Twenty Facts About the Gullah Geechee Culture

“A Plantation Burial,” by John Antrobus, 1860

Here are twenty facts about the Gullah Geechee culture:

1. Origin: The Gullah Geechee people are descendants of enslaved African brought to the Lowcountry (South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida) to work on rice and indigo plantations.
2. Language: Gullah Geechee is a creole language that blends African languages with English, creating a unique dialect still spoken in some parts of the Lowcountry today.
3. Sweetgrass Baskets: Handwoven sweetgrass baskets are one of the most iconic art forms associated with Gullah Geechee culture, originally used for practical purposes but now valued as art.
4. Food: Gullah cuisine is influenced by African, Caribbean, and European flavors. Dishes like shrimp and grits, red rice, and Hoppin’ John are staples.
5. Gullah Music: The Gullah people’s music, rooted in African rhythms, has influenced many genres, including gospel, jazz, and blues.
6. Spirituals: Songs like “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” are part of the Gullah musical legacy, often reflecting themes of freedom and spirituality.
7. Rice: The Gullah Geechee people were essential in the cultivation of rice, which became a major crop in the region. Their expertise in rice farming is legendary.
8. Gullah Festivals: Annual events like the Gullah Festival in Beaufort celebrate the culture, language, music, and food of the Gullah people.
9. The Sea Islands: The Gullah Geechee people historically lived in isolated communities on the Sea Islands off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia, maintaining many African customs.
10. Spiritual Practices: Gullah Geechee traditions include a deep connection to spirituality, often blending Christianity with African religious beliefs.
11. Gullah in the Arts: Gullah Geechee art, including basket weaving and quilting, reflects African heritage and serves as a form of cultural expression.
12. Traditional Healing: Many Gullah communities still practice traditional healing methods passed down through generations, such as herbal remedies.
13. Storytelling: Oral storytelling is a key part of Gullah culture, with tales that often focus on wisdom, morality, and survival.
14. Gullah Geechee Corridor: A designated cultural heritage corridor spans from North Carolina to Florida, preserving the history and culture of the Gullah Geechee people.
15. Carolina Lowcountry: The Gullah Geechee culture is deeply intertwined with the geography and environment of the Lowcountry, especially its coastal ecosystems.
16. Family and Community: Strong family bonds and a sense of community are central to Gullah Geechee life, with extended families often living close together.
17. Benne Wafers: These sweet, sesame seed cookies are a beloved Gullah treat that reflects African culinary influences.
18. Gullah Geechee Music in Charleston: Charleston’s Gullah music legacy is alive in festivals and performances, showcasing the influence of African rhythms on American music.
19. Endangered Language: The Gullah language is considered endangered, though efforts are being made to preserve it through education and cultural programs.
20. Gullah Geechee Tours: Tours in Charleston and Beaufort allow visitors to learn directly from Gullah speakers and explore the cultural heritage of the region.