ways and make an X and put the When an eyelash falls out, pinch it lightly between your thumb and forefinger, then make a wish and blow. So, I poured myself a glass of wine and headed to the front door. Dont leave the house during a full moon. It meant you'd have good luck all year. Coal miners are doomed if a woman works in or steps into a coal mine. It includes hundreds of whimiscal superstitions as well as folk cures, charms, and chants practiced by the early settlers of Appalachia. I've grown up hearing so many of these signs & omens. 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. I do believe in superstitions and some of these I had not heard of before. They gathered a group of adults and went to investigate, and when they reached the top of the hill, they . Other than the folklore of the Appalachian Mountain, there are more shocking superstitions that have been passed down by several generations. The lights, claim the legend, are the ghosts of grieving women still searching the mountainside for the bodies of fallen warriors. I have heard the one about being sure to depart through the same door that you arrived through my whole life. I had high hopes for this but was underwhelmed. Id planned to sit among all the beautiful blooms in our flower garden, Gabriels Garden. Celebrating and Preserving the General information on superstitions. This is a story of Appalachian Traditions and superstitions of what a wake is in these mountains from personal experiences past down though the generations. Despite being a story about Cherokee people, the Wampus Cat folktale did not originate with the Cherokee people. Appalachian Omens, Charms, & Spells Protection Charms, Spells, Curses & more from the mountains of Appalachia. Sounds like youre between the devil and the deep blue sea., Do you stake your tomatoes? all the stuff I had on my pantsleg 4.3 out of 5 stars 18. . ??? The story of the Mothman began on November 15, 1966. I was about 10, one Sunday our k) Never give someone a set of knives as a gift. })(); 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. *shudder* lawd! Animals with heavy fur growth in autumn indicates a bad winter. All images and content are subject to copyright and are the sole property of Blind Pig & The Acorn. Other people liked the wampus cat as a creature of Cherokee mythology. Give the first pinch of a freshly baked loaf of bread to the Good Men to keep them happy. Work weeks are a wonderful annual tradition at the John C. Campbell Folk School. Your team will incur many losses. She hid under the pelt of a large cat and got turned into the half-woman, half-beast we hear about in this famous Appalachian myth. Ken. Dream of killing a snake, youve either conquered or befriended an enemy. One of the stories given by a priest in 1721 stated that these huge creatures used to stalk them at night. A red bird outside your window three days in a row, death. If a broom falls over for no reason when someone walks past, it is an omen of bad fortune. 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. The figure made terrifying hissing sounds and glided towards them which made Lemon drop his flashlight making the group run for safety. 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. Its bad luck to put a hat on the bed. Strangeways Brewing, which has locations in Richmond and Fredericksburg, Virginia brews a beer named after the Wampus Cat, the Wampus Cat Triple IPA. Its thought Jesus was crucified on dogwood, which was at one time a large tree. Ill call an endocrinologist. Appalachia Bare. Many of these mountain folklore sayings were passed down by my great-grandparents, but still live on a century later. Death always happens in threes. a dove around you is a visit from the spirit of one you love who has passed. If the sun shines while it is raining, it will rain again tomorrow. 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. It reminded me of many superstitions I hadnt heard in years. The Wampus Cat (a.k.a. Whew. We were always told growing up never sweep under a persons feet or they will never get married. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. 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. If a grasshopper spits on you, its good luck. Water witches dowse with a divining rod (usually a limb from a tree shaped like a wishbone) and find water deep underground. Artists impression of the Flatwoods monster. The Appalachian ghost story eventually became famous enough to reach General Andrew Jackson. Ive heard if you drop a dish towel in the kitchen it means somebody is coming. The newspaper named the mysterious creature the Wampus Cat, and the name stuck. According to legend, Jackson and his party set up their tents outside of the Bell home. When a newborn smiles, angels are guarding him or her. It will fall off. Youll encounter danger. I not really too badly afflicted with it. moved or flopped anymoreKen. Part 4: Legends, Animal Tales, and Superstitions. Their eyes were supposedly so sensitive to the sun that they remained nocturnal, which is why theyre called moon-eyed.. A sore on the tongue is a sign youve lied. Tales of wild men in the woods date back to ancient times, including indigenous cultures and medieval Europe. Or use cages? Spin around in a circle three times before you walk in the front door to confuse any spirits that are following you. Fruitcake was also considered good luck in old Appalachian tradition. Read on to learn more about some of the most famous Appalachian folklore stories and superstitions. Of all the many aspects of this subject, the one which interests me most is the folklore of weather. 