Signs, Cures, and Witchery: German Appalachian Folklore

by Gerald C. Milnes

The persecution of Old World German Protestants and Anabaptists in the seventeenth century-following debilitating wars, the Reformation, and the Inquisition-brought about significant immigration to America. Many of the immigrants, and their progeny, settled in the Appalachian frontier. Here they established a particularly old set of religious beliefs and traditions based on a strong sense of folk spirituality. They practiced astrology, numerology, and other aspects of esoteric thinking and left a legacy that may still be found in Appalachian folklore today.

Based in part on the author's extensive collection of oral histories from the remote highlands of West Virginia, Signs, Cures, and Witchery: German Appalachian Folklore
describes these various occult practices, symbols, and beliefs; how they evolved within New World religious contexts; how they arrived on the Appalachian frontier; and the prospects of those beliefs continuing in the contemporary world.

By concentrating on these inheritances, Gerald C. Milnes draws a larger picture of the German influence on Appalachia. Much has been written about the Anglo-Celtic, Scots-Irish, and English folkways of the Appalachian people, but few studies have addressed their German cultural attributes and sensibilities. Signs, Cures, and Witchery sheds startling light on folk influences from Germany, making it a volume of tremendous value to Appalachian scholars, folklorists, and readers with an interest in Appalachian folklife and German American studies.

Genres: Nonfiction, Occult, History, Folklore, Witchcraft, Historical, Magic

264 pages, Hardcover

First published April 10, 2007

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

You must read this book. There is no other like it. I grew up with these signs, and this book is based in my home county of Pendleton in West Virginia. I didn't realize before reading this book just how much my German ancestors shaped modern life and culture in the mountains that I call home.

[Trunatrschild · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well researched book on the witchcraft practices and history and culture brought from Germany to the Appalachians that still lives today. This is not about powwow or Braucherei, this is generalized German folklore brought over in the 1700's and forced, due to religious prejudism to inhabit certain parts of the New World.
It is REAL, a compilation of study and interviews with live people. There is nothing about the Rede or any other neopagan thing, this is honest to goodness American Traditional Witchcraft and Folklore that is still alive to a certain extent in the Appalachia.
I think it's essential in any study of American folklore and way of life, I am very glad that Mr. Milnes spent his time and energy to gather the fast disappearing way of life. It may be gone soon and it will be a huge loss to the United States. Read this before it's gone.
You could read this book and watch the movie Songcatcher and feel like you actually live there.

[Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When someone says "Appalachia" to me, I think of English and Irish bringing ancient Celtic songs and customs to the valleys and hills. And they did. But so did the Germans. And they brought with them their talismans, amulets, prayers, and symbols.

In a land where life itself is not guaranteed day to day, rites and amulets brought comfort and hope. The many unknowns of the spiritual, scientific, cosmological world was hard, but customs brought a type of security.

The book is a compendium of learned scholarly study and folktales. There are sections on witches, spells, beliefs, cures, and numerology. It's a great research tool and interesting reading as well.

[Mle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surprisingly dry.

[Shelby *trains flying monkeys* · Rating 3 out of 5]

The research in this book is remarkable. I'd have given it four stars except for that tiny print. It took forever to read because I had to squint.

[Betsy Phillips · Rating 1 out of 5]

He's got an incredible ear for important stuff his informants reveal, but his contextual material is a problematic mess of unlikelihoods and things that are just plain wrong.

[Granny · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's nice to read something in-depth about this topic, and bring the German-American influence in this region to the forefront. I highly recommend this book for the serious reader!

[Dearwassily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ebbed and flowed, with some parts gripping, others I wanted to pass over. Information offered in a dance, swaying and circling back around.