[meelk]

have any of you read anything regarding ghosts, particularly a blue porch keeping ghosts out of your home? I'm wondering where the tradition originated. I know it has to do with repelling various supernatural spirits.


and yes, my porch is blue, and yes, I've heard enough things outside to be glad it is.

[RAILhead]

It has its origins in the Louisiana and Alabama backwaters. More specific, though, is that the ceilings were typically painted blue — and the original reason was to keep winged insects from building nests. From this, things evolved to where the blue repelled all kinds of pests and noseeums, and eventually "evil spirits."

[meelk]

interesting. what about a blue ceiling supposedly keeps insects from building nests?

[residentEvil]

cause to an insect it looks like the sky? you can't build a nest in/on the sky?

[meelk]

well, I can tell you right now that doesnt work, as our ceiling is blue too

[Mastrap]

Railhead is right, it is thought to be an insect repellent.

[RAILhead]

To be more specific, ceilings "back in the day" were over huge porches, so what would typically be done, is one portion would be painted white -- away from where people would be -- and the "over where people will be" area would be painted blue. This would pull the insects to a certain area of the porch, away from everywhere else.

Maury

[IceEnclosure]

I'd rather deal with a unruly ghost than a Southern-Style Horse Fly.

[IceEnclosure]

or Deer Flys 0_o

from http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2115.html:

"The greatest deer and horse fly activity occurs on warm, sunny days when there is little or no wind. A slight drop in temperature or a sudden breeze reduces biting attacks. Deer flies seem to be attracted to moving objects and dark shapes. They attack humans especially around the face and neck areas (four to five deer flies attack at one time)."

[scaught]

i saw IE was the last poster in here and thought this thread was about blue porsches below the mason dixon line for a second.

[IceEnclosure]

Originally Posted by scaught

i saw IE was the last poster in here and thought this thread was about blue porsches below the mason dixon line for a second.

I did too!(before I even made myffirst post here)

[Angelo78]

Originally Posted by meelk

interesting. what about a blue ceiling supposedly keeps insects from building nests?

I've heard of that also. While in Charleston, SC I was told people painted their porch ceilings a light blue to keep bee's from nesting. I believe they named that particular color "Charleston blue". It makes sense to me, although I'm not sure if it's truly effective.

As for the ghosts....I dunno

Angelo