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.
Gullah Watch Night Menu Inspiration – Classic Freedom’s Eve Dinner
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Watch Night or New Year’s Eve? Why not try out this classic Gullah Watch Night menu for a heritage food-inspired Freedom’s Eve dinner. Full of Gullah staples such
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,
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
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
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 Make Easy Hoppin’ Johns with Red Field Peas
A classic New Year’s staple in the Lowcountry is Hoppin’ Johns, especially the version with Red Field Peas. I love the rich color of this dish and it is a staple in any Gullah home
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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.
