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GULLAH CUISINE: BY LAND AND BY SEA
GULLAH CUISINE: BY LAND AND BY SEA
‘Southern Imagery’ Notecards by Jonathan Green
‘Southern Imagery’ Notecards by Jonathan Green
Handmade Gullah Sweetgrass Drink Coasters . Traditional Hand Crafted Folk Art . Natural Woven Home Decor . Made in the USA
Handmade Gullah Sweetgrass Drink Coasters . Traditional Hand Crafted Folk Art . Natural Woven Home Decor . Made in the USA
35″ X 35″ GULLAH GEECHEE CONJURE WOMAN BY SYNTHIA SAINT JAMES CANVAS ART PRINT – MASTERPIECE ART GALLERY
35″ X 35″ GULLAH GEECHEE CONJURE WOMAN BY SYNTHIA SAINT JAMES CANVAS ART PRINT – MASTERPIECE ART GALLERY
GULLAH GEECHEE HERITAGE IN THE GOLDEN ISLES (PAPERBACK)
GULLAH GEECHEE HERITAGE IN THE GOLDEN ISLES (PAPERBACK)
GULLAH HOME COOKING THE DAUFUSKIE WAY: SMOKIN’ JOE BUTTER BEANS, OL’ ‘FUSKIE FRIED CRAB RICE, STICKY-BUSH BLACKBERRY DUMPLING, AND OTHER SEA ISLAND FAVORITES (PAPERBACK)
GULLAH HOME COOKING THE DAUFUSKIE WAY: SMOKIN’ JOE BUTTER BEANS, OL’ ‘FUSKIE FRIED CRAB RICE, STICKY-BUSH BLACKBERRY DUMPLING, AND OTHER SEA ISLAND FAVORITES (PAPERBACK)
Estaugh Ikat Black/Gray Indoor / Outdoor Area Rug Union Rustic Rug Size: Rectangle 8′ x 11′
Estaugh Ikat Black/Gray Indoor / Outdoor Area Rug Union Rustic Rug Size: Rectangle 8′ x 11′
Finnhomy Sideboard Buffet Cabinet, Kitchen Storage Cabinet with Rattan Decorated Doors
Finnhomy Sideboard Buffet Cabinet, Kitchen Storage Cabinet with Rattan Decorated Doors
Whitewash Wood Draped Bead 4 Light Chandelier by World Market
Whitewash Wood Draped Bead 4 Light Chandelier by World Market
AFRICAN AMERICAN LIFE IN THE GEORGIA LOWCOUNTRY: THE ATLANTIC WORLD AND THE GULLAH GEECHEE (RACE IN THE ATLANTIC WORLD, 1700–1900 SER.)
AFRICAN AMERICAN LIFE IN THE GEORGIA LOWCOUNTRY: THE ATLANTIC WORLD AND THE GULLAH GEECHEE (RACE IN THE ATLANTIC WORLD, 1700–1900 SER.)
MY KIND OF NET ART PRINT BY GULLAH LIVING SERIES BY SAMANTHA CLAAR – X-LARGE
MY KIND OF NET ART PRINT BY GULLAH LIVING SERIES BY SAMANTHA CLAAR – X-LARGE
MAMA DOONK’S GULLAH RECIPES (PAPERBACK)
MAMA DOONK’S GULLAH RECIPES (PAPERBACK)
‘Inspirations’ Note Cards by Jonathan Green
‘Inspirations’ Note Cards by Jonathan Green
THE JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE: MAKING GULLAH: A HISTORY OF SAPELO ISLANDERS, RACE, AND THE AMERICAN IMAGINATION (PAPERBACK)
THE JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE: MAKING GULLAH: A HISTORY OF SAPELO ISLANDERS, RACE, AND THE AMERICAN IMAGINATION (PAPERBACK)
GULLAH IMAGES: THE ART OF JONATHAN GREEN
GULLAH IMAGES: THE ART OF JONATHAN GREEN
G IS FOR GULLAH
G IS FOR GULLAH
MASTER PIECE GATHERING GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 30X40
MASTER PIECE GATHERING GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 30X40
Willow Row Multi Colored Ceramic Coastal Decorative Jar – Set of 2
Willow Row Multi Colored Ceramic Coastal Decorative Jar – Set of 2
GULLAH CULTURE IN AMERICA (PAPERBACK)
GULLAH CULTURE IN AMERICA (PAPERBACK)
carol&frank Josie Indigo Pillow
carol&frank Josie Indigo Pillow
Drew Rose Designs Ceramic Woven Trim Planter
Drew Rose Designs Ceramic Woven Trim Planter
Kouboo 1110141 Manhattan 2-Tier Console, Natural Rattan End Table, Brown
Kouboo 1110141 Manhattan 2-Tier Console, Natural Rattan End Table, Brown
Woven Wicker Rattan Wall Decor, Round Seagrass Boho Kitchen Decor, Minimalist Rattan Chargers & Placemats for Dining Table & Wall Art, Rattan Wall Decorative Basket
Woven Wicker Rattan Wall Decor, Round Seagrass Boho Kitchen Decor, Minimalist Rattan Chargers & Placemats for Dining Table & Wall Art, Rattan Wall Decorative Basket
Lenox Watercolor Horizons Microwave Safe Blue 12-Pc. Dinnerware Set, Service for 4, Created for Macy’s
Lenox Watercolor Horizons Microwave Safe Blue 12-Pc. Dinnerware Set, Service for 4, Created for Macy’s
BLACK BORDER : GULLAH STORIES OF THE CAROLINA COAST
BLACK BORDER : GULLAH STORIES OF THE CAROLINA COAST
Gullah Spirituals – by Eric Sean Crawford (Paperback)
Gullah Spirituals – by Eric Sean Crawford (Paperback)
Woven Bamboo Placemats, Set of 4 By Anthropologie in Blue Size SET OF 4
