Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Some Farm Lore Followed By The Old-Timers...!


With the Spring weather not that far away, I thought it might be a good time to look at some of the folk lore used by the old timers on the farm.

These have been around for a long time, and whether or not any of them are valid...that's a matter of opinion.

More and more today, we are starting to realize that some of what were once considered "old wives tales" do, in fact, have a great deal of truth in them.

See if you have ever used any of these...and if you think there is a grain of modern day "reality" in one or two, OK?

"Folklore is rich among farmers, given their close ties to Earth and her natural rhythms.

Rail fences cut during the dry, waning Moon will stay straighter.

Wooden shingles and shakes will lie flatter if cut during the dark of the Moon.

Fence posts should be set in the dark of the Moon to resist rotting. Ozark lore says that fence posts should always be set as the tree grew. To set the root end upward makes a short-lived fence.

Don't begin weaning when the Moon is waning.

Castrate and dehorn animals when the Moon is waning for less bleeding.

Slaughter when the Moon is waxing for juicier meat.

Crabbing, shrimping, and clamming are best when the Moon is full.

Best days for fishing are between the new and full Moon. See our best fishing dates for the year.

Dig your horseradish in the full Moon for the best flavor.

Set eggs to hatch on the Moon's increase, but not if a south wind blows."



Now, I have to admit to having heard some of these before! Others, however, are new to me and I can't say one way or the other if they are based in reality. I do know that most of them are history based, as I found them in the Old Farmers Almanac (where else?)!

Now, if I may suggest a fresh cup of coffee on the patio...it is supposed to be nice today. Let's take a chance, OK?

12 comments:

Momlady said...

I haven't heard any of those, but understand where they would come from. After all, the moon affects the tides so why not the blood? Am enjoying coffee as we speak and will be on board in a few hours. If there is no free wi-fi onboard it'll be a while 'til I'm in touch. Meanwhile, stay healthy, safe, warm and keep the coffee going.

Anonymous said...

Morning Jim;

Where would you be without the Old Farmers Almanac? That book has more info than the net.

Heard some of them. Shrimping with a full moon always provided a few buckets, so I know that works.

We finally have some sun today for my morning coffee.

See Ya

JoJo said...

Good Morning My Special One,
Momlady have a wonderful cruise.
As for coffee on the patio sounds good to me it is raining here again we have had a very wet winter.
I have not heard about these things from the Almanac since I was raised in the city. I keep trying to remember if I heard the one about the crabbing, we did spend our summers on the coast and did lots of crabbing. But still I enjoyed the post as always

Felinae said...

Thanks for the interesting info, Uncle Hermit. I have never heard any of these ideas before.

That's why I like coming and visiting with you every morning. I always learn something new. :) Plus, the coffee isn't half bad either. :D

Have a great day, my friend!
Hugs~Felinae~

HermitJim said...

hey Momlady...
Just think! Soon you'll be sailing away into the Sunset ...or something!

I do hope you can stay in touch while on your trip...and that you have a great time!

Don't forget to take lots of pictures, OK?

Thanks for coming by today!


Hey Tony...
I could spend hours just reading the Almanac! So much info and old sayings...never know what you'll findthere!

You know, a big ol' plate of fresh shrimp would sure go good this morning!

Hey, buddy, I thank you for coming by!


Hey JoJo...
I'll just bet that you actually know some that you just don't remember right now. So many old sayings and tips linger in our past, often disguised ss rhymes...and we just take them for granted .

I never did learn to like crab for some reason!Strange, since I live so close to the coast!

Thanks, sweetie, for dropping in today!


Hey Felinae...
Well, I'm glad you aren't bored at least!

I do hope that you enjoyed the post...and that you are having some good weather there!

Thanks, Felinae, for coming by today!

Adorabibble said...

those really make sense. the topics are great the coffee is hot and the patio is wonderful... well it is 13 degrees here so it is warm enough for the patio.
thanks for all the lovely info. I enjoy reading your blog~!
love and fishy fishes
Adora

Caddie said...

Many swear by the signs so these tips sound logical to me. I've heard of a few of them. Anyway, I enjoy checking your posts w/each new one up. Late in the day - got any coffee left?

Mayberry said...

"Crabbing, shrimping, and clamming are best when the Moon is full."

I can vouch for that, especially shrimping. Speckled trout bite best at night when the moon is full too. The full moon screws up daytime fishing, inshore and offshore....

HermitJim said...

Hey Adora...
13 degrees sounds pretty cold to me! You folks are tougher than I am, I'm afraid! Think I'll stay here in the South for a bit!

I'm glad that you could drop in today...and glad you enjoyed the post.

I do hope that you come by again for a visit! We need all the friends that we can get, ya know?


Hey Sissy...
Always fresh coffee here at the Hermit's house! If it gets cold or stale...I'll make some more! Nothing's too good for my friends!

I really appreciate you coming by today and hope to see you again!


Hey Mayberry...
I figured if anyone would know about the shrimp and crabbing...you be the MAN!

Sure is good to see you again, buddy! Thanks for coming by!

Cygnus MacLlyr said...

I rexieved a copy of that great book for christ-mass, Uncle. And--

I love it!!!

I know someone elsewho would like a copy-- a true bibliophile, hand-held one...

Slainte, Uncle Hermit!

Cygnus MacLlyr said...

Sorry... poor html practice from my end!

The Someone is Here, not that other link which is no-where...

Apologies!!!

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