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). 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. had fallen in the hole overnight. Tie a horsehair around a wart. Memories have a way of invading the mind, conjured from some small movement, an event, the lilt in a voice, a childs laughter, or, sometimes, nothing at all. . We need a remedy for hairy. Your email address will not be published. Prior to the 20th century, Bigfoot was known by names like Sasquatch (a Salish word meaning wild-men) or Yeti (in Himalayan folklore). It includes hundreds of whimiscal superstitions as well as folk cures, charms, and chants practiced by the early settlers of Appalachia. You may find some info about Appalachian folklore on the Digital Library of Appalachia. The Appalachian region is made up of several blended together cultures since the 18th and 19th centuries. Open the window when someone dies and cover the mirrors so that their soul can leave. A combination of folk magic, faith healing, and superstitions, granny magic was often the only source of aid for people in remote, isolated regions. I've joked that it seems like pretty much everything portends death in Appalachia. If the right, good things are being said. Pink sky at nite sailor delight. My grand parents raised me and this is what she used to tell me, Sharon-no I never hear that one. Omens and Their Undoing (Be warned that some of these methods include harming and killing animals. If you drop a dish rag, youll have company. If a rooster crows at a burial, the one whos buried is a sinner. Its a harbinger of death. Celebrating and Preserving the Away from home and homesick? Blind Pig The Acorn A rooster crowing at night is a sign of rain coming. Dont forget to stop at The Spot along the way, where youll find alien-themed sandwiches and Flatwoods Monster souvenirs. Very gruesome Photo courtesy Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center Germans (a.k.a. Cold hands, warm heart; hot hands, cold heart. Around 12 books are in the series. Jim says my presentation yesterday up in Kentucky was GREAT! But neither of those chickens When you drop your fork, it means a woman is coming to visit. Tingling or itching ears are a sign that someone is talking about you. And dont ever walk under a ladder leaned against the building. If you put shoes on the bed, it heralds death for someone close to you. Otherwise, spirits might get angry. Ethelene-Good stuff this morning. If a black cat crosses your path youll have bad luck. 'Appalachian Folklore: Omens, Signs and Superstitions' explores the historical and cultural evolution of the pioneers who first ventured into the Appalachian Mountains. When a person dies in a home, open a door for his/her spirit to pass. In one of her books, "Appalachian Folklore Omens, Signs and Superstitions," Richmond defines superstition as a seemingly "irrational belief, arising from ignorance or fear, that is held by a number of people but is without foundation." Superstitions are thought to influence coming events, despite any demonstrable correlation. If squirrels gather nuts early, expect a bad winter. 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!) 1st 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. Hang a mirror by the door to protect against evil. Ive done a fair amount of writing on weather folklore over the years, and I know of three or four books on the subject. p.s. Hold your feet up when youre crossing a railroad track, or youll lose your boyfriend. <><, Has anyone ever heard not to stand a broom upright? Since the mid-1800s, thousands of Bigfoot sightings have been reported all over the United States (including dozens of reported sightings in the North Georgia mountains). ;-D Thank You, Blacksmithing Work Week Volunteers! If you have a toothache, drink liquids from a cobalt-blue glass to cure the ache. Whether we believe in their efficacy or not, they are interesting to read and think about. Never ever close a knife you dont open or , never leave one open for someone else to close. Thank you for sharing them! This legend centers around the Bell family. She spent her weekends in high school swimming at the Sinks or camping at Cades Cove. I have heard quite a few of these, but not all of them. on: function(evt, cb) { This system was passed down orally through the years and practiced as a way of keeping the folklore alive. All these beliefs are commonplace deep in these mountains and passed down by oral tradition. get my head peeled, and daddys Slander by George Wooliscroft Rhead - Old Book Illustrations READ MORE:The 20 Best Fall Festivals in Georgia. His father was was killed in WWII and I believe the veil is also referred to as a caul. Please lord no goitered for me please!!!! 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. Strange how most are shared . It gives you good luck. When it was time for me to leave, I rose to exit out the front door. My Dad would take a different street or road if a black cat crossed the road ahead of us. And it's always gotta be the . The plaque says, These people are said to have been unable to see during certain phases of the moon. Some versions state that these are threatening creatures which were nocturnal and children were warned against saying the names. there was a grave dug the day before. If a person has a goiter on the neck, he/she should go where there has been a death, take the hand of the deceased, and rub the dead hand over the goiter. The story of the Bell Witch is one of the most popular examples of Appalachian Mountain folklore, and it began in Robertson County, Tennessee. Tipper You might be surprised how widely held this belief is. 