Three local events celebrate Gullah Geechee heritage on the Hammock Coast®

Three local events celebrate Gullah Geechee heritage on the Hammock Coast®

Several upcoming events on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast® celebrate the culture and heritage of the Gullah Geechee culture.

Gullah Geechee culture is a rich and unique cultural heritage rooted in the African-American communities of the coastal regions of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina. The Gullah Geechee people are descendants of enslaved Africans who were brought to the American South and retained much of their African heritage, blending it with elements of European and Native American cultures over time.

The Gullah Geechee people have a strong sense of history and heritage. Efforts to preserve and promote their culture include educational programs and cultural heritage sites. The Gullah Geechee community is recognized for its resilience and preservation of a unique cultural identity that remains vibrant and influential today. One of the best places to go to learn more about the Gullah Geechee culture is the Gullah Museum, located at 123 King St. in downtown Georgetown.

Key aspects of Gullah Geechee culture include:

• Language: The Gullah Geechee people speak a distinctive creole language known as Gullah or Geechee. This language developed from the fusion of African languages with English, and it has its own grammar and vocabulary. It reflects the diverse linguistic heritage of the people who speak it.
• Music and Dance: Music plays a crucial role in Gullah Geechee culture. Traditional songs, spirituals, and rhythms are an important part of cultural expression. Drumming, singing, and dancing are integral to community gatherings and ceremonies. The “Ring Shout,” a traditional dance involving a circle of people moving in a rhythm while clapping and singing, is a notable example.
• Crafts and Art: Gullah Geechee art and crafts are deeply rooted in African traditions. This includes basket weaving, quilting, and pottery, often featuring vibrant colors and intricate patterns. The craftsmanship often reflects African design influences and utilitarian purposes.
• Cuisine: Gullah Geechee cuisine is a blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences. Common dishes include seafood (like shrimp and crab), okra, cornbread, and rice. Traditional recipes and cooking methods have been passed down through generations, preserving the flavors and techniques of the ancestors.
• Religious Practices: The Gullah Geechee community has a rich religious tradition that includes elements of Christianity mixed with African spiritual practices. This often manifests in unique forms of worship, including specific rituals, songs, and spirituals.
• Festivals and Celebrations: Cultural festivals and celebrations are important in Gullah Geechee communities. Events like the Gullah Geechee Nation International Music and Movement Festival showcase traditional music, dance, and food, and serve to celebrate and preserve the culture.

For those who want to learn more about the Gullah Geechee culture, here are several upcoming events on the Hammock Coast:

• Novel Expressions of Gullah Geechee Heritage — Every Wednesday through Nov. 20 from 1-2 p.m.; Ron Daise Auditorium at Brookgreen Gardens at 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet.

In a novel portrayal of Gullah Geechee culture, author and cultural interpreter Ron Daise will engage listeners in a participatory presentation about history, songs, beliefs, and language. He will share information about his research for and excerpts from his historical novel, “Raptors in the Ricelands”, which is set in a fictional Gullah Geechee community.

For more information, click here.

• A Gullah Tea at Hasty Point – Oct. 25 from 2-4 p.m. at Hasty Point Plantation in the Plantersville community of Georgetown.

Experience a tea tasting at Hasty Point, the site of a former rice plantation in Plantersville. Learn about the deep history of the property from Refuge Manager Craig Sasser while sampling locally inspired teas from Georgetown native and Gullah herbalist, Jacque Williams (Passage Products), paired with sweet and savory light fare (d’ems and t’ings). Williams will also share her inspiration behind each tea blend, and teas are available for sale at the refuge and before the event.

For more information call 864-992-2363. Purchase tickets here.

• Tour de Plantersville & Cultural Festival – Oct. 26 from 7:15 a.m., 8 a.m., 8:30 a.m.; Plantersville Elementary School, 1668 Exodus Dr., Georgetown.

The Tour de Plantersville is a discovery bike ride through historic Georgetown County along its only Scenic Byway – beginning and ending at a fun-filled cultural festival. The event offers 62-, 25-, and 12-mile rides of fresh air along the roads of the Plantersville community. The ride is perfect for avid cyclists or families. After the ride, a festival brings people together for a Gullah Geechee-inspired event on the grounds of Plantersville Elementary School.

For more information, click here.

By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast®