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.
Recap: 2019 James Beard Foundation Awards Yields More Firsts for African Americans
They are called the “Oscars” of the culinary industry, and this year’s series of James Beard Foundation Awards programming were filled with pageantry and glamour, including a red carpet event. Unlike last year, there were
5 Black-Owned Restaurants to Order Online Catering from Goldbelly for New Year and Beyond
Instead of creating a full-course meal to bring in the New Year, take a slight break and have a few items catered. Enjoyed more time creating your vision board, taking down Christmas decorations, and organizing
Healthy Black-Eyed Pea Appetizers for New Year’s Eve
When bringing in the New Year, a few Southern traditions and superstitions come to mind! My mom always made sure that she did not wash on New Year’s Day because she feared that she might
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
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
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
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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.
