When it comes to Appalachia, or the supernatural world in general, superstition runs rampant.
Of course I’ve talked about superstition before–of chants and throwing salt over one’s back when it’s spilled. However, there’s a difference in superstition and in warning.
I first learned of it when I spent time seeking out Native American voices and I’ve been hearing it ever since; don’t whistle at night.
Common sense for those who deal in cryptids and supernatural.
Should you believe in these creatures in any degree, it makes since that there should be advice for how to keep oneself safe, as there are with any animal.
If one were to discover a unicorn, I should recommend a distance past or closer than horn range, similarly to advice given about safely handling rhinos.
But whistling at night?
Apart from being good advice generally, there is much belief that doing so will summon spirits who will follow you home and make life difficult. The less we tempt nature, the better.
On a practical level, whistling can alert very real threats to your location such as bears and bobcats. Given the varying wildlife across campus, I would imagine that this is a smart move regardless.
Noise has a lot to do with rules actually.
Often times, it is said that we shouldn’t talk to strangers, but this changes a little in the woods. If you hear someone in the woods calling your name, do not respond and do not go looking. There are too many things looking to steal you away.
For a good monster however, the first concern is physical, grounded safety. Mothman may not exist, but getting lost in the woods does. Stay on the trails, don’t explore abandoned factories, have a line of communication with your friends.
