THEY SAID COTTON WAS FULL OF SPIRITS

Most people think of cotton as a crop. But for generations across the American South, cotton was surrounded by stories of spirits, omens, folk medicine, luck, love, and mysterious traditions that have largely been forgotten. In today's Magic Monday, we're exploring the fascinating world of Cotton Magic—a collection of historical folk beliefs, superstitions, and traditions recorded in early folklore collections, oral histories, and Southern culture. Together, we'll separate folklore from fact, examine the historical context behind these beliefs, and discuss what they reveal about the lives, spirituality, and resilience of Black Americans. Whether you're interested in Hoodoo, African American history, folklore, or the hidden stories of the American South, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.