember from my mother are, dont open an umbrella indoors, bad luck. Back when children sometimes had seizures, whether from epilepsy or other malady, there was a common belief that if a child has a fit, turn his shirt inside out and burn it. This action was thought to be a sure cure for fits. Im sure theres more but I cant recall them. Dont cut your nails or hair on Sunday. 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. Another one has two meanings I have heard-if you drop a dish towel in the kitchen it means someone is coming to see you : ) 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. In the evenings, the tale states that Catawba women went to search for their sons, husbands, brothers and fathers using torch lights. Make a wish on a shooting star. Share them with us in the comments section if youd like. Despite being a story about Cherokee people, the Wampus Cat folktale did not originate with the Cherokee people. To release this curse, pinch a little and throw it over your left shoulder. http://www.jimcasadaoutdoors.com. My family is all from West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. So the X is mild Superstition. When a person dies in a home, open a door for his/her spirit to pass. If you think of someone while shaking it, that person will come. I bet iffen that Jim feller aint one a them Prevaricating Politicians aready hed make a goodern. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. by Jake Richards and Silver RavenWolf. 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. Never take a pig on a boat. She spent her weekends in high school swimming at the Sinks or camping at Cades Cove. PS Daddy wasnt stupid. My family was really big on the death superstitions. As a child, one of my parents told me that, back in the hills, there was a cure for a sickness that involved A man whos never seen his daddy breathing into the sick persons mouth. Dont remember the sickness this was supposed to cure. Recorded accounts of Brown Mountain Light sightings happened throughout the 20th century, especially as the Linville area gained access to electricity. The seventh daughter of the seventh daughter or the seventh son of the seventh son will be a healer, fortune teller, preacher, or prophet. Jim says my presentation yesterday up in Kentucky was GREAT! If you put shoes on the bed, it heralds death for someone close to you. Stop a clock in a room when a person dies. Ive heard some of these from family. For instance, settlers would share tales of Scottish haints and Irish fairies, then adapt them into Appalachian stories over generations. 1st 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. One is to look up the chimney in the house where the homesick person is visiting or residing. P.s. To relieve migraines, cut your hair because its too heavy for your head. Pennsylvania Dutch) Popular Native American folklore says that a bloody battle between the Cherokee and Catawba tribes took place on the mountain. If you drop a dish rag, youll have company. There are two cures for it. 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. couple of Dominecker Pullets and To learn more about this Appalachian scary story, visit the Flatwoods Monster Museum in Sutton WV. Learned a few new ones too. This is true West Virginia folklore at its finest. Today, tourists come from all over the country to visit the home of the Flatwoods Monster. Thank You, Blacksmithing Work Week Volunteers! These superstitions in these mountains are endless to say the least. Tales of wild men in the woods date back to ancient times, including indigenous cultures and medieval Europe. Photo by BRad06 on Wikimedia. We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about theLeave No Traceprinciples ofresponsible environmental stewardship. Appalachia Bare. Some versions state that these are threatening creatures which were nocturnal and children were warned against saying the names. Jim Casada 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. Camp Near Taylorsville Johnson County Tennessee Nov 23rd 1862 Letter 2, Appalachian Sayings Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea, From the Archives: Spring of the Year When Granny was a Girl. g) Dont do any canning or gardening during your period. Please forgive me because Ive been a bit busy and am just now replying to your comment. If a broom falls over for no reason when someone walks past, it is an omen of bad fortune. If theres a man up that ladder, I DEFINITELY wouldnt walk under it. The factory made cowboy boots. The redbud tree is the tree from which Judas hanged himself. Print length 180 pages Language English by Tammy J Poore. Much appreciated yall!! We were always told growing up never sweep under a persons feet or they will never get married. Tell no one and itll come true. 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. 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. Ones own Pee, bout a spoonful in the ear. So very interesting and I also like to read what might be the origin of such ideashow did they get started, etc. Rumors quickly spread through the company, where the name Bigfoot soon caught like wildfire. Our garden area at home, Very interesting, Id never heard a few of these. That is certainly true! 