Weather, Old Wives' Tales, & Appalachia

Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and having grown up here it is easy to hear relatives speak about the weather using various terminology, and going by various signs. These mountain sayings keep the traditions of our dialect and heritage close. We can interpret them from generation to generation for anyone new to our region(s) and can always enjoy their reactions whenever one is said.

With March we have all heard the expression that if it is windy at the start of the month and calm at the end then it came in like a lion and went out like a lamb. The saying can also be turned around if the opposite is true. In this blog post, we will share a few of these Appalachian old wives tales and sayings when it comes to describing and determining weather:

• The Devil is beating his wife. 

What does this mean? Well, when we were young my grandmother would say this whenever it was raining and the sun shining all at the same thing. 

• Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in morning, sailors take warning.

These gorgeous skies are deep red, like fire dancing on the mountain ridges, and very picturesque. Still, they come with their warning for good or bad weather ahead. 

• Ring around the moon? It will snow soon. 

Usually, the snow or inclement weather may happen within 2 weeks per lore. 

• Every foggy August day equates to a day of snowfall in the coming winter. 

We count these each August and try to recall if the number of snows that follow corresponds to the fog. 

• Put a spoon under your pillow if you want it to snow. 

I have never done this, nor has anyone I know but have heard this old wives' tale before. Maybe it is something to plan to do before next Christmas (haha). 

• Other great snow sayings are if it thunders in the winter snow will follow in one week, or if snow lays on the ground more is sure to follow. 

• Wooly worms have a say when it comes to weather too, and Appalachian people always keep an eye out for them.

The position of the longest dark bands indicates which part of winter will be coldest or hardest. If the head end of the caterpillar is dark, the beginning of winter will be severe. If the tail end is dark, the end of winter will be cold.

• Autumn colors can determine a winter's harshness.

Some believe that the brighter the leaves are in the fall, the snowier and colder the coming winter will be. In Appalachia, we look forward to our vibrant fall foliage, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway. However, we have also had beautiful bright falls with little snow during the winter months. 

Not all old wives' tales about winter or weather are true but we certainly enjoy recounting them from time to time and it is a great way to preserve storytelling and our heritage. We hope you've enjoyed some of these and wisth all of our followers a wonderful March. Particularly one that goes out like a lamb ushering in a beautiful Spring and an even brighter summer. 

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