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Snake Handling in Appalachian Culture
Snake Handling in Appalachian Culture
THE SERVICE...
Origins...
"Despite the deaths of their brethren from snake bite and poison, the derision of a disapproving larger society and state and municipal laws restricting their rights, the Holiness snake handlers remain firm in their conviction that they are doing the 'work of the Lord'" (262).
"The excitement mounts palpably when an elderly brother in blue denim overalls extends his hands towards a box containing a black, 'never been handled' rattlesnake, nearly four feet long and reputedly a mean one. Without a moment's hesitation or sign of fear, he throws back the lid and snatches up the snake which immediately wriggles savagely to free itself. Apparently unconcerned, the brother stamps around the lecturn with the snake in his right hand, singing and shouting praises to the Lord. He stops briefly to collect two other snakes and wraps all three around his neck" (257).
Kane says, "Since the early years of the present century,the handling of venomous snakeshas been a principal feature in the religious services of various Southern Appalachian independent Pentecostal Holiness churches.Claiming scriptural sanction for this and other observances, the adherents of such groups believe that the Holy Ghost anoints them with power to "take up serpents,"handle fire,and drink deadly doses of strychnine with absolute impunity" (255).
Don't know much about this regional religious (at times taboo) phenomenon? Watch THIS...
The Text...
Snake handlers come from all walks of Appalachian Life...
Out of the mouths of handlers...
"There's nothing new about Holiness. It goes all the way back to Nicodemus. It's old timey religion" (256).
"Holy Ghost People: The Snake-Handlers of Southern Appalachia"
By: Steven M. Kane
Taken from
"Appalachian Journal"
"The Holiness snake-handlers of Southern Appalachia are coal miners,mill and factory workers, and small-scale farmers of predominantly Scotch-Irish and
English descent" (255).