Collecting Ozark Folklore for the Future

By Anna Pope

Published January 19, 2023 at 2:55 PM CST

The shape of a locally sourced persimmon seed kernel, according to some folklore, can be used to predict winter weather. — The shape of a kernel from a locally-sourced persimmon seed, according to some folklore, can be used to predict winter weather.

Jared Phillips grew up around Ozarks folklore, and this winter, Phillips cut open persimmons seeds to predict the weather. Phillips, a farmer, historian and international studies professor at the University of Arkansas, and Ozarks at Large’s Anna Pope work on a once-a-month rural story. This month Phillips brought in a couple folklorists to speak about the expanding world of Ozark Folklore.

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Anna Pope

Anna Pope is KUAF's growth impact reporter and a Report for America corps member

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