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Boo Hag
A skinless witch from Gullah folklore. At night, she sheds her skin and rides sleepers, stealing their breath. In the morning, she returns to her skin. Salt on the skin traps her forever.
Ancient - Present
South Carolina, USA
500+ witnesses
The Boo Hag is a mythological creature from Gullah culture in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Boo Hag:
- Is a skinless witch
- Sheds her skin at night
- Rides sleeping victims
- Steals their breath/energy
- Must return to skin before dawn
Description
The Boo Hag:
- Appears red and raw without skin
- Resembles a skinless human
- Hides skin while hunting
- Sits on sleeping victims’ chests
- Causes “riding” paralysis
Behavior
At night:
- She removes her skin
- Enters through cracks
- Sits on victims’ chests
- Steals breath and energy
- Leaves before sunrise
The Saying
“Don’t let the hag ride ya”:
- Traditional Gullah warning
- Refers to sleep paralysis
- Waking up exhausted
- The hag visited you
Protection
To stop a Boo Hag:
- Place salt or pepper on skin
- She can’t put it back on
- Blue paint on doors/windows
- Brooms by the bed (she must count bristles)
- She’ll be caught by sunrise
African Roots
The Boo Hag connects to:
- West African traditions
- Similar witch beliefs
- Brought to America through slavery
- Part of Gullah heritage