When European settlers first came to the new world, they brought with them many of the legends and superstitions that had persisted for centuries in their homeland. It was no different with those who settled in the coves and harbours of the Island of Newfoundland, yet here, mainly because there was so little contact with the outside world, those stories and beliefs seem to have remained a part of the folklore, long after it had disappeared elsewhere. Although, legends of elves, fairies and pixies were common in most parts of Europe, the Newfoundland version appears to have come mainly with the settlers from Ireland, or maybe we associated the fairies with Ireland because their favourite colour was green. In any case these little people were often seen in the forests of Newfoundland and children were warned to give the woodlands a wide berth.
It was said that fairies had the power to cast spells on people and those who sometimes got lost in the woods were thought to have stumbled upon a “fairy path“, and been led astray or were “fairy led“. Fairies have been know to be kind to small children, and one child of five years who was lost in the woods overnight reported that some little people had given her food and a place to sleep. Perhaps, as many think, there are good and bad fairies. A no-no, if you believe in fairies is to follow music that you hear in the woods or to pick up a part of a fern called a frond or you may be found to be carrying a “fairy pipe” which could have dire consequences. Those who failed to heed the warnings and travelled far into the forest were in danger of being “fairy struck”, which depending on the mood of the little people, could mean something as simple as becoming dazed or confused, or if they were really upset, being physically paralyzed.
Fortunately, there is some advice for believers who must sometimes go to chop firewood, but have no desire to disturb those little sprites of the forest. The chances are excellent that you will never encounter such a one if you are careful to follow these time honoured tips for “keeping the fairies away”.
1: Carry a piece of bread in your pocket.
2: Never touch a fairy cap. (a type of mushroom)
3: Never wear green in the woods.
3: Wear odd socks.
4: Never answer anyone calling you in the woods unless you know their voice.
5: always refer to them as “little people”, they don't like being called fairies.
6: Wear your clothes inside out.
