Last Updated on July 29, 2024 6:35 am
The August tradition of placing a bean in a jar to predict the number of upcoming winter snowfalls is about to get underway once again.
Here's how it works:
For every foggy morning in August, a bean (you can also use coins since they are more readily available) is placed in a jar. A big bean is used for a heavy fog and a small bean for a light fog. If you are using coins, then use a quarter as a “big bean” and a penny or dime for a “small bean”.
When recording your observations use the same location and as close to the same time every morning as possible. The total number at the end of the month is used to predict the total number of snows.
As winter sets in then take a big bean out for a big snow and a small bean for a light snow. A big snow is four inches or more, while a light snow is one where you can “track a rabbit in it” according to folklore.
The roots of the tradition are largely based in the Appalachian Mountain region. It's not exactly known how long the prediction system has been in practice but some research indicates the method was first used by Native Americans.
No matter if you believe in the tradition or not, it's a fun way to keep track of what Mother Nature may have in store for the High Country winter 2024-2025.