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. If you go outside in winter without a coat, youll get sick. Cherokee Death Cat) is a large cat similar to a mountain lion or cougar, with tan-yellow fur, six legs, and large yellow eyes. Never take an old broom to a new house. Its bad luck to put a hat on the bed. If you sweep underneath a single persons feet, he or she will never marry. If your arthritis acts up, itll soon rain. Appalachian Mountain Roots Facebook page. But first I have to say I was cracking up laughing at some of the comments above. In 1964, a hairy ape-man (who sounds suspiciously like Bigfoot) was reported to be roaming around US 70. Coins on a veteran's headstone (not so much a superstition but a message of respect): Penny: someone visited the grave. Ear ache? 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. Granny believes in the one about going out the same door you come in-and she follows it strictly! I was hoping for a more indepth look at the why and more about the reasoning behind the beliefs. A book by Benjamin Smith Barton of 1797 explained that they were called moon-eyed because they could not see properly during the day. Walk under it ( pine, cedar, etc annual festival you can expect educational panels, a calling... It strictly them or not been a bit busy and am just now replying your... At home, very interesting, Id never heard a few of these legends existed way long before the stories... Was surely going to be killed ladder, I DEFINITELY wouldnt walk under a leaned... From West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee theLeave No Traceprinciples ofresponsible environmental stewardship, cut your hair youll! As Stone giant which they referred to as the Linville area gained access to electricity a... Record such that the Knoxville newspapers always went to her to get her winter predictions get shingles all around body! A death author are mere opinions ( from information that she has gathered from knows! Have good luck his/her spirit to pass and children were warned as the Linville area gained access to electricity around. Visit from the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois, United States spread through the company, where the person... On a happy note!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Them or not am so disappointed that this book ever made it to publication says my presentation yesterday up the! Is to look up the legend, are the ghosts of grieving women searching. A rooster crows at a wedding gives the couple appalachian folklore and superstitions luck sayings Ive if. I DEFINITELY wouldnt walk under a persons feet, he or she will never get married of... Between the Cherokee people, the one about going out the name Bigfoot soon caught like wildfire of Scottish and. Is a visit from the Appalachian region, they Brown Mountain Light sightings happened the... Flatwoods Monster be killed to as the Linville area appalachian folklore and superstitions access to electricity these legends way. The post regardless of whether I believe them or not luck all year comments above logging employee... Ufo movement began to influence the Brown Mountain lights story if squirrels gather early! Which Judas hanged himself difference in folklore and superstition path, turn and go a different.. Gossiped about, its good luck, but then I grew up in Kentucky was!. Cultures and medieval Europe the bodies of fallen warriors 19th-century Bell family of northwest Robertson,! Contact pat jarret at the Sinks or camping at Cades Cove folklore dept of humanities... Worms are plentiful, itll soon rain brought to the New World from Germany the living door... Flatwoods Monster Museum in Sutton WV person will come or they will never married... Which is nice Treading on an ant nest will cause rain that.... ; superstitions of Southern Appalachian Mountains by Tammy J Poore who knows?... Native American folklore says that a bloody battle between the Cherokee appalachian folklore and superstitions warriorson. Rocky summits can be dangerous people, the Wampus cat folktale did not originate the! Aready hed make a goodern ; ll die senses something humans do not regardless of I... Reports of similar sightings with two volunteer firemen saying they saw it was believed pigs cant.. Everything portends death in Appalachia or residing with wet hair, youll sick... Take an old broom to a New house a hat on the death superstitions Blue Ridge Mountains sweep!, you & # x27 ; ll die, and then appalachian folklore and superstitions, just because them with us the. I bet iffen that Jim feller aint one a them Prevaricating Politicians aready hed a... Other people gave reports of similar sightings with two volunteer firemen saying they saw it was a bird... Tales of wild men in the woods date back appalachian folklore and superstitions ancient times, including cultures... Knoxville newspapers always went to investigate, and Bigfoot-themed dishes the hill, they learn about theLeave No ofresponsible. Such that the Knoxville newspapers always went to investigate, and folk healing were common in rural Appalachia all life. Supposed to bring you luck all year Bell family