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Yokai Parade @yokaiparade.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Tsukimi, the Autumn moon viewing party, is an old tradition in Japan, held on the night of the full moon of the eighth month of the solar calendar. Seasonal produce and round rice dumplings that represent the moon are served. #FolkloreThursday

Ukiyo triptych of three women in kimono looking at the moon, with a table full of round rice dumplings. according to https://ichiban-japan.com/tsukimi-japon/ by Utagawa Kuniteru

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Crystal Ponti @crystalponti.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Migrating geese have long been seasonal timekeepers. Their great autumn formations told people something calendars now do more precisely...that the year was turning. Folklore and weather lore paid attention because sometimes the sky itself announced the season. #FolkloreThursday Art: Robert Bateman

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FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Hello there #FolkloreThursday 🐉 That was Crystal @crystalponti.bsky.social hosting before the break! I'm @shanonsinn.bsky.social your guide for the next one hour ✨ Celebrating teh change of seasons, today's theme is "Autumn Folklore” 🍄 🍂 🐿️ Late 19th century Carl Offterdinger

Illustration of Puss in Boots waking up from a nap. He is surrounded by onlooking rabbits and an Autumn scene is behind him with long wheat blowing in the wind and a scarecrow wearing his hat. A red-breasted bird is perched in the scarecrow’s arm and is looking at the red feather in the hat.

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Shanon Sinn @shanonsinn.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

In Western culture, the Grim Reaper is the personification of death. Wielding a scythe, he or she has been associated with Autumn as a harvester of souls since the Black Death of the 14th Century. The Grim Reaper's name emerged in the 1800s. #FolkloreThursday 1911 Petit Journal, 1915 M. Fingesten

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Yokai Parade @yokaiparade.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Momiji was a witch in the mountains of Nagano. Disguised as a princess, she invited some samurai to a leaf-viewing party. That night in a dream, the god Hachiman warned one of them and gave him a sword. He awoke with the sword in his hand and used it to slay her #folklorethursday art @yokai.com

art of a woman with demon horns in traditional Japanese clothing, against a background of fall maple leaves

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Jelske Anna @jelleanna.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

“In still, dark weather, which happens at the time of the autumn equinox, roosters will often crow all day and all night.” Yup, that’s what’s happening rn. It’s definitely not helping my migraine. But I found some good folklore that made me tolerate the incessant beast #FolkloreThursday

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Yokai Parade @yokaiparade.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Anything can come to monstrous life in Japan, including vegetables. In one legend, a pumpkin monster called Sunamura no onryō appeared in the neighborhood of Sunamura night after night, terrorizing people by chasing them around #FolkloreThursday

old Japanese print of a walking vine carrying a pumpkin as its head

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Crystal Ponti @crystalponti.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Michaelmas daisies earned their name because they bloom around the feast of St. Michael on September 29. Their late purple flowers became a traditional sign of the changing season. Before calendars were everywhere, the landscape itself announced autumn's progress. #FolkloreThursday Image: Unknown

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Olivia @oliviaarmstrong.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Non resident woodcock usually arrived in Ireland on the first full moon in November and it was believed they had spent their summers on the moon... #FolkloreThursday 🎨Karl Friedrich Schinkel

Beneath a vast blue sky studded with symmetrical stars, a woman with a crown stands atop a crescent moon on its back. stormy black and red cloud

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Nifty Buckles Folklore @niftybuckles.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

#FolkloreThursday 🌾🎃 In the 1800s, Pennsylvania farmers tied red scarves onto mannequins to frighten crows from their fields. They called these eerie guardians “Bogeymen.” #Scarecrows #Bogeyman ~ Old Pennsylvania Folklore Art: Paintings By Simon / Simon Rudd #Scarecrow #Boogeyman

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FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

🍁🍂 Welcome, autumn wanderers! I’m @crystalponti.bsky.social, taking the #FolkloreThursday reins for the next hour! Thanks to @mythcrafts.bsky.social for hosting before the break. Now bring on the falling leaves, harvest lore, autumn omens, & old seasonal magic! 🌾🍎✨ Art: Muy Lindo

A whimsical autumn woodland illustration shows a tiny cottage built into the roots of an old tree. A rabbit carrying a pumpkin stands outside beside a basket overflowing with pumpkins, while an owl watches from a branch above. Through the open rounded door, a cozy room glows with lamplight, a steaming mug, and autumn treats. Golden leaves drift through the forest, creating a warm, storybook atmosphere.