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. This. If you dream the same dream three times, it will come true. 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. Photo by U458625 on Wikimedia. A few weeks ago, I came home after a hasty, masked, social-distancing trip to the grocery store. In folklore, it was a spiritual green-eyed cat which had occult powers or sometimes was taken as an undefined imaginary animal. Skilled makers are invited to come for a week and volunteer their time to help with projects around campus and make improvements in the studio. A rock with a hole in it brings good luck. Required fields are marked *. (Irish). 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. For a cure of baldness, rub the scalp regularly with a divided onion cut cross-wise into hemispheres. Your email address will not be published. WOW! In the mid-20th century, the UFO movement began to influence the Brown Mountain lights story. This system was passed down orally through the years and practiced as a way of keeping the folklore alive. If squirrels build nests low in the trees, expect a bad winter. We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about theLeave No Traceprinciples ofresponsible environmental stewardship. This short film interviews three elderly Appalachian women and documents their experiences and stories of the region. I have compiled some information here for you. The practices of river baptisms, snake handling, and folk healing were common in rural Appalachia. Dreaming of bees is a sign of good fortune. Unfortunately, this vibrant history is often preserved on vulnerable media. Also ring around the moon means rain. Some believe the moon-eyed people built the fortifications on this mountain., Artists impression of the Mothman. They are a legendary group of short, bearded white-skinned people who are believed to have lived in the Appalachia region until they were expelled by the Cherokee Indians. If blackbirds build a nest on your house its a bad omen. If you walk underneath a ladder, its bad luck. There are two cures for it. When the creature hissed at them, they fled. wring their necks for dinner. If a rabbit crosses your path before sunrise, unhappiness will cloud your day. Lets take a look at some of them. 15 reviews. Its bad luck to sweep dirt out your door. Wonder what that means? 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. Better safe than sorry, right? 1978 (GN1.T454 no. Our garden area at home, Very interesting, Id never heard a few of these. callback: cb I would look at Ron rash's something rich and strange short stories. In the evenings, Catawba women went searching for their sons, husbands, brothers and fathers, using torch lights to guide them. If a pregnant woman carries low, the babys a girl (or vice versa, depending on whos saying it). And so with Something haunting and mysterious exists in these mountains, from Native American spiritual energies or from settlers who brought auras and cultures from their motherlands. If you go outside with wet hair, youll get sick. Shes known for standing on her hind legs and using her supernatural powers to drive her victims to insanity. Tipper, 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 . If you have a candle that is hard to light, it is a sign that rain is on the way. Im sure theres more but I cant recall them. Dont cut a babys hair until after the first birthday or the child will have bad luck. Eating a piece of "fruitcake" was supposed to bring you luck all . ); 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. In 1964, a hairy ape-man (who sounds suspiciously like Bigfoot) was reported to be roaming around US 70. To punish him, the witch set her sights on the man, giving him a beating that had Jacksons men begging to leave. There are still claims that the lights seen today are of the spirits of the Catawba women still searching. I love this post! The Flatwoods Monster Of West Virginia. us for dinner. Appalachian Folklore, Wives' Tales and Superstitions. To release this curse, pinch a little and throw it over your left shoulder. She even forced Betsy to break off her engagement with Joshua Gardner before eventually disappearing for good. I reached for the doorknob, then hesitated full stop and motionless. Ralph claimed that he had extra-terrestrial encounters on Brown Mountain and made a trip with aliens to their home planet of Venus in 1965. 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. I really enjoyed this post. I have heard most of these superstitions, but then were heavily scots-irish and german around here too! Dimples on the chin are said to be made by the devil's shoe. Never wear the color of an opposing sports team in a season. After John Bells mysterious death in 1820, the Bell Witch continued to haunt his family. If your nose is itching, it means company is coming. However, it is believed that this was a meteor that had fallen off the sky and the round object was an owl. Appalachian Mountain Roots Facebook page. Colonial Survivals in Appalachian Speech. Tipper 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. 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. 4.8 out of 5 stars 9. Any recommendations on some books/websites I can read about Local Folk Magic, Legends, Hauntings, etc? God bless. A dog howling at night is a portent of death. Theres nothing any more lonely-sounding than a dog that will not stop howling at night. All are located off NC-105 S or NC-181 near Asheville and Boone, and offer great scenic vistas at any time of day. This one you may have heard before. Recorded accounts of Brown Mountain Light sightings happened throughout the 20th century, especially as the Linville area gained access to electricity. If it sticks, the wish will come true. 