Appalachian Mountains – Superstitions

Appalachian Superstitions

1. Don’t Rock the Rocking Chair at Night

It’s believed that rocking a rocking chair after dark invites restless spirits into the home, so people avoid using it after sunset.

2. Black Cats Crossing Your Path

Like in many places, a black cat crossing your path in Appalachia is considered bad luck, often interpreted as a sign of misfortune ahead.

3. Spilling Salt

Spilling salt is seen as a bad omen, and it’s said that you must throw a pinch of the spilled salt over your left shoulder to counteract the bad luck.

4. Opening an Umbrella Indoors

This superstition says that opening an umbrella inside will bring bad luck. It’s believed to offend spirits that reside in the home.

5. Whistling at Night

Whistling at night can attract unwanted spirits or bad luck. It’s considered disrespectful to the spirits of the dead.

6. The Rooster’s Crowing

Hearing a rooster crowing after sunset is a sign of death or misfortune. In some areas, it was believed that a rooster crowing at night was an omen of impending death.

7. Don’t Walk Under a Ladder

Walking under a ladder is another common superstition in Appalachia. It’s believed to bring bad luck, often associated with the triangle shape formed by the ladder, which is seen as a symbol of the Holy Trinity.

8. Finding a Four-Leaf Clover

Finding a four-leaf clover is said to bring good luck. Each leaf symbolizes something different: faith, hope, love, and luck.

9. Shoes on the Table

Placing shoes on a table is considered bad luck in Appalachia, possibly because it’s linked to death, as it was once believed that putting shoes on the table was a sign someone was about to die.

10. Hearing a Dog Howl

A dog howling at night is often seen as a warning of death or misfortune, particularly if it’s in the vicinity of the home.

11. Wearing an Old Button

Wearing an old button on your clothing can protect you from bad spirits, especially if it was found on the ground.

12. Chickens in the House

Keeping chickens in the house is said to bring about misfortune or death. There are various theories, including that chickens are associated with bad omens or that they are connected to certain kinds of magic.

13. Don’t Kill a Spider

Spiders are believed to be lucky, and killing one can bring bad luck. In some regions, people say that a spider will bring you a fortune.

14. Waking a Sleepwalker

Waking a sleepwalker is considered dangerous. It’s thought that disturbing a sleepwalker may invite negative consequences, such as bad luck or bad dreams.

15. Thunder on a Wedding Day

If it thunders on your wedding day, it’s said to be a sign of trouble in the marriage. On the flip side, clear skies and sunshine are believed to be a good omen.

16. Seeing the New Moon Over Your Right Shoulder

It’s considered good luck to see the new moon over your right shoulder, and some people make a wish upon it.

17. Don’t Give a Knife as a Gift

Giving a knife as a gift is thought to “cut” the relationship. To avoid this, the receiver should give a penny in exchange for the knife to “pay” for it.

18. A Bat Flying in the House

A bat flying into your home is often considered a bad omen, sometimes associated with death or sickness coming soon.

19. Falling Into a Ditch

If you fall into a ditch, it’s said that you must walk around it three times to avoid bad luck or misfortune.

20. Licking Your Finger Before Turning a Page

Some people believe that if you lick your finger before turning a page, you’re inviting bad luck or misfortune into your life.

21. Don’t Sweep After Sundown

Sweeping the floor after sundown is said to sweep away good luck or fortune. It’s also believed that sweeping at night can make you sweep away a loved one.

22. Birds in the House

If a bird flies into your home, it’s often considered an omen. Depending on the species, it can either signify a death (if it’s a crow or raven) or good fortune (if it’s a robin).

23. Chasing a Snake

If you see a snake and try to chase it away, it’s said you’re inviting bad luck or misfortune. The best thing to do is simply leave it alone and let it move on.

24. Never Give a Clock as a Gift

Giving a clock as a gift is believed to symbolize the end of time, bringing misfortune to the person who receives it. It’s often thought to mark the end of a relationship or a phase in life.

25. The Moon and Planting

In Appalachia, there’s a superstition that planting crops during certain phases of the moon will either ensure a bountiful harvest or a failed one. Planting during a waxing moon is thought to yield better results.

