An old photo of “hillbillies” aka Appalachian Mountain dwellers some of whom probably practiced Appalachian granny magic. They helped birth babies and comforted those who were at the end of life. These women (and sometimes men) didn’t just provide herbal remedies, they were called on to be guides to people in transitional times. The Appalachian grannies and midwives were held in high regard by the local folks. many “old wives tales” originate in Appalachian granny magic.put a knife under a pregnant woman’s bed to “cut the pain” of childbirth.shrub yellowroot was an herb used as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments.to numb a baby’s mouth during teething rub the gumline with whiskey/rum sassafras root tea was brewed to cure scurvy (this is believed to have come from the Natives’ healing traditions).to cure a headache, place a bit of salt on your head.Herbs from the garden, alcohol, and other household items were used in granny magic, including: The next best thing was to consult the local “granny” or midwife for a healing remedy. The Appalachian families were not rich folk, so licensed doctors were uncommon. Healing was a big practice in Appalachian Granny Magic. To this day, some people still carry a rabbit’s foot on a keychain for good luck. Another way to keep spirits at bay was to sprinkle salt over the hearth fire or wear a rabbit’s foot. This practice most likely comes from the Irish immigrants, as they believed iron warded off witches and fairies. For example, a horseshoe was hung over the doorway to prevent evil spirits from entering. And were not elaborate rituals but practical routines. Salt, Horseshoes, and ChoresĪppalachian granny magic involved everyday household items and chores. To put it simply, Appalachian Granny Magic is a HUGE blend of superstitions and magical practices passed down for generations. Italian and Welsh immigrants were also flourished in the Appalachian region, prior to the Great Depression. Like the rich traditions of the German and English immigrants, and let’s not forget that African Americans have also dwelt in the Appalachian region since the 18th century. Granny Magic is said to be a mixture of Irish, Scottish, and Native practices, but that would exclude the other cultures who have lived in the Appalachians for centuries. it was well known that old housewives (grannies) practiced these beliefs and traditions. it came from the Appalachian Mountain Region and B. Today we call it Appalachian Granny Magic because: A. Until recent years, this form of American Folk Magic didn’t have a name…it just was. Learn about the main types of American Folk Magic like Granny magic, hoodoo, Ozark magic, and pow-wow magic. A melting pot of superstitions, energy, and spiritual will…as our ancestors moved to the United States, their various folk magic practices intertwined and sometimes mixed with the Native American peoples’ practices. From the Ozark Mountains to the Appalachians, from New York to New Orleans, American Folk Magic is woven into our unique American culture. American folk magic comes in all shapes and sizes and is found in every region of the U.S.
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