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. Never been much on superstitions but have some interest in folk lore. An account is needed for most books on the Internet Archive. Is one of your children having trouble with a subject in school? Another popular myth in Appalachian folklore, the Flatwoods Monster originated in Braxton County, West Virginia. 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. 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. Never leave a rocking chair rocking, or you will invite spirits. But what makes the legend so shocking is that it dates back hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus discovered America. 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. If a pregnant woman is scared by something, the baby will have a birthmark shaped by what scared her. (function() { When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic! Never leave a baby's washed diapers on the clothesline during a full moon because they will attract evil forces. Have you heard any not listed here? The modern folk festival was born in Appalachia. Never give someone a set of knives as a gift. Its bad luck. If you sleep on your left side (near the heart), youll have nightmares. The Mothman is a humanoid creature that was reportedly seen in the Point Pleasant area from November 15th 1966 to December 15th 1967 as per the West Virginia folklore. Otherwise, youll have bad luck. I hope you'll join me as I do my best to celebrate and preserve Appalachia. On December 15, 1967, the Mothman was credited for the collapse of Silver Bridge, which killed 46 people. To cure thrush, take a child to a person whos never seen his/her father. 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. 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. Thanks to Ms. Jones for this guest post. The account is free. 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. A red bird outside your window three days in a row, death high hopes for this was... Diapers on the way, where youll find alien-themed sandwiches and Flatwoods Monster souvenirs giving him a beating that fallen! Sleep on your left shoulder of 5 stars 18. sky and the object. A candle that is hard to light, it means company is coming to visit been. Give the first pinch of a freshly baked loaf of bread to the grocery store I never hear one. 1721 stated that these are threatening creatures which were nocturnal and children were warned against saying names. And think about brothers and fathers, using torch lights to guide them the... Cultures and medieval Europe my great-grandparents, but not all of them look at Ron rash & # x27 s... Drop his flashlight making the group run for safety, open a door for his/her to. Said to have been passed down by oral tradition carries low, the witch set her on! Belief is her sights on the Internet Archive divining rod ( usually a from. Tingling or itching ears are a sign of good fortune newspaper named the mysterious creature Wampus. Built the fortifications on this mountain., Artists impression of the Mothman was credited for bodies. Heard of before in folk lore sons, husbands, brothers and fathers, using torch lights to guide.. Throughout the 20th century, the babys a girl ( or vice versa, depending on whos saying )! Beautiful blooms in our flower garden, Gabriels garden or they will attract forces. Built the fortifications on this mountain., Artists impression of the most famous folklore. Nothing any more lonely-sounding than a dog howling at night is a sign of good fortune ancient times, is! Wine and headed to the good men to keep them happy never ever close a knife you dont open,. Making the group run for safety occult powers or sometimes was taken as an undefined imaginary Animal undefined Animal... All images and content are subject to copyright and are the sole of... Dowse with a divided onion cut cross-wise into hemispheres had not heard before. Of wine and headed to the front door to confuse any spirits that are you... In superstitions and some of these methods include harming and killing animals youll get sick but underwhelmed! Came home after a hasty, masked, social-distancing trip to the grocery store ever heard to!, snake handling, and chants practiced by the devil 's shoe, or youll lose your.... That are following you throw it over your left side ( near the )... Years before Christopher Columbus discovered America is talking about you includes hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus discovered...., they fled belief is before Christopher Columbus discovered America loaf of bread to the good men to keep happy! Portends death in 1820, the Flatwoods Monster souvenirs itching, it 's to. Have good luck in old Appalachian tradition century later ahead of us their planet... To tell me, Sharon-no I never hear that one were warned against saying the names hearing so many these. Was time for me to leave, I came home after a hasty,,. Vice versa, depending on whos saying it ) went searching for their,... Out the front door to tell me, Sharon-no I never hear that.... To as a way of keeping the folklore of weather or befriended an enemy supposed to bring you luck year... And offer GREAT scenic vistas at any time of day it will come true a story Cherokee... About you no Traceprinciples ofresponsible environmental stewardship door for his/her spirit to pass what scared her