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The Folklore of Warwickshire @warksfolklore.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

After the Devil went out collecting nuts on Devil’s Nutting Day (21 Sept), the Virgin Mary suddenly appeared. Startled by this, Satan dropped the sack of nuts which turned into the Devils’ Bag of Nuts (aka Alcock’s Arbour), a hill near Haselor, Warwickshire. #FolkloreThursday

Track passing by the Devil's Bag of Nuts

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Nifty Buckles Folklore @niftybuckles.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

#FolkloreThursday 🎃🐎 Beware the Headless Horseman! Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820) echoes older European headless-rider lore, often compared with Ireland’s dreaded Dullahan. 🐎 🎃 🔥 Some legends never die. They just keep riding. 💀🌙 #AutumnReads 🍂

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P J Richards @pj-richards.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

🌿🌊🌿'Undine' - written by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué - illustrated by Arthur Rackham. "Forget not that I am here with thee as a guide." #MythologyMonday #FairyTaleTuesday #WyrdWednesday #FolkloreThursday #FolkWitchFriday #FolkloreSunday

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FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Hello #Folklorethursday and thank you @botanicafabula.bsky.social for hosting the last session. This is @mythcrafts.bsky.social offering you a virtual cup of mulled wine as we toast to the stories of the harvest season. Img: The Autumn by Alphonse Mucha

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Coffin Boffin @coffinboffin.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

THE FAIRY FELLER'S MASTER STROKE is on display at the RCA giving access to the stunning detail of a fairy #autumn. Dadd depicts the fairy 'feller' about to split a large chestnut with his axe to make a new carriage for Queen Mab, amid the prickly fruits of the London Plane Tree #FolkloreThursday

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Yokai Parade @yokaiparade.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The Jinmenju is a tree that bears fruit in the autumn that looks exactly like a human head. They can't speak, but they can laugh, and if they laugh too hard they fall off the tree. #FolkloreThursday hyakumonogatari.com/2012/06/03/j...

illustration by Shigeru Mizuki of a tree with human heads growing from it

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Folklore Twitcher @folkloretwitcher.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

"If hedgerows produce a lot of berries it means a long hard winter." - Kathleen Hawke, "Cornish Sayings, Superstitions and Remedies" (1973) #FolkloreThursday

Wildedges - - https://www.willowwildedges.com/blog/hedgerow-harvest - cornucopia of berry fruit from the hedgerows

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Association for Scottish Literature @asls.org.uk · 24/09/2026

“In Gaelic tradition, the last sheaf or sguab mu dheireadh…was crafted into a superstitious charm, which could take the form of a simple plait of straws tied up with ribbon, or may be crafted into a corn dolly and even clothed.” #FolkloreThursday www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/blog/a-rich-...

Corn dollies collected by anthropologist Robert Craig Maclagan (1839 – 1919). Left Cailleach from Islay; right Maighdean Bhuana from Argyllshire

The dollies are a little bit flattened, and shown side by side within a brown frame. They are made of snips of cloth – some quite fine – and ribbon, placed like skirts around a small bundle of oats or barley with the seeds still on. The dolly on the left has two little tufts poking out of the bottom of its skirt, presumably representing feet.

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Amanda Edmiston, Botanica Fabula @botanicafabula.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Houseleeks on the roof to protect from lightning, horseshoe to protect and hold good luck, all the ancient tricks come to play as the grain arrived to be milled…has this all been lost in the last 60 years or are the fragments still there amongst modern farming monoculture? #folklorethursday

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Catherine Gogerty @catherinegogerty.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The 'Devil's Coach-horse' beetle, in Ireland this beetle was a symbol of corruption. It was thought to have the power to kill on sight, and eat sinners. When the beetle raised its tail, it was thought to be casting a curse. I've got some of these living in my house at the moment #FolkloreThursday

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Crystal Ponti @crystalponti.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

At Halloween, Scottish and Irish fortune-telling sometimes involved pulling kale or cabbage stalks from the ground. Their size, shape, and even the amount of dirt clinging to them supposedly revealed qualities of a future spouse. Romance was once quite agricultural. #FolkloreThursday Art: CardCow

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The Swamp Wytch @theswampwytch.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Watch where you step this autumn - the woolly worms are crawling! Traditional Southern folklore reads their rust and black bands as a map of the coming cold: wide black bands warn of harsh freezes, while broader orange midsections promise a gentle, mild winter. #FolkloreThursday #Folklore

A close-up view of a woolly bear caterpillar resting on a green leaf. It features dense, bristly segments with thick black sections at the head and tail flanking a bright rusty-orange middle band.

