Boo Hags of South Carolina

Boo hags are malevolent, skinless, red-fleshed witches from Lowcountry Gullah folklore (South Carolina/Georgia) that steal human energy and breath while victims sleep, often by “riding” them. They slip through cracks, often leaving victims exhausted with severe fatigue. Protection includes hanging sifters/brooms or using indigo “haint blue” paint to confuse them. 

Powers and Behavior of a Boo Hag

• Skin Stealing/Shape-Shifting: They shed their skin to travel, appearing as a raw, red, muscle-bound creature. They must return to their skin before sunrise, or they perish.
• “Riding” Victims: They sit on a sleeper’s chest to paralyze them and steal their breath or life force.
• Energy Theft: They drain energy, leaving the victim feeling exhausted or “hag-ridden” upon waking.
• Entry: They enter homes through small cracks, keyholes, or gaps in doors and windows. 

Symptoms of a Boo Hag Visit

• Waking up extremely exhausted or tired despite sleeping all night.
• Feelings of being watched or experiencing terrifying nightmares.
• Paralysis or feeling of heavy pressure on the chest while sleeping. 

How to Ward Off or Get Rid of a Boo Hag

• Brooms/Brushes: Placing a straw broom or hairbrush near doors/windows tricks the hag into staying up all night counting the bristles.
• Sieves/Colanders: Hanging a sieve with many holes causes the hag to stop and count them.
• Haint Blue Paint: Painting doors and window frames in shades of blue confuses the spirit.
• Salt: Salt can be used for protection.
• If Visited: It is advised not to fight back, as they might steal your skin. 

Appearance

They are described as ugly, red, sinewy, skinless creatures, sometimes with glowing eyes. They are often depicted as old women in folklore.