folk belief Archives - Bone and Sickle

Benandanti versus Witches

October 19, 2026 boneandsickle Banandanti, EPISODE, folklore

In this episode we return to the topic of the Benandanti, or “good walkers,” those mysterious spirit-travelers of northeastern[…]

Read more

Born with a Veil

August 15, 2026 boneandsickle anomalies, Benandanti, birthing, cauls, curiosities, EPISODE, folk customs, folk magic, folklore, Friuli, history, legends, medicine, superstition, witch trials, witchcraft, witches

To be “born with a veil” (or caul) was once regarded as far more than an unusual circumstance of birth.[…]

Read more

Pumpkins, Turnips, and Spooklights

September 30, 2025 boneandsickle America, American lore, anomalies, apparitions, celebrations, England, EPISODE, fairies, folk celebrations, folklore, Halloween, history, holidays, Jack-o'-lanterns, superstition, swamp gas, Will-o'-the-wisp

The Halloween Jack-o’-lantern, made from pumpkins in the US and originally turnips in the UK, began its existence as a[…]

Read more