Lucas: Family, community and food at heart of Gullah Holiday Tradition
From small, simple gifts of fruit to visiting relatives and sharing food, the traditional ways ofcelebrating the holidays are still remembered among many in the Gullah-Geechee community.
In fact, several holiday events coming up around the Lowcountry are aiming to put those traditions back in the spotlight.
The St. Helena Island community will ring in the holidays with its third annual "A Gullah Night On the Town" Dec. 12 at the St. Helena Branch Library.
"This event actually embodies what the community does," said Maria Benac, branch manager for the library. "It is a cross-cultural experience for everyone."
The event will feature a community potluck, storytelling, a holiday craft session and door prizes.
Benac said the first year the library hosted the potluck, more than 130 people showed up.
"Everyone loved it," she said. "And everyone brought a side dish."
As interest in Gullah history and culture has continued to grow, events such as the library's brings in visitors not only from St. Helena but from other communities such as Hampton or Walterboro as well, Benac said.
"People of Gullah descent are sharing their culture and heritage with people who are receptive and interested in knowing what's its all about," she said.
Charles Young agrees with Benac.
Operations manager for the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association and organizer for Hilton Head Island's upcoming "Gullah Holiday Celebration," Young said the "old ways" of doing things are still of interest to residents and visitors alike.
In fact, a hayride and food tasting -- part of the event's two-day celebration -- has already sold out, he said, but tickets to are still available to its Friday stage play.
Family, community and food are at the heart of the Gullah holiday tradition, he said.
"I think its the coming together of families, seeing people you haven't seen all year, visiting each other's homes and sharing food," he said.
If You Go
Several Gullah holiday celebrations are planned for the area.
The third annual "Night Pun Disya Iland: A Gullah Night On the Town" featuring a community potluck, storytelling, holiday crafts and door prizes is from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 12, at the St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island.
The meat and drinks for the meal is provided. Participants are asked to bring a side dish.
Registration is required. To RSVP, call 843-255-6487 or 843-255-6540.
"Freedom Coming" -- a stage play and performance featuring Anita Singleton-Prather and The Gullah Kinfolk of Beaufort -- is at 7 p.m. Dec. 18, at First Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 10 Robertson St., Bluffton.
Set at Christmas time in 1860, the play will feature a variety of songs and storytelling including those unique to the Praise House tradition.
Admission is $25 with discounts for students.
To purchase advance tickets call 843-255-7303 or visit www.gullahcelebration.com.
Finally, a Gullah-Geechee Nation Holiday Celebration is from 3-7 p.m. Dec. 19, at MJ's Soul Food, 1634 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island.
The event will feature food and desserts for purchase, arts and crafts, vendors, music and dancing.
For details call 843-838-1171 or visit www.gullahgeecheenation.com.
Follow reporter Mindy Lucas on Twitter at twitter.com/MindyatIPBG.
Related content:
- Relatively new, Beaufort-based 'Gullah Peoples Radio' has learned how to listen to the community, Sept. 18, 2015
- River festival on St. Helena Island growing, attracting visitors, Sept. 5, 2015
This story was originally published December 10, 2015 at 10:40 AM with the headline "Lucas: Family, community and food at heart of Gullah Holiday Tradition."