26. The First Man to Enter the House on New Year’s Day

The first man to enter your house on New Year’s Day is said to determine the luck for the coming year. If he’s tall, dark, and handsome, the year will be prosperous, but if he’s short, light-haired, or a poor character, it’s thought to be a bad omen.

27. A Full Moon and Births

Some believe that children born during a full moon are destined to have a life full of adventure, while others think the full moon brings misfortune and illness, especially to babies.

28. No Whistling in the House

Whistling indoors is considered bad luck, as it’s thought to invite mischievous spirits or cause arguments among the people in the house.

29. A Cold Spring

If the spring water (or any water source) is especially cold during the summer, it’s said to be a sign that something bad is going to happen—often tied to illness or a death in the family.

30. Don’t Pass the Salt Shaker Hand to Hand

Passing a salt shaker directly from one hand to another is believed to cause a quarrel. To avoid bad luck, the salt should be placed on the table, and the other person can pick it up.

31. A Horse’s Shoe Above the Door

Hanging a horse’s shoe above the door is a traditional superstition thought to bring good luck and protect the home from evil spirits. It’s important to hang it with the ends pointing upward to catch the good luck.

32. Don’t Let a Light Go Out

If a light (especially a candle or lamp) goes out on its own, it’s believed to be a sign that spirits or ghosts are nearby. Some folks will relight the flame to ward off the spirit.

33. A Knife in a Bed

If you find a knife in your bed, it’s considered an omen of bad luck, often thought to signify upcoming arguments or disagreements.

34. Finding a Hair in Your Food

If you find a hair in your food, it’s said that someone is thinking or talking about you—either good or bad—depending on the context.

35. Penny in the Shoe

Placing a penny in your shoe is thought to bring good fortune and help ensure you never run out of money.

36. Never Leave a Hat on the Bed

Leaving a hat on the bed is considered a bad omen. It’s believed to bring misfortune, often associated with death or illness.

37. Three Knocks on Wood

Knocking on wood three times after speaking of something good or bragging is meant to prevent bad luck or jinxing yourself.

38. The Color Yellow

Yellow, in some areas of Appalachia, is considered unlucky, particularly if worn or seen in a home. Some believe it attracts negative energy or sickness.

39. A Rooster’s Crow at Midnight

A rooster crowing at midnight is considered a sign that something is about to happen, often foretelling a dramatic event or significant change in a person’s life.

40. Sweeping Feet

If someone sweeps over your feet while cleaning, it’s believed to be a bad omen, and it’s said that you will never get married or will experience a string of bad luck.

41. Finding a Spider in the Clothes

If you find a spider in your clothes, it is said that it’s a sign of wealth coming your way. The superstition goes that the spider is weaving a “web of fortune.”

42. The First Butterfly of Spring

The first butterfly seen in the spring is considered a sign of good fortune, especially if it lands on you or someone in your family.

43. A Bat in the House

A bat flying into your home is a serious bad omen in many parts of Appalachia. It’s believed that it signals impending death, illness, or disaster.

44. Seeing the Last Star at Night

Before the last star disappears in the morning, some people in Appalachia make a wish. It’s believed that the wish will come true if made at the precise moment the last star fades away.

45. Breaking a Mirror

Like many other places, breaking a mirror is thought to bring seven years of bad luck. In Appalachia, it’s especially believed to bring misfortune to your family or home.

46. Hearing a Snake’s Rattle in the Spring

Hearing a rattlesnake in the early spring can be a warning sign of sickness or bad news ahead. It’s said that the snake is calling to warn you.

47. Seeing a White Owl

A white owl is often seen as an omen of death, especially if it appears near your home or in your yard. Some believe it’s a messenger from the spirit world.

48. Never Kill a Ladybug

Killing a ladybug is considered bad luck, and in some parts of Appalachia, it’s said that doing so will bring about bad weather, illness, or even death.

49. Washing a Baby’s Hands Before Bed

Some superstitions say that washing a baby’s hands before bedtime ensures they will be healthy and free from nightmares.

50. Crossing Your Fingers for Luck

This common superstition is also widespread in Appalachia. People cross their fingers to wish for good luck or hope for a favorable outcome.

