Revel in the Rich Cultures Thriving in the Sea Islands

The Gullah and Geechee culture have been able to preserve their West African ethnic traditions. The term “Gullah” has been given to the people living on the island in South Carolina. The term “Geechee” refers to the people living in Georgia. Most of the traditions of the Geechee and Gullah customs have been passed down through generations with the help of spirituality, agriculture and language. The lifestyle of the Gullah and Geechee people closely resembles the culture of the West African slaves who worked in the rice, indigo and cotton plantations.

The Gullah and Geechee people speak a Creole language. The language consists of English with some vocabulary loaned from the African language. These communities have been able to maintain their unique identity despite the enslavement of their ancestors. Their customs and way of life have emerged from different ethnic West African groups. The members of the Gullah Geechee cultures know how to make baskets from sweet grass and pine straw, which are later used for carrying laundry, firewood or food.

The Gullah/Geechee people meet at prayer houses where they sing fast-paced rhythmic songs and clap their hands. They maintain their traditions and never cross their feet while singing. Some of their ring shouts have close ties with the traditions of West African communal dance. Their gatherings are rich with folk songs, stories, art and craft, basket and net making.

The geographical isolation of the Sea Islands has allowed this culture to thrive. The Gullah and Geechee cultures deliver their own babies, and make their own quilt and baskets. It is a very organic and spiritual cultural community. They often indulge in songs, dancing and story-telling. When they are not celebrating their traditions they harvest their own crops, catch fish, and make their own medicines.

Until recently, little was publicized about the Gullah and Geechee cultures. When the outside world discovered their unique community, many people were willing to pay millions to own them and their land. It is now the responsibility of the present day generations to ensure that this rare culture is preserved and continues to flourish for generations to come.