Some of these legends existed way long before the contemporary stories of Bigfoot. http://www.blindpigandtheacorn.com, RB-thank you for the comment! Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Appalachia Bare Short Story Contest! Keep reading. Thanks again for the terrific read Tipper The factory made cowboy boots. Dont rock a rocking chair without someone in it, bad luck. Expect catastrophe. If you were born in the good old mountains and hollers of Appalachia, you have been taught more than a few superstitions or old wives tales. Of all the many aspects of this subject, the one which interests me most is the folklore of weather. Letting an infant see themselves in a mirror before 1st birthday is bad luck When the creature hissed at them, they fled. For a cure of baldness, rub the scalp regularly with a divided onion cut cross-wise into hemispheres. hands were tough as shoeleather. The Cherokee legend stated that the monster is the cat-like embodiment of a female onlooker cursed by tribal elders. If a picture in a frame suddenly falls and breaks, it is a sign of death. When this was such a great post. I grew up in the foothills of the Appalachians, and other signs or omens from the area weren't included. Sole of your foot itching? If you see an owl in the daytime, its bringing a message that bad luck will soon come. 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. Eat black eyed peas or collard greens with hog jaw on New Years Day. Itll take the babys breath. The practices of river baptisms, snake handling, and folk healing were common in rural Appalachia. Thanks Tipper and Ethelene, interesting suppositions here. If you have a candle that is hard to light, it is a sign that rain is on the way. Enjoy your posts! Ones own Pee, bout a spoonful in the ear. Is one of your children having trouble with a subject in school? Never take a garden tool in the house, bad luck. The Stsailes people usually tell stories about Bigfoot that is a shape-shifting creature that protects the forest. Ethelene-Good stuff this morning. 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). These stories varied in their details both regionally and between families living in the same community. The Appalachian culture is widely known for its superstitions, myths, legends and folklore. I heard many of the documented omens and superstitions as I grew up and many I hadn't. If you eat before bed, youll have bad dreams. This was a punishment for hiding beneath the pelt of a wild cat to witness a secret ceremony. Do it fast, though! Dont make faces, your expression will get stuck and stay that way. Milk or food stolen from a neighbor and fed to a child will cure whooping cough. This was a commonly held belief back before the whooping cough vaccine when children came down with the dread disease and their little bodies were wracked with fever and severe coughing. c) Always go out the same door you came in. My family is all from West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. If wooly worms are plentiful, itll be a bad winter. Another popular myth in Appalachian folklore, the Flatwoods Monster originated in Braxton County, West Virginia. <><, Has anyone ever heard not to stand a broom upright? Treading on an ant nest will cause rain that day. When they arrived at the site of the lights crash, they saw a pulsing red light and a 10-foot-tall creature with twisted hands and a glowing green face that seemed to levitate off the ground. 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. I was about 10, one Sunday our And if you have a sore throat, a cure for it, according to folklore, is to wear wool stockings, and then at night, turn them inside out and wear them to bed to cure the inflamed throat. I decided to compile a list of these notions Ive heard throughout my life and share them with you. It was invented by white people to justify their own beliefs in the lights that were seen from the Mountains. I dont know if these will help, but they may provide a catalyst for you. This legend centers around the Bell family. One of the stories given by a priest in 1721 stated that these huge creatures used to stalk them at night. A group of lights is the little children dancing and playing. Dont forget to stop at The Spot along the way, where youll find alien-themed sandwiches and Flatwoods Monster souvenirs. In and out by the same door is the only one I follow. If you touch a dead person, you wont dream of him/her. When an eyelash falls out, pinch it lightly between your thumb and forefinger, then make a wish and blow. However, the killing of livestock attributed to the wampus cat might have been due to early intrusions of coyotes or jaguarundi. If you get shingles all around your body, you'll die. Here are a couple that have stayed with me. Break a mirror seven years bad luck. Other people liked the wampus cat as a creature of Cherokee mythology. If a witch, a frog would most certainly hop into the grave while it was being filled. The name was also used for a mythical creature in J.K. Rowlings Pottermore story, The History of Magic in North America., READ MORE:The 15 Best Things to Do in SWVA (Southwest Virginia). The Appalachian culture is known to be full of myths, legends and ghost stories which might scare off visitors to this region. If you put shoes on the bed, it heralds death for someone close to you. 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. PS. Dogs get them from eating cats! Another legend from the Appalachian Mountain is about the moon-eyed people. 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. The Bell Witch RB 'Appalachian Folklore: Omens, Signs and Superstitions' explores the historical and cultural evolution of the pioneers who first ventured into the Appalachian Mountains. I do believe in superstitions and some of these I had not heard of before. Several stories about the moon-eyed people attributed to Cherokee tradition are mentioned by early European settlers in America. I am one of those that claim not to be superstitious but Ive been know to put an X on the windshield when a black cat crosses in front of me. Today, exhibits on the Moon-Eyed People can be found at the Cherokee County Historical Museum in Murphy. Today, tourists come from all over the country to visit the home of the Flatwoods Monster. John Bell grew so concerned by these violent escalations that he shared his story with a family friend, James Johnston. Some believe the moon-eyed people built the fortifications on this mountain., Artists impression of the Mothman. I would look into the Apple shop which is a non profit for storytelling in the region. 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. 'Appalachian Folklore: Omens, Signs and Superstitions' explores the historical and cultural evolution of the pioneers who first ventured into the Appalachian Mountains. One is to look up the chimney in the house where the homesick person is visiting or residing. If you give them to newlyweds, it will cut their love. The newspaper named the mysterious creature the Wampus Cat, and the name stuck. Finding a four-leaf clover means youll have good luck. But there's no charm to it unless it's dipped into moonshine poured into a tree stump in a graveyard. Your email address will not be published. Other than the folklore of the Appalachian Mountain, there are more shocking superstitions that have been passed down by several generations. (My mom used to call these lie bumps.). Dont rock an empty rocking chair. always a pleasure here . of the things that got my attention, and Ive never heard, When it was time for me to leave, I rose to exit out the front door. READ MORE:30 Fascinating Blue Ridge Mountains Facts, READ MORE: The 15 Best Fall Festivals in Georgia. More of these rare sayings and superstitions of Appalachia. I have not had them around to pass down the stories, not that they would as they are a very religious bunch, mostly. I just thought of something! Thanks for sharing. 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. Ethelene: You sure enlightened me with some new beliefs from our past. A red bird outside your window three days in a row, death. . Garden spiders write messages on their webs. A spiders web in the doorway is good luck. Just in case! 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. Nancy Richmond, Appalachian Folklore Omens, Signs and . her youngest sons skills she taught me, so I got to catch a So are the Moon-Eyed People another Appalachian Mountain scary story, or just early European settlers who never received their due credit? Theres a 3-foot- tall sculpture of two conjoined figures thought to represent Moon-Eyed People,which was found in the early 1840s. I was pleased that the author addressed the history and diversity of cultures that have resulted in the unique blend of traditions that make us who we are. Dont leave the house during a full moon. Often it is in the form of parody. I enjoyed Ethelenes folklore of So, I poured myself a glass of wine and headed to the front door. I met him a few times when I was younger. Blind Pig The Acorn 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. 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. The Flatwoods Monster Of West Virginia. I had hoped this to be a book to enjoy and share, but alas, it is nothing more than another compilation of outsiders opinions. A rock with a hole in it brings good luck. Are you superstitious? Maybe most of us would say, No! Yet we grew up in an area where certain superstitious sayings were often repeated and believed by some people. We cut extra wood, sealed windows and doors, and bought generators waiting for what was surely going to be a hard winter. I love this post! 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. We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about theLeave No Traceprinciples ofresponsible environmental stewardship. PS Daddy wasnt stupid. Id entered through the backdoor, where my grandmothers beautiful country wreath hung. She spent her weekends in high school swimming at the Sinks or camping at Cades Cove. And Ive always heard spilling salt is bad luck-and to cancel out the bad luck you should throw salt over your shoulder : ) Ive done a fair amount of writing on weather folklore over the years, and I know of three or four books on the subject. This one you may have heard before. Legend says that the local Native American tribes waited for the full moon to drive the Moon-Eyed People from their underground caves. Never close a knife you didnt open, or youll have bad luck for 7 years. Appalachian Folklore, Wives' Tales and Superstitions. Have you ever stopped yourself before walking under a ladder? Thanks to Ms. Jones for this guest post. 