51. The First Thing You See on New Year’s Day

The first person or animal you see on New Year’s Day is believed to influence the rest of your year. For example, if you see a black cat, it’s thought to bring bad luck, while a deer might bring prosperity.

52. Don’t Take a Bath on New Year’s Day

Taking a bath on New Year’s Day is said to wash away your luck for the year. It’s believed that the first day sets the tone for the rest of the year, so no bathing allowed!

53. Wearing Clothes Inside Out

If you wear your clothes inside out by accident, it’s considered a sign of good luck. In some parts of Appalachia, it’s thought that wearing something inside out on purpose brings good fortune.

54. Hearing an Owl Hoot

In Appalachia, if an owl hoots three times in the distance, it’s often seen as a sign of death or bad luck, but if it’s closer, it could mean good fortune or guidance.

55. Don’t Sleep with Your Feet Pointing Toward the Door

Sleeping with your feet pointing toward the door is thought to bring death, as it resembles the position of the body in a coffin. People will often rearrange their beds if they wake up in this position.

56. The Shape of the Moon

In Appalachia, it’s believed that the shape of the moon can predict the weather or determine the best time for planting crops. For instance, a crescent moon is thought to signal the best time to plant root crops, while a full moon is said to be good for planting above-ground crops.

57. A Tree Falling on the First Day of Spring

If a tree falls or is cut down on the first day of spring, it’s believed that something or someone is going to be lost or “cut off” that year.

58. The Color of a Red Sky

A red sky at dawn is often thought to mean that a storm is coming, while a red sky at sunset is considered a sign of good weather ahead.

59. Knots in Wood

If a tree has many knots in its wood, it’s believed to bring bad luck, especially if the knots are near a door or window. Knots are seen as bad omens or signs of struggle.

60. Hearing a Bell Ringing on a Windy Day

If you hear a bell ring when it’s windy, it’s thought to signify that someone nearby will pass away soon.

61. Spitting on a Fish Before You Catch It

Some people in Appalachia believe that spitting on a fish before catching it brings good luck. This superstition is likely tied to respect for nature and the animals one depends on.

62. Don’t Put a Hat on the Bed

In addition to other variations of this superstition, putting a hat on a bed is seen as bad luck, with some believing it invites illness or misfortune.

63. A Crow on the Roof

Seeing a crow land on the roof is sometimes viewed as a warning. It’s believed to symbolize bad news or a sign that something in the household needs to change.

64. Burning Bay Leaves

Burning bay leaves is said to ward off bad spirits and bring good luck. In some traditions, it’s believed that if you write down your wish on a bay leaf and burn it, the wish will come true.

65. A Spider on the Ceiling

If a spider crawls on the ceiling, it’s said that it will bring wealth to the home, but if the spider falls on the floor, it’s thought to mean bad luck or misfortune.

66. Never Use a Knife to Cut Bread

Cutting bread with a knife is considered bad luck in some Appalachian households. It’s thought to cause arguments or misunderstandings in the family. Some people believe that the bread itself could carry the “curse” of the knife.

67. Don’t Sing at the Table

Singing at the table is said to bring bad luck. Some people also believe that it invites spirits to join the meal.

68. No Whistling Before a Storm

Whistling before a storm is thought to summon wind and thunder, and is considered disrespectful to nature or the elements.

69. Blowing on Your Coffee

Blowing on your coffee or food is sometimes seen as inviting bad spirits to your meal. It’s better to let it cool naturally.

70. A Mouse in the House

Finding a mouse in your house can be a sign of good fortune if you catch it, especially if it’s in your pantry. Some believe it symbolizes abundance, while others see it as a sign of prosperity.

71. A Dog Licking Your Face

If a dog licks your face, it’s believed to be a sign of good luck, especially if the dog is of a breed known for loyalty.

72. Throwing a Rock Into Water

Throwing a rock into water is thought to symbolize the act of letting go of bad luck. Some people believe it helps to clear the mind and free you of bad energy.

73. Seeing a Rabbit’s Foot

The rabbit’s foot, particularly if found in the wild, is thought to bring good luck, particularly in matters of love or finances.

