Dreaming Of The Dead In Appalachia

We are going to do something a little bit different with this blog. Instead of a historic event, we are going to discuss Appalachian folklore as it pertains to dreaming of the dead.

In 1999 my Great-Uncle passed away. A couple of nights ago I dreamed that he came back to life - back from the dead. We were all wondering if he would be different having done so. We all gathered at his house. And much to our surprise, he was pretty much the same person as he was before he passed all those years ago. There were some little things that were different, but for the most part, he was the same Uncle that we remembered.

 Two weeks ago my younger brother was in a near-fatal accident. He was in the woods and a large tree uprooted and fell on him. He pulled through and was released from the hospital three days ago.

Last night I dreamed that my Mom "got tired" of my brother and had him killed. That was a nightmare. But in that nightmare there was a miracle-performing minister holding services in the area. So, we took my brothers body to this minister, and sure enough, he brought him back to life.

 Now I know that having very similar dreams two nights in a row had to have a meaning. What that meaning is, I don't know at this point. But it prompted me to do some searching on Appalachian folklore on the subject. This is what I found.

 Dreaming of the Dead in Appalachian Folklore: What It Means and How to Protect Yourself

 Have you ever dreamed of someone who has passed away coming back to life? In Appalachian folklore, such dreams are full of meaning and warnings. Let's dive deep into what these dreams mean, how to interpret them, and how to protect yourself afterward, all based on traditional Appalachian beliefs.

 What It Means When a Deceased Person Comes Back to Life in Dreams

According to Appalachian folklore, dreaming of the dead can mean several things:

1.) Unfinished Business: The dead may have something left undone, either for themselves or for you.

2.) Message or Warning: The dead could be bringing advice or a warning about future events.

3.) Guilt or Regret: Your own unresolved feelings or grief might be surfacing.

4.) Change or Renewal: It might symbolize something in your life being "revived" — hope, love, opportunity.

5.) Bad Omen: Sometimes, it can be a forewarning of sickness, death, or major misfortune.

 Appalachian Interpretations of Dreaming of the Dead

Old Appalachian beliefs say specific behaviors in dreams tell you even more:
If the dead are uneasy: Their spirit may not be at peace.
If the dead speak: Their words are important and should not be ignored.
If the dead are happy: It might mean blessings or peaceful closure.
If the dead offer you food or objects: You must refuse, or risk shortening your own life.

Protective Traditions After Dreaming of the Dead

After such dreams, Appalachian tradition advises several protective steps:

1) Tell the Dream Before Breakfast: Prevent it from coming true by telling someone the dream before your first meal.

2) Salt in the Corners: Sprinkle salt in the corners of your room or house to ward off bad spirits.

3) Turn Shoes Upside Down: Turn your shoes upside down by the door to turn away bad luck.

4) Burn Sage or Sweetgrass: Cleanse the home of any lingering spirits.

5) Say a Special Prayer: Face east and pray: _"God protect the living and give peace to the dead."

6) Visit the Grave: Leave flowers or stones to soothe restless spirits.

7) Carry Iron: A nail, iron key, or horseshoe nail in your pocket offers protection.

 

Final Thought: In Appalachia, dreams of the dead were not ignored. They were respected, feared, and sometimes acted upon quickly. Whether seen as warnings or messages of love, the wisdom of the mountains reminds us: "Dreams of the dead walk close behind us. Be wise, be ready, and walk in the light."

Sources and Authenticity 

Most of this information comes from Appalachian oral traditions, where folklore was passed down by word of mouth. Some key written collections include:

• The Silver Bullet and Other American Witch Stories (Hubert J. Davis)
• Signs, Cures, and Witchery: German Appalachian Folklore (C. W. Sullivan III)
• Witches, Ghosts, and Signs: Folklore of the Southern Appalachians (Patrick W. Gainer) 

• The Foxfire Book Series (interviews with Appalachian elders) 

• University folklore archives (UNC, Berea College, Western Carolina University) 

These old beliefs blend influences from Scots-Irish, German, Cherokee, and African traditions that made up the culture of the Appalachian Mountains.