The impact of Appalachia’s people and culture is found in food and entertainment, industry and business, music and entertainment, literature, language, and history. Often it is in the form of parody. Vast financial empires have taken advantage of the myths of Appalachian history; these can be found in Gatlinburg, Tennessee…
A book review of Barbara Kingsolver's Appalachian song of self, Demon Copperhead.
"A blog about Couture, Contempery Portraits."
Anna & Elizabeth honor Appalachian artistry and shed new light upon tradition. Elizabeth LaPrelle, an acclaimed ballad singer from Rural Retreat, VA, and Baltimore based multi-instrumentalist Anna Roberts-Gevalt, have made their most compelling work to date on their self-titled album. A collection of 16 traditional songs thoughtfully gathered and interpreted, the album guides listeners through the duo's intense personal connection with each song, for an experience that is as warm and intimate as their one-of-a-kind live performances. Soaring through rousing old-time dance numbers, haunting Appalachian ballads and lilting lullabies, Anna & Elizabeth showcases the incredible vocal capabilities of both LaPrelle and Roberts-Gevalt, and shimmers with breathtaking moments of harmony, all laid atop masterfully executed instrumentals. A record equally as invigorating as it is contemplative, Anna & Elizabeth allows for the prolific talents of these two young women to shine brighter than ever before.
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. This system was passed down orally through the years and practiced as a way of keeping the folklore alive. 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. Better safe than sorry, right? Over the next few weeks, I plan on sharing some of these signs, superstitions, and omens and hope that you will be willing to share any that have been passed on in your families and communities. *SIGNS* A sign is believed to predict the future but unlike the omen, signs do not foretell negative happenings. A chin dimple is a sign of bad character. Dimples on the chin are said to be made by the devil's shoe. (Why not start off with one the applies to me, huh? I have a chin dimple and like to think that I'm not known for my bad character!) Tingling or itching ears are a sign that someone is talking about you. If it is the left ear, you're being gossiped about. If the right, good things are being said. Sole of your foot itching? This is a sign that you are about to embark on a long journey. If you have a candle that is hard to light, it is a sign that rain is on the way. Dreaming of bees is a sign of good fortune. *SUPERSTITIONS* A superstition is an irrational belief, usually arising from ignorance or fear, that is believed by a number of people but is without foundation. An acorn placed on a window will will protect the house from lightning strikes. Treading on an ant nest will cause rain that day. A man who wipes his hands on a girl's apron is sure to fall in love with her. (German) Spitting on a new baby will bring the child good luck. (Irish) Never leave a baby's washed diapers on the clothesline during a full moon because they will attract evil forces. *OMENS* Omen- a phenomenon that is believed to tell the future, which also signifies change...usually negative A chicken laying an uneven number of eggs is an omen of danger. If a rabbit crosses your path before sunrise, unhappiness will cloud your day. If the dough for baking bread cracks while being shaped, a funeral will occur soon. If a broom falls over for no reason when someone walks past, it is an omen of bad fortune. Calling out the name of a deceased person while dreaming is an omen of a death. I would love to hear any of the signs, superstitions, and omens that are a part of your families or communities. Feel free to share in the comments section below or you can send me a message on the Appalachian Mountain Roots Facebook page. *This post was originally published here on Appalachian Mountain Roots on 9/20/16.*
The Southern region of the Appalachian Mountains covers parts of Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky. (The chain continues into Ohio and onward, all the way to Maine.) The unique sayings, culture and charm of mountain people have been cap...
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Prior to the 20th century, the people of Appalachia were geographically isolated from the rest of the country. As a result, they preserved the culture of their ancestors (most of them Scots-Irish, …
AT thru-hike, Appalachian Trail, Zach Davis, Appalachian Trials, Fear
This post may contain affiliate links that allow us to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Instrumental Songs: Angel of Music – The Phantom of the Opera (Original Cast Recording) Appalachian Spring: VII. Doppio Movimento: Variations On a Shaker Hymn – Copland: Appalachian Spring, Lincoln Portrait, Fanfare, Rodeo, Etc. The Sleeping...
by Terri Windling The great folklorist Francis James Child defined what he called the “popular ballad” as a form of ancient folk poetry, composed anonymously within the oral tradition, bearing the clear stamp of the preliterate peoples of the British Isles. Ballads, which are stories in narrative verse, are related...
