In many Southern communities, Watch Night Services will take place in many churches. It’s a tradition that goes back to 1862, when enslaved Africans in South Carolina prayed and stayed awake to enjoy their first day of freedom – January 1, 1863 or Freedom’s Eve – in a divided United States. Today, some churches will hold services into the New Year while others will begin and end a service early, so that members can get home to entertain or be entertained.
FAMU Alum Tells Her African-American Holiday Traditions in Florida’s Gulf Coast
Growing up in Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast was extraordinary. The holiday season was the most wonderful time of the year in our beloved city. From holiday traditions and rituals, to the great food and drinks,
Emancipation Proclamation Association of Charleston announces the 160th Emancipation Proclamation Annual Parade
Looking for a unique experience for New Year’s Day full of history and heritage? Add Charleston, SC to your list and head to the Emancipation Proclamation Annual Parade. Organized by the Emancipation Proclamation Association of
Florida Legend: Zora Neale Hurston Books To Explore
Zora Neale Hurston is a Florida legend. This literary giant and Howard University alum was born today and in honor of her birthday, we are sharing Zora Neale Hurston Books To Explore. Her stories told
Easy Outdoor Summer Entertaining Tips from Co-Founders of Coterie
Summer is here and it is time to get ready for outdoor party fun! Whether you are headed to the beach or hanging out on the patio, hosting skills are always a must. Today we
Heritage Travels: Gullah Culture in the Hammock Coast
Over the past holiday season, my husband and I got to explore a part of South Carolina that I did not know much about. Although growing up in the Summerville, SC I was only a
How to Cook Hoppin’ Johns with Black Eye Peas
In the South, you must have Black Eye Peas for New Year. Why not try them with your Hoppin’ Johns. With help from Rashuanda Grant of The Carolina Cookery, we want you to learn how
SHOP OUR FAVORITES
Southern Bred, Soul Infused
Our Food Historian Robin Caldwell describes,
Adhering to the many food traditions and customs is an artful act in our homes. It’s as important not to eat some foods on New Year’s Eve as what to eat that day. If you eat fowl or anything that can fly, your good luck can fly away before the New Year. Also, you don’t want to eat anything that can move fast backwards like lobster, crab and shrimp, unless of course you want your good fortune to be left behind. But you can eat fish on New Year’s Eve. There is the belief that since black-eyed peas swell, eating them will cause your bank account to swell in the New Year. Greens such as collards represent dollars and when served with cornbread even more luck will follow. Rice is also considered a good luck food and Hoppin’ John is a favored tradition in the lowcountry.