Woven Bamboo Placemats, Set of 4 By Anthropologie in Blue Size SET OF 4
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Set of 4 Natalya Ikat Stripe Placemats Gray – Ballard Designs
MASTER PIECE LESSONS GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 35X35
MASTER PIECE LESSONS GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 35X35
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Lowcountry Rice Culture Note Cards
Arthur Court Designs Sea Horse Twisted Seagrass Placemats – set of 4
Arthur Court Designs Sea Horse Twisted Seagrass Placemats – set of 4
RING SHOUT GULLAH ISLANDS – UNFRAMED PRINT ON CANVAS WORLD MENAGERIE
RING SHOUT GULLAH ISLANDS – UNFRAMED PRINT ON CANVAS WORLD MENAGERIE
Suzanne Kasler Greek Key Sham – Ballard Designs
Suzanne Kasler Greek Key Sham – Ballard Designs
Doric Upholstered Wingback Arm Chair Red Barrel Studio Body Fabric: Skylar Antique Blue
Doric Upholstered Wingback Arm Chair Red Barrel Studio Body Fabric: Skylar Antique Blue
TALKING TO THE DEAD : RELIGION, MUSIC, AND LIVED MEMORY AMONG GULLAH/GEECHEE WOMEN
TALKING TO THE DEAD : RELIGION, MUSIC, AND LIVED MEMORY AMONG GULLAH/GEECHEE WOMEN
Set of 4 Woven Striped Placemats – Frontgate
Set of 4 Woven Striped Placemats – Frontgate
‘Inspirations’ Sheer Scarf by Jonathan Green
‘Inspirations’ Sheer Scarf by Jonathan Green
Stratton Home Reddish Brown Tulum Woven Lantern Stand
Stratton Home Reddish Brown Tulum Woven Lantern Stand
Quilted Patchwork Cotton Throw Blanket – Indigo Blue Shibori Dye Indian Decorative Super Soft & Warm Blanket for Sofa and Couch 50 x 60 Inches
Quilted Patchwork Cotton Throw Blanket – Indigo Blue Shibori Dye Indian Decorative Super Soft & Warm Blanket for Sofa and Couch 50 x 60 Inches
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Sweetgrass Kite Earring
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MASTER PIECE CHASING SENSE GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 35X35
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GULLAH DAYS: HILTON HEAD ISLANDERS BEFORE THE BRIDGE 1861-1956
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Yaheetech Set of 2 Weave Arm Chair Mid-Century Metal Dining Chair Y-Shaped Backrest Hemp Seat, Black
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35″” x 35″” Juneteenth by Synthia Saint James Canvas Art Print – Masterpiece Art Gallery
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Mud Pie Rattan Serving Utensils
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Gullah Spirit: The Art of Jonathan Green
MASTER PIECE JOOK JOINT GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 35X35
MASTER PIECE JOOK JOINT GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 35X35
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GULLAH NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (HARDCOVER)
ColorBird Stripe Tassel Tablecloth Cotton Linen Dust-Proof Table Cover for Kitchen Dinning Tabletop Decoration (Rectangle/Oblong, 55 x 120Inch, Blue)
ColorBird Stripe Tassel Tablecloth Cotton Linen Dust-Proof Table Cover for Kitchen Dinning Tabletop Decoration (Rectangle/Oblong, 55 x 120Inch, Blue)
Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes from the Matriarch of Edisto Island
Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes from the Matriarch of Edisto Island
Goddesses by Synthia SAINT JAMES Canvas Wall Art 3 Piece
Goddesses by Synthia SAINT JAMES Canvas Wall Art 3 Piece
GROWING UP GULLAH IN THE LOWCOUNTRY (PAPERBACK)
GROWING UP GULLAH IN THE LOWCOUNTRY (PAPERBACK)
Safavieh Noely Coastal Writing Desk
Safavieh Noely Coastal Writing Desk
Asheville’s Appalachian Food Culture
Family Travel Guide to Asheville
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Asheville’s Appalachian Food Culture
Family Travel Guide to Asheville
Celebrating Asheville’s Appalachian Folklife and Unique Culture
Black Heritage Travel in the Outer Banks
Junteenth Family Travels
Asheville’s Appalachian Food Culture
Family Travel Guide to Asheville
Celebrating Asheville’s Appalachian Folklife and Unique Culture
Black Heritage Travel in the Outer Banks
Junteenth Family Travels