74. A Rooster Crows at Midnight

If a rooster crows at midnight, it’s said to signify an impending change or event—sometimes associated with death or dramatic news. It’s often seen as a sign that something major is about to happen.

75. The Whispering Wind

If the wind is whispering through the trees, it’s thought to be carrying messages from the spirits or ancestors, either to warn you or offer guidance.

76. Don’t Eat Alone on the 13th

Eating alone on the 13th day of any month is said to bring bad luck. In Appalachian superstition, the number 13 can carry a sense of ominous foreboding.

77. A Dog Howling at the Moon

When a dog howls at the moon, it’s seen as a sign that something bad will happen, like a sickness or even a death.

78. Finding a Feather

A feather found on the ground, especially if it’s soft and white, is said to be a message from a loved one who has passed away. It’s thought to be a sign that they are watching over you.

79. Rattling the Chains

If you hear chains rattling in the distance, it’s thought to be the spirits of the dead. Some say that the spirits are asking for prayers or are trying to send a warning.

80. Placing a Rock in a Child’s Shoe

Placing a small rock in a child’s shoe, as long as it is a smooth stone, is thought to bring good luck to the child, ensuring their health and happiness.

81. Spilling Water

Spilling water is thought to be a sign of upcoming misfortune. However, if you spill it and immediately wipe it up, it’s believed that you can reverse the bad luck.

82. The First Snowfall

The first snowfall of the season is believed to predict the amount of snow for the entire winter. Some believe that if the snow is heavy, the winter will be long and harsh; if it’s light, the winter will be mild.

83. A Dog’s Behavior

A dog barking at the moon is seen as an omen of impending trouble or misfortune. If the dog is quiet, it’s believed to bring good fortune or peace.

84. The Curse of the Full Moon

A full moon is sometimes associated with mental disturbances or “lunacy” in Appalachian culture, and it’s said that strange events or bad behavior can occur around this time.

85. Killing a Snake

Killing a snake, especially a non-poisonous one, is believed to bring bad luck, often interpreted as a sign of disrespect toward nature and its creatures.

86. A Dog Scratching at the Door

If a dog scratches at the door, it’s thought that a visitor will soon arrive, especially someone you haven’t seen in a long time. However, if the dog scratches near the door at night, it’s often seen as a bad omen, signaling a death or tragedy.

87. Walking on a Bridge

Walking on a bridge is thought to bring good luck if you make a wish while crossing it, but only if you do so quietly without telling anyone your wish.

88. A Cat Bringing You a Mouse

If your cat brings you a mouse, it’s believed to be a sign of good fortune, particularly in terms of wealth and prosperity.

89. The First Rain of Spring

The first rain of spring is said to bring growth and renewal. It’s considered a perfect time to cleanse oneself of past troubles and start anew.

90. The Sound of a Train Whistle

In some parts of Appalachia, hearing a train whistle at night can signify a change of fortune, either good or bad depending on the direction of the wind. It’s believed that the train’s journey is symbolic of a personal or family journey.

91. Lightning Striking the Same Place Twice

If lightning strikes the same place twice, it’s thought to be a harbinger of change, especially a dramatic and unexpected life shift.

92. Rubbing the Back of a Turtle

Rubbing the back of a turtle is said to bring good luck and protection, especially in times of illness or hardship. The turtle is associated with longevity and resilience.

93. Wishing on a Star

In Appalachia, seeing the first star appear at twilight is a special moment. Making a wish on that first star is thought to ensure the wish will come true.

94. Feeding a Dog at Midnight

Feeding a dog at midnight is considered bad luck and may cause the dog to bring misfortune to the household. Some believe the dog might even bring sickness or bad dreams.

95. If Your Ears Itch

If your ears itch, it’s believed that someone is talking about you—either in a good way (if your right ear itches) or in a bad way (if your left ear itches).

96. The Widow’s Mite

Finding a coin with a hole in it is considered a sign of good luck, as it’s believed to be the “widow’s mite,” a coin left behind by a widow seeking to bring good fortune to her family.

97. Thunder on the Fourth of July

If thunder strikes on the Fourth of July, it’s considered a sign that someone in the community will get married soon, or that a significant event will occur in the near future.