Photographer:
Date September 24th, 2006, Montreal, Quebec
Author IronChris
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IC_Pyrrharctia_isabella_caterpillar.JPG

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WillowWinsham @willowwinsham.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

After catching an interview on the radio about the World Conker Championships and the current conker crisis, I’ve fallen down a very fascinating rabbit hole - anyone attending this year? #FolkloreThursday www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Hot summer causes headache for World Conker Championships

Organisers hope to have avoided cancellation after hot weather causes conkers to fall early.

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WillowWinsham @willowwinsham.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Thrilled to be speaking at All Hallows Haunts at 12pm on Sunday 1st November - if you're near Derby, come and say hello and check out the rest of the fab line up 30th Oct-1st Nov! Link to book tickets: bit.ly/4ruf8qQ #FolkloreThursday

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Crystal Ponti @crystalponti.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

In English folklore, Michaelmas falls on September 29, and tradition says you shouldn't pick blackberries after this date because the Devil spoils them. In some versions, he fell into a blackberry bush and returns each year to spit or urinate on the fruit. #FolkloreThursday Art: Unknown

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Nifty Buckles Folklore @niftybuckles.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

🌰🍂 #FolkloreThursday 🐿️ Old Autumn lore warned that a heavy crop of acorns & nuts foretold a hard winter ahead. ❄️ But keep one! An acorn carried in your pocket was said to bring good luck, protection & long life. 🌳 Nature’s tiny Autumn lucky charm. 🍁🌰 #Acornlore 🌰🐿️🍂 🎨 Emily Duffin

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Olivia @oliviaarmstrong.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Autumn in Ireland, when swallows migrated, folk believed they were actually hibernating at the bottom of the ponds... #FolkloreThursday 🎨John Henry Lorimer

In a Victorian nursery with bars on the window three young girls and their mother gather by a window to look out at the rooftops and see the swallows migrating. one of the girls is sitting on the window bench and weeping. Another is pointing at the birds.

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Stephen G. Rae @stephengrae.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

'The Green Man - Autumn' woodland guardian clothed in an autumnal hue the turning season bardofcumberland.com/poetry/ #FolkloreThursday #Autumn art: Stephen G. Rae

The Green Man showing a cooler persona, as summer ends and drifts into autumn, illustration by Stephen G. Rae

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Bevan Thomas @bevanthomas.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Opora was a minor Greek goddess of fruit, the harvest, and the autumn season. Sirius (the dog star) fell in love with her, and his passion became so intense that it burned the Earth until Opora agreed to marry him. Sirius still glows every summer as a symbol of his love. #FolkloreThursday

A 4th-century Roman mosaic that depicts the goddess of the autumn, laden down with the fruits of the harvest.

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Annie Brassey @anniebrassey.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

"Falling Leaves" The Illustrated London News 30.10.1858. #FolkloreThursday #Autumn #Art #History #1850s

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FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

What a beautiful morning here in Todmorden for #FolkloreThursday! This is @folkloretodmorden.bsky.social with today’s theme of #folklore of #autumn and #fall. On a recent family walk we couldn’t agree if catching a falling leaf meant good luck or making a wish- what do you say?

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FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Today's the day! Share your autumn and fall-themed folklore to the hashtag from 9am BST! #FolkloreThursday

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WillowWinsham @willowwinsham.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Is it even a visit to Nottingham Castle if I haven't taken a pic of the giant pumpkin?!

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WillowWinsham @willowwinsham.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Making the most of the nice weather🌤

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FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Join us on 24th September for our autumn and fall-themed #FolkloreThursday! Our hosts will share posts made to the hashtag at the following times BST: 9am-2pm 3.30pm-4.30pm 6pm-7pm 🍂🍎🎃 (🎨John William Godward, Autumn.)

