In Appalachian culture a sure omen of death was something found in the pillows of those who were ill. It is a bizarre phenomenon known as feather crowns.
Different cultures have their version of premonitions of death. In Appalachia a circular crown or nest found in the pillows of those dying or recently dead are called Death Crowns. They point inward, and could only be found with feather pillows. In recent times, where pillows are made from synthetic fibers this phenomena has disappeared.