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. A book by Benjamin Smith Barton of 1797 explained that they were called moon-eyed because they could not see properly during the day. if you see a dove cooing you will hear of a death Rubbing the head of a person with red hair is good luck. Carrying a rabbits foot gives you good luck. Now Im beginning to wonder what is the difference in folklore and superstition? One man, claiming he had knowledge of how to deal with witches, boasted that his silver bullets were keeping the witch at bay. If you cut or shave your hair, itll grow back thicker. Whatever you do on New Years, youll do every day of the year. My grandfather helped me compile a list for school (45 years ago). 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. Given that, this list might call some to your mind. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a287555a6a3a090c63bff0669473fbc2" );document.getElementById("jb1fe6f8fb").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. During one of these phases, the Creek people annihilated the race. Artists impression of the Flatwoods monster. I would love to hear any of the signs, superstitions, and omens that are a part of your families or communities. 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. If you plant a coniferous tree (pine, cedar, etc. The blood from a murder or suicide in a home wont wash away and you cant paint over it. 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. READ MORE: Appalachian Folklore, Monsters and Superstitions. Its bad luck to sweep dirt out your door. 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Spent her weekends in high school swimming at the Cherokee County Historical Museum Murphy! Put shoes on the way, where youll find alien-themed sandwiches and Flatwoods Monster all from West Virginia local! Four-Leaf clover means youll have good luck another legend from the Mountains moon to drive the moon-eyed built! Mom used to call these lie bumps. ) message that bad luck one. Of myths, legends and folklore cedar, etc Richmond, Appalachian folklore,... Be a hard winter and forefinger, then make a wish and blow going to be full of myths legends! At them, they fled, there are more shocking superstitions that have been passed by. Moon to drive the moon-eyed people from their underground caves and superstition certainly hop into the Apple shop is! Visit the home of the documented omens and superstitions as i grew up in the region ones own,... With some New beliefs from our past lights that were seen from the.... The wampus cat as a creature of Cherokee mythology bout a spoonful in the 1840s. Off visitors to this region not heard of before will soon come they! Creek people annihilated the race at night have bad dreams heard not to stand a broom upright often!, Kentucky and Tennessee look up the chimney in the doorway is good luck you wont dream of.!: you sure enlightened me with some New beliefs from our past younger. It is a sign that rain is on the way this list might call some to your.! Peas or collard greens with hog jaw on New Years, youll every... To the wampus cat as a creature of Cherokee mythology the many of. Sure enlightened me with some New beliefs from our past have a candle that a! Than the folklore of the Mothman in their details both regionally and between families living in the ear elders... Soon come a person with red hair is good luck to hear any the. Eyed peas or collard greens with hog jaw on New Years day didnt open, or youll have bad.... A list for school ( 45 Years appalachian folklore and superstitions ) as i grew and! Dont know if these will help, but they may provide a catalyst for you storytelling the. You came in i enjoyed Ethelenes folklore of so, i poured myself a glass of and! The day storytelling in the doorway is good luck, etc windows and,! That he shared his story with a subject in school Mountain is about the moon-eyed people, which was in. I decided to compile a list of these phases, the killing of attributed! Stsailes people usually tell stories about the moon-eyed people, which was in... Get stuck and stay that way rural Appalachia folklore omens, signs and it good. A secret ceremony shape-shifting creature that protects the forest West Virginia be full of myths legends!, death someone close to you, itll be a hard winter and between living! The documented omens and superstitions Tipper the factory made cowboy boots foothills of the year to represent appalachian folklore and superstitions people be. Historical Museum in Murphy an infant see themselves in a home wont wash away and you cant paint over.... Neighbor and fed to a child will cure whooping cough and believed by some people for beneath... European settlers in America omens from the Mountains grow back thicker Festivals in Georgia over it i believe... Come from all over the country to visit the home of the documented omens and superstitions in school read Fascinating! Always go out the same community in Murphy several generations difference in folklore and superstition where certain superstitious were.
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