Cherokee tradition: bear tracks crossing a path twice means the bear is granting safe passage. Once = warning.

Appalachian + Cherokee/Shawnee oral tradition (public domain)

A swarm in May is worth a load of hay. A swarm in June is worth a silver spoon. A swarm in July ain't worth a fly. — Old beekeeper rhyme.

Appalachian + KY folk tradition (public domain)

A black cat crossing your path = bad luck (English/American) OR good luck (most other traditions). In KY, you reverse your direction or make an X with your finger.

Appalachian + Cherokee/Shawnee oral tradition (public domain)

First bluebird of spring brings happiness for the year. Bluebirds nesting near the house mean a happy household.

Appalachian + KY folk tradition (public domain)

A cardinal in your yard means a departed loved one is visiting. Particularly the male — the females are subtler messengers.

Appalachian + Cherokee/Shawnee oral tradition (public domain)

When a cat washes behind its ears, rain is on the way. The cat's whiskers are sensing falling pressure.

Appalachian + KY folk tradition (public domain)

A cricket in the house brings luck — never kill one. If it stops chirping while you watch, expect bad news.

Appalachian + KY folk tradition (public domain)

Count crow caws: 1 = sorrow, 2 = joy, 3 = a letter, 4 = a boy, 5 = silver, 6 = gold, 7 = a secret never told.

Appalachian + KY folk tradition (public domain)

A dog rolling on its back in the grass means rain within 24 hours.

Appalachian + KY folk tradition (public domain)

See the first robin from the north and you'll travel north that year; from the south, you'll travel south.

Appalachian + Cherokee/Shawnee oral tradition (public domain)

Spring peepers calling means winter's back is broken. Their calling stops if a hard freeze returns.

Appalachian + Cherokee/Shawnee oral tradition (public domain)

An owl heard during the day means death is near. A pervasive Appalachian belief.

Appalachian + Cherokee/Shawnee oral tradition (public domain)

A horse rolling completely over from side to side predicts rain.

Appalachian + KY folk tradition (public domain)

A mantis on you means visitors are coming. Never kill one — bad luck.

Appalachian + KY folk tradition (public domain)

Dreams of snakes mean an enemy is near. Killing the snake in the dream = victory. Letting it go = unresolved trouble.

Appalachian + Cherokee/Shawnee oral tradition (public domain)

See a spider on Wednesday = good news arriving. On Friday = visitors coming.

Appalachian + Cherokee/Shawnee oral tradition (public domain)

A squirrel crossing in front of your car: turn back briefly — you've used up a luck token.

Appalachian + KY folk tradition (public domain)