98. A Full Moon in January

A full moon in January is said to be the “Wolf Moon.” Some believe it brings cold weather and fierce winds, signaling a long winter ahead. In other versions, it’s considered a good omen for wealth and new beginnings.

99. Whistling During a Thunderstorm

Whistling during a thunderstorm is thought to invite lightning to strike. Some people believe it challenges the weather gods, putting the whistler in harm’s way.

100. The Shape of Clouds

Certain shapes in the clouds are believed to predict events. A cloud shaped like an animal or person can be seen as a portent of something specific happening in your life—be it a wedding, a loss, or good news.

101. If Your Palm Itches

In Appalachia, it’s thought that if your palm itches, you’ll soon be receiving money. If your right palm itches, it means money will be coming into your life, but if it’s your left palm, it’s said you’ll have to pay out some money soon.

102. Hearing a Ringing in Your Ears

A ringing in your ears means that someone is speaking ill of you. If the ringing comes from your right ear, it’s said to be good things being spoken, but if it’s the left ear, it’s bad.

103. Walking Backwards

Walking backwards is believed to bring bad luck, and it’s considered disrespectful to nature and the spirits of the land. Some say it confuses the spirits and throws off your balance, inviting misfortune.

104. Butterfly in the House

If a butterfly flies into your house, it’s thought to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness to the household. If it’s a white butterfly, it may be the spirit of a loved one visiting.

105. A Snake Crossing Your Path

If a snake crosses your path while you’re walking, it’s seen as a sign of transformation or change. It’s believed to indicate that you’ll be forced to go down a new path in life—sometimes a positive one, and sometimes a warning to be cautious.

106. Don’t Kill a Robin

Killing a robin is believed to bring a lifetime of bad luck. The robin is seen as a messenger of spring and renewal, so harming one is considered an offense against nature.

107. Burying a Fish’s Head in the Garden

Burying a fish head in the garden is said to bring good crops. It’s believed that fish heads bring nutrients to the soil, ensuring a bountiful harvest.

108. Leaving a Window Open at Night

Leaving a window open at night is thought to invite bad spirits or illness into the home. People believe it allows negative energy or disease to enter, so they keep windows closed after dark.

109. Catching a Falling Leaf

Catching a leaf that falls from a tree is thought to bring luck, especially if you catch it with one hand. Some believe it’s a way to “catch” a bit of nature’s energy and hold on to good fortune.

110. The Crying of a Baby

In Appalachian superstition, if a baby cries in a particular way at night, it’s thought that the child may be experiencing a visit from a spirit, or that a spirit is trying to communicate through the child.

111. The First Day of April

In some areas of Appalachia, the first day of April is seen as a time to test people’s gullibility. It’s believed that whoever falls for an April Fool’s prank will experience bad luck for the rest of the year.

112. Lighting a Candle for a Prayer

Lighting a candle while saying a prayer is believed to bring divine protection and blessings, especially when facing hard times or challenges.

Of course! Here are even more Appalachian superstitions to keep the list going:

113. Sweeping Over Your Feet

If someone sweeps over your feet, it’s said that you’ll never marry or will be unlucky in love. Some people believe that sweeping over someone’s feet will “seal” their fate of being single.

114. Bird in the House

If a bird flies into your house, it’s considered either a sign of change or a bad omen. If the bird flies out again quickly, it’s often seen as a sign that the danger or change has passed. If it stays too long, it might signal a death in the family.

115. Bitter Almonds

Eating bitter almonds is thought to cause bad luck, especially in romantic relationships. It’s believed that consuming something bitter can bring strife or unpleasant feelings into your life.

116. Don’t Walk Around the House Three Times

Walking around the house three times is thought to bring bad luck, especially if you do so in a counterclockwise direction. It’s considered a kind of “opening a door” to misfortune.

117. A White Horse

Seeing a white horse is thought to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness. However, it’s said that the luck lasts only if the horse is seen in the morning light and not in the dark.

118. The Wishing Well

Throwing a coin into a well while making a wish is thought to bring good luck and cause the wish to come true. The deeper the well, the more powerful the wish will be.

119. Don’t Take a Book to Bed

Taking a book to bed is thought to bring bad dreams, or sometimes even sickness. Some people believe that the act of reading before sleep makes the mind restless and susceptible to bad dreams or nightmares.