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Sound of New Orleans: The Significance of Second Line Parade

Sound of New Orleans: The Significance of Second Line Parade

The tradition of parades and brass bands is strong in New Orleans. In the Big Easy, locals refer to the main section of the parade, comprised of the official parade group and accompanying brass and drum band, as the “main line” or “first line.” The people watching the parade and dancing to the music form the “second line.” As a city that takes celebration seriously, it’s no wonder that the second line is a vital part of this beloved tradition.

 

Performing year-round at New Orleans parades, Jazz Fest and on Sundays in the summer, second liners bring a distinctive type of dance, embellished by twirling handkerchiefs and flamboyant parasols. Usually, parade-goers display a traditionally wild, strutting step in order to carry marchers forward at the pace of the brass band.

 

Some second-liners carry their own instruments and add to the music with singing, clapping, whistles, cowbells and tambourines. The continuous flow of music may extend for several blocks, with all of the attendants marching and dancing to the same rhythm. New Orleans writer Dan Baum called second line parades “the quintessential New Orleans art form – a jazz funeral without a body.”

 

The Connection of Jazz Funerals and Second Lines

 

The term second lining also refers to the unique style of dance at a New Orleans jazz funeral. Jazz funerals are a New Orleans tradition where family, friends and a brass band march from the funeral home or church to the cemetery to the beat of jazz music. By all accounts, second line parades descended from this tradition, as they borrow the dancing and singing procession that accompanied the family towards the final resting place.

 

Jazz funerals and second-line parades may also have some roots in traditional West African dances. According to a historical paper in Ethnomusicology Review, several notable historians traced the origins of the second-line parade back to performative traditions from West Africa and the Caribbean. In the early 1800s, Creole and African cultures converged at Congo Square in the Tremé neighborhood with drums, violins and banjoes set to traditional West African music.

 

At some point in the second half of the 19th century, traditional jazz funerals and second line parades went their separate ways, and benevolent and social organizations began to host second line parades throughout their neighborhoods. As the parades became more and more popular, they began to stand on their own. Club members stood at the head of the parade wearing suits and regalia in honor of their club, sometimes twirling umbrellas or handkerchiefs over their heads. The modern-day second-line parade still follows many of the same traditions.

 

In the 20th century, second-line parades became less of a novelty and more of a cemented tradition. They have been depicted on film, including the James Bond movie “Live and Let Die” and in the 2010 HBO series “Tremé.” After Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans embraced the cultural expression as a way to reunite the city and bring back those displaced by the storm.

 

Why It Matters: Music, Culture and Heritage

 

One of the main reasons why second-lining is held in such high regard by New Orleanians is because of its close ties to those brought to Louisiana via the transatlantic slave trade and the French and Spanish colonization of the area. Indeed, the influx of both Creole land owners and slaves deeply shaped the culture of the city. The preservation of these cultures still contributes to the spirit of New Orleans today.

Another important thing about second line parades is that they show little to no discrimination regarding parade route. Historically — as well as today — second-line parades meander by antebellum mansions and housing projects in the same procession.

 

Second Lining Today

 

While you can see modern-day second line parades year-round throughout New Orleans, especially in the French Quarter, the official “second line season” lasts for most of the year with breaks around the holidays, including Mardi Gras. During the summer, there are usually second-line parades on Sundays throughout the French Quarter and in tourist hotspots. The tradition is still closely linked to the African-American communities in New Orleans, and are regularly held in Tremé, Central City, the Seventh Ward, Uptown and other old city neighborhoods.

 

In recent years, second lining has grown into a symbol of the city’s resilience and now helps draw attention to many social issues. The tradition was especially important in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Organizers put together second-line parades filled with thousands of people only months after the storm.

 

They used the gathering to encourage city leaders to rebuild low-income neighborhoods with a focus on affordable housing and basic services. Black New Orleanians were able to assert dominion over their neighborhoods, despite being denied access to housing and amenities.

 

The concept of the second-line parade has broadened greatly since its inception. Now, the processions are often symbols of celebration for big events, including holidays and big wins by the New Orleans Saints. The city’s second liners now welcome other musical forms to the parade — the Canadian indie rock band Arcade Fire played one recently — and second-line parades aren’t uncommon at weddings, birthday parties and other celebratory events.

 

How to See One Live

 

For a quintessential New Orleans experience, it’s not a bad idea to hunt down a second-line parade during your visit. One thing to note, though, is that these kinds of parades tend to be very casual and word-of-mouth. However, local radio station WWOZ publishes a detailed list of second line parades that are pre-organized, so make sure to check in there before heading to the Big Easy in hopes of joining the procession.  

 

For more information on the history of second-line parades, we recommend a visit to the Backstreet Cultural Museum.

 

Michiel Perry

Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes 🙂

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Michiel Perry

Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)

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