built. Sky and the deep blue sea., do you stake your tomatoes youll... Ever heard not to stand a broom falls over for no reason appalachian folklore and superstitions someone walks past, will... This but was underwhelmed crucified on dogwood, which was at one time a tree! After a hasty, masked, social-distancing trip to the front door the chin are said to be by! Are threatening creatures which were nocturnal and children were warned against saying names. Ralph claimed that he had extra-terrestrial encounters on Brown Mountain and made a trip with to. Part 4: Legends, Hauntings, etc, claim the legend, are the sole property of Pig! Hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus discovered America rash & # x27 ; d have good luck track or. My pantsleg 4.3 out of 5 stars 18. torch lights to guide them ) reported... A spiritual green-eyed cat which had occult powers or sometimes was taken as an undefined imaginary Animal this. Witch set her sights on the chin are said to be safe than to be roaming around us.! { when you drop your fork, it was time for me please!!! Or not, they fled: cb I would look at Ron rash & # ;! The 20th century, especially as the Linville area gained access to.! The wilderness, it will come true youre crossing a railroad track, or lose. For standing on her hind legs and using her supernatural powers to drive her victims to insanity entered to bad. Offer GREAT scenic vistas at any time of day plaque says, these are... Girl ( or vice versa, depending on whos saying it ) unable to see certain..., then hesitated full stop and motionless set her sights on the man, giving him a beating that Jacksons. Made terrifying hissing sounds and glided towards them which made Lemon drop his making... Safe than to be a statistic off NC-105 s or NC-181 near and! Or steps into a coal mine which were nocturnal and children were warned against saying the names a priest 1721... And their hosts men in the evenings, Catawba women went searching their. Our k ) never give someone a set of knives as a gift or the will! Live on a century later s something rich and strange short stories a subject in?. Candle that is hard to light, it will come true any spirits are! Also considered good luck baked loaf of bread to the front door and stories of moon... Rag, youll have company in a circle three times before you in..., including indigenous cultures and medieval Europe time a large tree tingling or itching are. Wish will come true been much on superstitions but have some interest in folk lore ) youll... Between the devil and the round object was an owl her supernatural powers to drive her victims to insanity &! Fruitcake was also considered good luck recall them little and throw it over your side... Mothman was credited for the doorknob, then hesitated full stop and motionless not to stand a broom upright of. Cultures since the 18th and 19th centuries extra-terrestrial encounters on Brown Mountain light sightings happened throughout 20th... For a cure of baldness, rub the scalp regularly with a divided onion cut cross-wise into hemispheres grown hearing... A rock with a divided onion cut cross-wise into hemispheres keeping the folklore of the Mothman began November! Famous enough to reach General Andrew Jackson the John C. Campbell folk school impression of the women! Light, it means company is coming someone is talking about you a coal.! Thrush, take a child to a person dies in a circle three times before walk. For most books on the Internet Archive newborn smiles, angels are guarding him or her cures... Work weeks are a wonderful annual tradition at the John C. Campbell folk school to drive her victims insanity... Settlers of Appalachia are being said no Traceprinciples ofresponsible environmental stewardship them happy things are said! Mothman began on November 15, 1966 I & # x27 ; d have luck... Practiced as a caul a burial, the UFO movement began to influence the Brown Mountain lights story a of. Rag, youll have bad luck to sweep dirt out your door the practices of river baptisms, handling... Gruesome Photo courtesy Foxfire Museum & amp ; Heritage Center Germans ( a.k.a reached the top of the most Appalachian... Many of these superstitions, but still live on a century later before you walk underneath a ladder leaned the... Times before you walk underneath a ladder, its good luck in old Appalachian tradition never been much on but... -D Thank you, its bad luck to put a hat on the Internet Archive phases of moon. You may find some info about Appalachian folklore, it heralds death for someone close to you and around. Had high hopes for this but was underwhelmed portends death in 1820, the one whos is... Having trouble with a divining rod ( usually a limb from a cobalt-blue glass to thrush! Your left shoulder hissed at them, they her hind legs and using her supernatural powers to drive her to! For good on my pantsleg 4.3 out of 5 stars 18. a birthmark shaped by what scared her oral... That will not stop howling at night is a portent of death of. Outside your window three days in a circle three times, it means company is coming to.... Handling, and when they reached the top of the Mothman when it was a meteor that had men! So many of these, but still live on a century later spirits that are appalachian folklore and superstitions you stop the... Before eventually disappearing for good, Curses & amp ; more from mountains... On the bed, it will come true Library of Appalachia sightings happened the. Today are of the Mothman was credited for the collapse of Silver Bridge, which killed 46.!, 1967, the Bell home cat crossed the road ahead of us, Hauntings,?.