120. Don’t Set an Empty Chair at the Table

Setting an empty chair at the dinner table is considered bad luck, as it is said to invite an uninvited spirit or bring misfortune to the household.

121. The Crying of a Cat

If a cat cries at night, it is believed to be a bad omen, often indicating that someone in the household will soon fall ill or face some other misfortune.

122. Hearing a Bell Ring

If you hear a bell ring without anyone ringing it, it is thought to be a sign that someone is about to die. Some believe that the sound of the bell is the spirit of a loved one making their departure.

123. A Toad on the Porch

A toad on the porch is thought to be a sign of good luck, often linked with fertility or prosperity. It’s said that a toad brings blessings to the home, especially regarding wealth and health.

124. Clocks Stopping

If a clock stops at a certain time, it’s considered to be an omen. The time on the clock is believed to be when the event is most likely to happen, such as the time of death for someone close or a specific change in fortune.

125. The First Snowflake

The first snowflake you see in the fall or winter is believed to hold a special meaning. Some believe it is a sign that a wish will come true, while others think it might indicate a new opportunity or fortune coming your way.

126. Hearing a Rooster Before Dawn

Hearing a rooster crow before dawn is considered to be a sign of upcoming change, usually related to an important event or a major life shift. The change could be positive or negative, depending on how many times the rooster crows.

127. Finding a Knot in a Tree

If you find a knot in a tree, it’s believed that it’s a sign of protection or a guardian spirit watching over you. Some also believe that knots indicate a hidden treasure or an undiscovered blessing.

128. A Dead Bird

If you find a dead bird, it’s thought to be a sign of bad luck or impending misfortune. However, if the bird is a swallow, it’s said that it means a long journey is ahead.

129. Don’t Let a Bride See Herself in a Mirror Before the Wedding

A bride seeing herself in the mirror before her wedding is thought to bring bad luck, often seen as a sign that the marriage will end in disaster or unhappiness.

130. Don’t Walk Under a Ladder

Like many places, walking under a ladder is seen as bad luck in Appalachia. It’s believed to symbolize a broken triangle, which could invite misfortune or trouble.

131. Keep a Piece of Bread Under the Bed

Some people believe that placing a piece of bread under the bed will prevent bad dreams and promote peaceful sleep, protecting the sleeper from nightmares.

132. Knocking Three Times

Knocking three times on wood is said to keep away bad spirits. This practice is done to prevent jinxing yourself or to stop an evil spirit from entering the house.

133. Saying “Bless You” After a Sneeze

Saying “Bless you” after someone sneezes is a tradition believed to ward off evil spirits. It’s thought that a sneeze opens a small window to your soul, making it vulnerable to evil forces.

134. The Black-Eyed Susan Flower

The Black-eyed Susan flower is believed to bring good luck and protection, especially when planted near the home. It is thought to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings to the household.

135. Hearing a Dog Bark in the Middle of the Night

If a dog barks loudly and repeatedly in the middle of the night, it’s believed to signal a death in the family or someone close by.

136. Breaking a Glass

Breaking a glass is thought to be a sign of impending misfortune. However, some believe that breaking a glass can also be an omen of change, often foretelling a difficult but transformative period ahead.

137. A Tree with No Leaves in Spring

If a tree doesn’t bloom in the spring, it’s thought to be a sign that something is wrong—either with the earth or with a person in the household. It may also signify a bad harvest or an ill omen.

138. Finding a Hair in Your Food

Finding a hair in your food is believed to signify a person talking about you. A long hair suggests it’s a woman talking about you, while a short hair means it’s a man.

139. Seeing a Bumblebee in the House

Seeing a bumblebee in the house is a sign of good luck, especially regarding love or finances. It’s thought that the bee is bringing good fortune and a sweet outcome.

140. Wishing on a Dandelion

Wishing on a dandelion, especially when blowing its seeds away, is said to bring your wishes to life. The more seeds that fly away, the greater the chances of your wish coming true.

141. The Mourning Dove

If you hear the mournful call of a mourning dove, it’s said to be a sign of death, either for someone you know or in the community. Some people also interpret the call as a warning of change.