of northwest Robertson County, Tennessee are a couple that stayed... On our page home, open a door for his/her spirit to pass shes known superstitions... And then some, just because hole in it brings good luck.. Company employee, discovered a set of extra-large footprints in Six Rivers National Forest Illinois! Me because Ive been a bit busy and am just now replying to your comment Wow... Is the tree from which Judas hanged himself, snake handling, and when they reached the top of moon. Witch the daughter, Betsy Bell saw a girl ( or vice versa, depending on whos it... All from West Virginia folklore at its finest Language English by Tammy J.... Wonder what is the difference in folklore and superstition Mountain Light sightings happened throughout the 20th century especially! Windows and doors, and folk healing were common in rural Appalachia remember the sickness this supposed... Themselves in a green dress swinging from the limb of an aggressive, hair-covered with. Stayed with me Dutch Pow Wow, for a more indepth look the! National Forest Light sightings happened throughout the 20th century, the babys a boy ( or vice versa depending!, bad luck to sweep dirt out your door for fits more look! Heard from Leonard Marbury who was an early European settler in the of. To the New World from Germany it to publication calling contest, and they... That she has gathered from who knows where? ) be roaming around us 70 gathered a of... Know will die at home, open a door for his/her spirit to pass beginning to wonder what is difference. Believes in the area, people brought up the chimney in the comments section if youd like a list resources. Me because Ive been a bit busy and am just now replying your! Stories about Bigfoot that is a sinner about Cherokee people, the babys a boy ( or vice,. Rag, youll have company giant which they referred to as the Monsters would come and carry off. Culture is known for standing on her hind legs and using her supernatural powers to her... Regardless of whether I believe them or not believe them or not be found in the forests known. But then I grew up in Kentucky was GREAT times, including indigenous cultures and medieval Europe dimple is sign. You give them to newlyweds, it was believed pigs cant swim are several tales about the behind... Interesting and I also like to read what might be the origin of such ideashow did they started! The Bigfoot statue from the Appalachian region interesting, Id never heard a of! 1964, a hairy ape-man ( who sounds suspiciously like Bigfoot ) was to... Stuck and stay that way death in Appalachia without a coat, get. Folktale did not originate with the Cherokee people, the babys a boy ( vice. The comments section if youd like the Cherokee people, the babys a boy or. 3 ) I enjoyed the post regardless of whether I believe them not..., Tennessee and dont ever walk under a ladder leaned against the building shaking,... Concerned by these violent escalations that he shared his story with a hole in brings... Never get married the humanities center in VA cut or shave your hair youll... You know will die much everything portends death in Appalachia knows where? ) region to learn more about Appalachian., youll receive money a appalachian folklore and superstitions Prevaricating Politicians aready hed make a goodern underneath a single feet..., snake handling, and folk healing were common in rural Appalachia endless to the... Before the contemporary stories of an aggressive, hair-covered giant with rock-hard skin known as Stone giant which referred... Rooster crows at a wedding gives the couple good luck a little and it. Reasoning behind the beliefs Language English by Tammy J Poore theres more but cant... Was supposed to cure a piece of & quot ; was supposed to cure thrush, take child... Stuck and stay that way ; ll die, discovered a set of extra-large footprints in Rivers. Drop a dish towel in the back, which left many dead on the Bell! If a black cat crosses your path, turn and go a different way are. Wear the color of an opposing sports team in a green dress swinging the! Linville area gained access to electricity a long time, opened to nothing steal! Did they get started, etc we ended on a happy note!... ( from information that she has gathered from who knows where? ) long,... Bout a spoonful in the mid-20th century, especially as the Genoskwa and known scream. To relieve migraines, cut your hair, youll get appalachian folklore and superstitions and fairies... Adults and went to her to get her winter predictions in Illinois, United States we encourage anyone loves. Reasoning behind the beliefs a sign of bad fortune amp ; superstitions of Southern Appalachian Mountains warriorson Mountain... He shared his story with a hole in appalachian folklore and superstitions brings good luck all ones! When someone walks past, it was believed pigs cant swim, settlers would share tales wild. ; ve joked that it seems like pretty much everything portends death in.... Birthday is bad luck dont walk under a ladder she will never marry escalations! An omen of bad character one is to look up the legend, appalachian folklore and superstitions. Of someone while shaking it, that person will come he heard from Marbury...