27 this morning, but no frost. It never got above about 35 today. Sun and clouds taking turns.
I am not superstitious, really I'm not. But it struck me recently how folklore and old beliefs have crept into my home.
Like having a bit of mistletoe in the house all year, and keeping this year's mistletoe to burn in next Winter Solstice fire. Ditto with a bit of holly, if we manage to get any.
Then there are the witch balls in the windows,
the blue bottles in a tree outside, rosemary planted by the door, the Bridget's cross on the wall,
the hagstones and little bells waiting to be hung on the porch...
I could go on and on. And all of these purportedly either repel wishes and evil, promote health and wealth, or bring good luck. All good things, right?
Well, a woman can't be too careful, can she.
Seriously though, these small traditions give me a strong feeling of connection with my Celtics roots, and I like that. The US is so new that the only customs like this are those of the indigenous people, and not of us newcomers.
The Appalachian region does have many customs and superstitions, it's true, and those all come from the cultures of the settlers, mostly British and German, or borrowed from the native population.
Do you have similar curios and traditions at your house? Or do you remember your parents or grandparents talking about such things?
I do some little rituals at the changing of each season, with other women who also enjoy marking these times. My house is cluttered, but I can't find anything that speaks of the traditions of folklore. Sometimes I may use a white sage bundle to smoke/cleanse the household. I also have an old wand that I made which has various gems and stuff stuck on it...not at all magical I'm afraid!
ReplyDeleteI have a horseshoe over my back door, but that's about as far as it goes. I watched the horseshoe being made at the smithy in Thriplow and was able to buy it for a couple of pounds.
ReplyDeleteI love Appalachian Folklore and need more of it around my own house.
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