Winter is on the Agenda in NC Mountains.
Now that the autumn days has ended and the colorful October days have turned toward winter, one must look back to the foggy days of August. According to Appalachia folklore, foggy days in August decides the number of snows in the winter season.
Predicting the Number of Snows in Winter
August is the month when fog gathers throughout the blue ridges and mountain tops. The pumpkins are almost ready for harvest, and the mountain tradition of predicting the number of snows for the coming winter begins.
We understand this tradition, passed down by early settlers, came from the Native Americans who lived among them in Appalachia at that time.
Here is how it works.
For every foggy morning that the NC Mountains had in August, one would place either a large or a small bean placed in a jar will predict the number of snows that winter.
For example: If an August morning fog lingers midway up the mountains, you would place a small bean. The small bean stands for a light snow, the mountain folks call it a “dusting of snow.” When fog cover the ground and stretches to the top of the mountains, place a large bean into the jar. A large bean stands for a deep snow that winter. (One must measure the fog from a designated location each morning.)
Fall in Appalachia brings other notable traditions and events. Continue to follow Ashe High Country Realty’s blogs to learn of happenings in and around Appalachia.
In the spring, we will learn whether counting the foggy days in August is only folklore or if it really happens.
We will let you know!