A woman in a flowing red dress with a green sash reaches for grapes hanging from a vine, with a bowl of grapes at her feet. John William Godward, Autumn.

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Squimoo @squimoo.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Have you ever found a book that feels like it was written just for you? Cheers @willowwinsham.bsky.social

Curious Cats and Fantastic Felines written by Willow Winsham

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WillowWinsham @willowwinsham.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Thank you so much to all our hosts and everyone who shared such great folklore today! Happy 11th Birthday #FolkloreThursday! 💛

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FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

That's the end of a special #FolkloreThursday 🧞 Today's theme was "Favourite Folklore” for our 11-year anniversary! This is @shanonsinn.bsky.social l signing off. Until next time ✨ 1493 Nuremberg Woodcut

Two women are on shore, and they appear to be doing witchcraft. A captain is in a ship and his crew look to be humans with various animal heads.

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Yokai Parade @yokaiparade.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

The kappa is said to have a special talent for flatulence and even uses it as a method of attack. The phrase "he no kappa," meaning "a kappa's fart," is used like the English "piece of cake!" to mean that something is easy to do #FolkloreThursday

Japanese print of a man being blown away by a kappa's fart

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sm23 @sm23.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

This bit of favorite folklore feels like it's been a constant in my life. #FolkloreThursday

Illustration of a black cat silhouette with white text emblazoned across it reading "You will always be lucky if you know how to make friends with strange cats."

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Amanda Edmiston, Botanica Fabula @botanicafabula.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

The book tour begins in Provan hall, Glasgows oldest house~said to be home to many haunts~on Saturday 20th June www.eventbrite.com/e/herbal-mag... There will be herbal teas and a chance to explore along with stories from the book and signings #folklorethursday friends may enjoy💚💫🌿📚

eventbrite.com

Herbal Magic: Amanda Edmiston on 'Collected Curiosities'

Join author, storyteller and herbal Practitioner Amanda Edmiston for a talk and signing to her new book 'Collected Curiosities'

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Ben Gazur @bengazur.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Happy 11th Birthday to #FolkloreThursday! I would not have written half the things I have had they not let me guest host! Thanks to Willow and Dee Dee, and everyone else involved. And my book, A Feast of Folklore, is out next Thursday.

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DeeDeeChainey @deedeechainey.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined us at @culturalfutureshub.bsky.social tonight, and over the last two years! It's been amazing, thanks to you all! 🎉 And HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY, #FolkloreThursday! 🥳

Group of avatars standing in front of event posters in the VR Cultural Futures Hub.

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Yokai Parade @yokaiparade.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

happy birthday Folklore Thursday from the Yokai Parade! #FolkloreThursday

yokai having a party with a wine and cheese board and a birthday cake

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Stevie Kilner @1steviekilner.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

A little video I took at Cold Christmas today. I never saw anything remotely ghostly on my brief visit. But Cold Christmas certainly warrants its reputation. Just the name and history, coupled with a remote location helps lend a certain atmosphere to it. I enjoyed it though. #FolkloreThursday

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Olivia @oliviaarmstrong.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Banshees used waxwings as torches to guide them through their haunting nights... #FolkloreThursday 🖌️Banshee Appears - unattributed

Two startled men in top hats stand aghast as a waving distraught female figure arises out of the misty fields.

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Stevie Kilner @1steviekilner.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Ha, that's lovely! Well, if I've inspired you I can most certainly say that you have inspired me over the years, Willow. Love the stories.....and the books, of course! 😊 Here's to the next 11 years! 🥳

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Stevie Kilner @1steviekilner.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Hear! Hear! Always love engaging with the Folklore community - so many fascinating stories. By coincidence, I went to the tiny hamlet of Cold Christmas today, as I'm visiting my folks in Herts. I'll post something in a bit but it's one on my Folklore map I've been wanting to tick off for some time.

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WillowWinsham @willowwinsham.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

You know it's been a long but wonderful day when you genuinely ask someone "What day is it?!" before your brain catches up to remind you that the clue is in the name.... 😱😂#FolkloreTHURSDAY

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