The gullah people are African-American descendants you will come across in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. So, if you are planning to travel to Hilton Head Island, do not skip the heritage trail tours that allow you to delve into the gullah geechee culture in-depth and learn more about this Afro-American community in the United States.
Let us explore the culture of gullah geechee people and different facets of their lives:
· Preserving the cultural heritage
The Gullah geechee people are best-known for holding on to the culture and traditional of the Afro-American community residing in the United States. Typically, these people speak the Creole language that blends English with loanwords from the African language. Apart from this, the influence of African language becomes audible during sentence and grammar and construction of sentences. Everything about them from folk beliefs to storytelling, crafts, fishing and farming tradition have influences from the western and central African culture.
· Brought as slaves
The early ancestors of gullah geechee people have been brought to South Carolina and Georgia, comprising the Lowcountry region through savannah and Charleston ports as slaves. Nearing half the population of these people you meet in the Hilton Head Island arrived here through Charleston port.
· Gullah geechee is an interchangeable term
The gullah geechee people residing in the Low country region are descendants of West African people and live along the south west coast, also known as Gullah geechee heritage corridor. The gullah geechee culture that was brought about by the West African people exists till today.
· Art and craft
Art and craft are two of the maxims of the gullah geechee culture. The descendants of enslaved African people have a very rich tradition of art and craft that also includes visual expression and storytelling. One of the most recognized art forms that have continued since the historical times is making sweetgrass baskets, which is a typically African technique; the art form has passed down since generations.
These baskets were initially used for realistic purposes like carrying things but considered as one of the renowned art forms. They are made to last for a long and aesthetically appealing as well and usually woven with materials like bulrush, palmetto, and pine.
· Gullah geechee food
Food characterizes different cultures and traditions across the globe and you will experience a similar feel when exploring the life and times of the Afro-American descendants. The eating habits of the gullah geechee people reflects the use of ingredients that is available to them and showcases their ability to prepare meals from whatever they have got. You will come across more vegetables, rice, and seafood blended with their invigorating cooking techniques.
· Music
Music shapes people’s lives no matter which race it is; so it is no exception that it is one of the mainstays of the gullah geechee people. So, keep your ears sharp when listening to the rhythmic and joyful beats of typical African music. It is hard to skip the syncopated beats that are so distinctive of the people of Africa.
Through their songs and music, the gullah geechee people have maintained strong roots through their music and songs. Besides, gospel music is an important aspect that has significantly molded the cultural aspects of this community; this kind of music delivers messages of faith and reflects the enduring struggles of enslaved ancestors.
The gullah geechee culture has had a profound influence on the culture of the American people in those areas where they have settled down. However, they have continued preserving their cultural practices. Be it in literature, art, and craft, the struggle of the Gullah geechee people have come to inspire new generations. With a deeply-rooted culture that talks about their food, activities, music, and spirituality, you have to experience the uniqueness through heritage trail tours organized by Gullah Heritage. Explore here https://gullaheritage.com/ to find out more about the schedule.
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