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.
Lowcountry Staycation: Charleston Native Explores Her Own City
Hotel Emeline is the most beautiful hotel that I’ve stayed at. It’s aesthetically pleasing, the food options are amazing and the room…THE ROOM. It’s the size of a small one bedroom apartment.It’s tucked away on
Black Heritage Travels: How to Experience Middle Tennessee This Fall
Middle Tennessee could provide the perfect recipe for romance that includes whiskey, great food, carriage rides and copper skies. The region’s vegetation is beautiful year-round but fall arrives with a colorful treat to the eye due
Black Holiday NYE Traditions: The History Watch Night and How to Celebrate Virtually
Never once would I have imagined not being able to physically attend Watch Night services in the presence of my own church family or with plenty of family and friends. With Covid-19 constantly changing the
BSB Travel: Top Ten Georgia State Parks for Fall Color
Looking for somewhere to add to your fall travel list? We have got you covered and today, Georgia is on our mind. If you are looking for the ultimate fall trip, explore these Top Ten Georgia
New Year’s Eve Travel: Historic Black Churches to Visit for Watch Night Celebrations
Looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve? Why not take a trip and celebrate a New Year’s Eve Watch Night at a Historic Black Church. Watch Night, also called Freedom’s Eve, Christian religious
Lowcountry Juneteenth: Inspiration for How to Celebrate Juneteenth at Home
One of my favorite holidays to celebrate is Juneteenth. This year I decided to host a Lowcountry Juneteenth in my home with a few of my favorite Juneteeth foods and Lowcountry style. If you are
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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.
