Cele & Lynn Seldon 2022-01-07 07:11:05
UNCOVERING UNIQUE TRADITIONS AND ICONS OF THE PALMETTO STATE Cultural customs, centuries-old traditions and superstitious icons tell the history of the state in the most unlikely places—but not if you know where to look. Others would try to rid their homes of evil spirits or “haints” painting their porch ceilings haint blue. Legend has it that ghosts can’t cross water, so the blue-green color would confuse the spirits into thinking they can’t enter. Many of the state’s traditions are rooted in superstitions brought to the Lowcountry by enslaved Africans and then maintained by the area’s Gullah Geechee community. The blue bottle tree came about as nature’s talisman to ward against evil spirits, with the theory being that the spirits would be attracted to the colorful bottles and wander into them. They would then get trapped and be destroyed by the morning light, or simply corked and thrown away. Hospitality is also a fundamental tradition, and icons of the state’s graciousness can be found on every corner. The humble pineapple—once considered a rare and luxurious fruit—is now often used as the quintessential symbol of hospitality and a warm welcome on front porches, entryways and as the centerpiece on the dining table. Mirrors on porches are another way to ward off demons. The belief is, since the devil can only enter at night and must return to hell at daybreak, they will spend the entire night looking at themselves in the mirror and forget to spread their evil before sunrise. The iconic South Carolina emblem—a palmetto and crescent symbol—can also be found everywhere, from housewares to Christmas ornaments. Created from the indigo blue uniforms of the Revolutionary War’s militia and the crescent of their cap insignia, the palmetto was added after the defense of Sullivan’s Island during the Civil War and, today, represents a deep-seated South Carolina pride. Another symbol of geniality found on many tables is the unassuming glass of sweet tea, which traces its roots back to Summerville, known as the Birthplace of Sweet Tea. Served in a proper iced tea glass with ice and a slice of lemon, the sugary and refreshing beverage is truly a taste of South Carolina
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