142. Don’t Pass a Graveyard After Sunset

Passing a graveyard after sunset is thought to bring bad luck or ill health. It’s believed that the spirits of the dead roam the earth after dark, and passing through the graveyard might attract their attention in an unwelcome way.

143. The First Leaf of Fall

The first leaf that falls from the tree is believed to bring a message. If it falls early, it could mean a long and harsh winter; if it falls late, a mild winter is predicted.

144. A Good Luck Charm

Carrying a small, smooth stone, or a lucky charm, is believed to protect you from evil and bring good fortune. Sometimes, these charms are passed down from generation to generation, filled with personal or family significance.

145. Whistling at Midnight

Whistling at midnight is considered a big mistake in some parts of Appalachia. It’s believed that whistling at this time will summon evil spirits or draw bad luck to the person who does it.

146. Don’t Walk on the Crack in the Road

Walking on a crack in the road is believed to bring bad luck, as it’s thought to be an opening for misfortune to enter your life.

147. Always Leave a Chair Open

Leaving an empty chair at the table is said to invite spirits to join, and many believe it brings good luck to your family if you always leave an empty seat.

148. Don’t Step on a Squirrel’s Tail

Stepping on a squirrel’s tail is said to bring bad luck, especially in your love life. The belief stems from the idea that squirrels symbolize the balance of life and nature.

149. Cutting Hair on a Full Moon

Cutting your hair on a full moon is believed to cause the hair to grow back thicker and faster, but some believe it can also bring bad luck or unwanted attention.

150. The First Fish You Catch

The first fish you catch during a fishing trip is considered a symbol of luck. Some believe it brings good fortune for the rest of the day, while others think it will bring prosperity throughout the year.

151. You’ll Have Bad Luck if You Drop a Spoon

Dropping a spoon on the floor is said to invite bad luck into your life. The superstition says it can also lead to a visit from a distant relative.

152. Don’t Wash Your Clothes on New Year’s Day

Washing clothes on New Year’s Day is believed to wash away your good fortune for the year ahead. It’s thought to bring poverty or misfortune.

153. If You Kill a Spider, You’ll Have Bad Luck

Killing a spider is thought to bring bad luck, especially if it’s found inside your home. Some believe it may bring illness or an accident.

154. Hearing an Owl at Night

The sound of an owl hooting at night is said to predict a death, especially if you hear it near your home.

155. If You Find a Lost Coin, It Brings Good Luck

Finding a lost coin on the ground, especially a penny, is believed to bring good fortune, especially if it’s found heads up.

156. Throwing Salt Over Your Left Shoulder

If you spill salt, you must throw a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off bad luck and avoid angering the spirits.

157. A Broken Mirror Means Seven Years of Bad Luck

Breaking a mirror is considered one of the worst superstitions, with many believing it brings seven years of bad luck or misfortune.

158. Don’t Give a Knife as a Gift

Giving a knife as a gift is considered bad luck, as it is thought to “cut” the relationship. To avoid this, the receiver is supposed to give a penny in exchange for the knife.

159. A Dog Howling at the Moon

If a dog howls at the moon, it’s considered a bad omen, suggesting that death or misfortune is near.

160. Don’t Let Your Shoes Be Placed on the Table

Placing shoes on a table is said to bring misfortune or illness into the home.

161. Seeing the First Star at Night

The first star that appears at night is considered lucky, and many people make a wish on it.

162. Never Open an Umbrella Indoors

Opening an umbrella indoors is considered bad luck, as it’s thought to offend the spirits in the home.

163. If You Find a Four-Leaf Clover, You’ll Have Good Luck

Finding a four-leaf clover is considered a lucky sign, with each leaf representing faith, hope, love, and luck.

164. If You Drop a Fork, Someone Is Coming to Visit

Dropping a fork on the ground is said to mean that a woman is coming to visit, while dropping a knife indicates a man will visit.

165. A Full Moon Brings Madness

It’s said that people tend to act strangely or become “crazy” during a full moon, leading to the superstition that it brings lunacy or madness.

166. Seeing a Black Cat Means Bad Luck

A black cat crossing your path is thought to bring bad luck, though some believe it could be a sign of evil spirits or impending doom.

