Linda J HollandToll
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Post by Linda J HollandToll on May 13, 2004 17:18:47 GMT -5
I am trying to track down a reference in Sharyn McCrumb's novel The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter, which refers to Nora Bonesteel marking her place in her King James Bible with the feather of a red-bird's wing. I am fairly familiar with more common superstitions or folkways about birds, but tis one has me stumped. I am assuming a red-bird is a cardinal, and may have religious significance but I have not found anything about either red-birds or cardinals. Does anyone know of the significance of this act?
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Post by chickenmaggie1 on May 16, 2004 22:01:21 GMT -5
Hey Linda,
Have you recieved any repies about the redbird in Sharyn McCrumbs novel? I've read the book, though it's been awhile. I assumed it was a Cardinal too. I've been wondering about the significance too...SO...This is something that might get a response from someone!! ?
I'd like to know about other supersticians about birds too and you seem to know some. Care to share?? Please?
Chicken Maggie
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Post by Gary Carden on Oct 15, 2004 11:09:24 GMT -5
Well, the redbird has been around a long time. I think the most vivid use of the redbird is in Lee Smith's novel, "Oral History." When I teach Appalachian literature, I read the passage in which the redbird leads Almarine to the red-headed witch. I also like the way the redbird is used in House's "Clay's Quilt." It is usually cast in the role of "guide" or "harbinger."
Gary Carden
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Post by chickenmaggie1 on Oct 17, 2004 16:41:26 GMT -5
Hey, this place lives! Gary, I'm glad to see you back here. I didn't realize how busy you are. You do so much! I think this is good. I think it means people are still interested. All I want to do, after getting these books to read, is import the Cardianal to Idaho. I miss 'em...A lot!  Thanks for mentioning the book titles. I'll be reading them. I'd love to hear more about birds though. I've always paid close attention to birds and to their voices in real life. Hug a chicken today! chickenmaggie1 |
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Post by Gary Carden on Oct 27, 2004 21:23:56 GMT -5
I'm still here, although I have been gone a good bit teaching elderhostels in the region, and promoting my play, "The Prince of Dark Corners." Also, I just found out that I am scheduled for some serious surgery in the hospital in Asheville next month.
I just attended a lecture given by Donald Harington up at WCU and he talked about folklore and superstitions in the Ozarks. Donald is more "hearing impaired" than I am, and that is going some. He has twelve novels now, and is an ardent fan of the Ozark folklorist, Vance Randolph. Me too!!
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