167. Don’t Whistle Indoors

Whistling indoors is believed to attract bad spirits or invite trouble into the home.

168. Seeing a Rabbit’s Foot Brings Good Luck

Carrying a rabbit’s foot is considered a good luck charm, especially for gamblers or people embarking on new ventures.

169. A Snake Crossing Your Path Means Change

If a snake crosses your path, it’s thought to be an omen of change—either positive or negative.

170. If You Dream of a Dog, It Means Loyalty

Dreaming of a dog in Appalachian folklore means that you’ll have a loyal friend or companion by your side.

171. Don’t Sleep with Your Feet Facing the Door

Sleeping with your feet facing the door is thought to bring bad luck, as this is the position of a corpse in a coffin.

172. If You Kill a Moth, You’ll Have Bad Luck

Killing a moth is considered bad luck, as it’s believed that the moth brings the spirits of deceased loved ones with it.

173. A Bat in the House Is a Sign of Death

If a bat flies into your home, it’s thought to bring a sign of death or misfortune.

174. Chopping Wood at Night Brings Bad Luck

Chopping wood after dark is considered bad luck, as it’s believed to anger the spirits that roam at night.

175. The First Rain After a Drought

The first rain after a long drought is considered a blessing and an omen of prosperity and renewal.

176. Never Kill a Ladybug

Killing a ladybug is said to bring bad luck, as it’s thought to carry the spirits of the ancestors or bring good fortune.

177. A Rooster Crowing at Midnight Means Death

If a rooster crows at midnight, it’s considered an omen of death or some other significant event.

178. The Cry of a Cricket Means Trouble

The sound of a cricket chirping in the home is thought to be a sign that something is wrong, or trouble is coming.

179. Wishing on the First Star of Evening

Seeing the first star at night is considered to be lucky, and it’s believed that wishes made at that moment are sure to come true.

180. Never Let a Baby See Itself in a Mirror

Letting a baby look into a mirror for the first time is thought to bring bad luck or ill health to the child.

181. You’ll Have Good Luck if You Find a Horseshoe

Finding a horseshoe, particularly one that has been discarded, is considered a good luck charm.

182. If You Cut Your Hair on a Friday, It Will Grow Back Stronger

Cutting your hair on a Friday is believed to make it grow back thicker, but some believe it can bring bad luck in other areas of life.

183. The First Day of the Month

The first day of the month is often considered a time to set intentions or make wishes, with some people believing that whatever happens that day will influence the rest of the month.

184. Don’t Hand a Knife to Someone Without First Putting It Down

Handing a knife directly to someone is considered bad luck. It’s said to cause arguments or conflict. You must always place the knife down first.

185. A Dog Spitting at You Means Good Luck

If a dog spits at you, it’s believed to be a sign of good luck coming your way, particularly in finances.

186. You Must Knock on Wood After Speaking of Good Fortune

After speaking of something positive, it’s considered important to knock on wood to avoid jinxing yourself.

187. Don’t Walk Around a House Three Times

Walking around a house three times is thought to bring bad luck, often believed to be an invitation to misfortune.

188. Don’t Let a Dog Eat from Your Plate

If a dog eats from your plate, it’s considered to be a sign of bad luck, and you should quickly make a wish or offer something in return.

189. If a Bird Builds a Nest in Your House, It Brings Good Luck

A bird making a nest in your home is considered an omen of good fortune and is said to bring prosperity.

190. If a Dog Sleeps with Its Back to You, It’s a Sign of Good Health

If a dog sleeps with its back to you, it is believed to be a sign of good health and protection for the family.

191. A Stork Bringing a Baby

Storks are believed to bring babies into the world, so seeing a stork is thought to symbolize a new birth or the arrival of new beginnings.

192. Carrying a Piece of Iron Protects Against Evil

Carrying a piece of iron, like a nail or a horses

Appalachian superstitions often carry deep cultural significance, blending elements of faith, respect for nature, and a strong connection to the past. They reflect the region’s rich history, from the belief in spirits to its agricultural roots, offering a unique window into how the people of Appalachia have traditionally interpreted the world around them.