The Gullah Geechee Culture in Myrtle Beach

Distinct – yet deeply rooted in South Carolina’s coastal allure – the Gullah Geechee culture adds vibrant color to Myrtle Beach’s heritage. An enriching cultural exploration of its African traditions reveals this community’s resilience and unique identity. Add another layer to the sun-drenched sands and curling waves of Myrtle Beach, and learn about the captivating history, traditions, and stories of the Gullah Geechee people.

Who are the Gullah Geechee People?

The fabric of American culture is a richly woven tapestry, and one of its most vibrant threads is the Gullah Geechee people. Their roots trace back to West Africa. Yet, they arrived as enslaved people in the 17th and 18th centuries to the American Southeast islands off the coast of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

They managed to flourish even under oppressive conditions. This, combined with their isolation from the mainland and a will to preserve their heritage, gave birth to a unique African-based culture, now known as the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. The region now stretches from Wilmington, North Carolina, to St. Augustine, Florida.

Gullah Geechee Culture & Traditions

The distinctive Gullah Geechee culture retained its African roots despite centuries of adversity and continues to thrive today. Through a tradition of rich food, spirituality, and artistic expression, its story weaves a narrative that resonates across generations. Let’s dive into a short preview of a few of the most prominent features of the culture: the language, basket-weaving tradition, spirituality, and food.

Gullah Geechee Language

The Gullah language is a distinctive creole born of English and various Central and West African languages. Characterized by its rhythm, tone, and syntax, it carries within its sounds and phrases the heartbeat of the community. Gullah Geechee’s language echoes stories of the past while continuing to adapt to the present. It is a beautiful blend that carries the rhythm and poetry of its ancestral origins.

Gullah Baskets

The art of crafting Gullah baskets is a tradition passed down through generations. Made from sweetgrass, bulrush, pine needles, and palmetto, Gullah baskets represent Gullah Geechee’s deep connection with the land’s resources. They are more than just containers for carrying grain or fish. They are containers of history, each coil a story, each stitch a connection to the motherland. The craftsmanship involved in these Gullah baskets is not only an inherited skill. It is also a dialogue with the past and a cherished cultural heirloom.

Gullah Geechee Spirituality

Spirituality is central to the Gullah Geechee culture. Gullah Geechee spirituality is a mix of Christian beliefs blended with African spiritual practices. This faith system gives the community an enduring source of strength, guidance, and connection to their ancestors.

Singing spirituals is an integral part of their religious expression. Their spiritual songs encapsulate the Gullah Geechee journey, expressing a story of faith, endurance, and the undying hope of freedom. Other practices among the Gullah include “seeking Jesus,” ring shout, and conjuring practices. Gullah Geechee spirituality connects the past with the present through prayer and song.

Seeking Jesus

“Seeking Jesus” or “seekin’ Jesus” is a practice tied to Gullah spirituality. The core idea of this ritual revolves around withdrawing to a quiet place (like the forest) to engage in a personal journey of prayer and spiritual reflection.

Ring Shout

The “Ring Shout” is a communal celebration of faith expressed through rhythm, music, and song. As a symbol of unity in shared faith, worshipers move in a counterclockwise circle, clapping their hands, and stomping their feet.

Conjuring

Conjuring, also known as ‘root work’ or ‘working the root’, is another intriguing aspect of Gullah culture. It’s an old African practice that involves using roots to heal, protect, or sometimes cause harm.

Gullah Geechee Food

Gullah Geechee food is a celebration of heritage and survival. It is a cuisine that retains its distinct African culinary identity while incorporating elements of Southern cooking. You’ll find mainstays like rice, okra, and greens, ingredients reminiscent of their African homelands. They’ve also adopted New World ingredients such as seafood, sweet potatoes, corn, and beans, adding to the unique fusion of flavors. Gullah Geechee cuisine manages to recreate a slice of home with savory dishes like seafood gumbo and Hoppin’ John (a traditional dish of rice and peas). The Gullah Geechee people express their history through their shared food and culture.

Is There A Gullah Gullah Island in South Carolina?

Contrary to what some might believe, there isn’t an actual “Gullah Gullah Island” in South Carolina. The term comes from a popular 90’s children’s show on Nickelodeon that celebrated Gullah culture. Nevertheless, the spirit of “Gullah Gullah Island” lives along the South Carolina coast.

Explore Gullah Geechee Culture in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a sun-kissed paradise in South Carolina. This coastal jewel serves as a gateway to the vibrant world of the Gullah Geechee people.  Here are a few ways to immerse yourself in their rich culture and experience their traditions, language, and food when you visit this land of natural beauty.

Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens, a lush outdoor museum, is a living painting that depicts the essence of the Gullah Geechee culture. Within its green walls, the Gullah Geechee Program Series sheds light on its history and traditions through engaging workshops and storytelling sessions. Stroll through the tranquil gardens and witness Gullah basket weaving and other traditional crafts right before your eyes.

Hopsewee Plantation

At the Hopsewee Plantation, history comes alive. Once a significant rice plantation, this 18th-century estate is a powerful reminder of the Gullah Geechee people’s labor in the New World. The guided tours here offer insight into the Gullah Geechee economy and lifestyle. Indulge your inner foodie by sampling traditional Gullah dishes at the River Oak Cottage Tea Room.

Gullah Museum in Georgetown

To understand the heartbeat of the Gullah Geechee culture, visiting the Gullah Museum in Georgetown is an absolute must. Explore the spiritual depth and historical journey of the Gullah Geechee people through the traditional clothing and tools the early Gullah Geechee communities used. The museum narrates the lasting tale of a people who continue to shape the culture of the American Southeast. 

---

The Gullah Geechee culture is not just a chapter in the book of American history. It is a living, breathing narrative of resilience, survival, and cultural preservation. Rooted in the coastal regions of the American Southeast, this culture offers an extraordinary view of our country’s shared heritage. The Gullah Geechee culture is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a people, from West Africa’s shores to South Carolina’s islands.

There are several excellent ways to explore Gullah Geechee culture in Myrtle Beach to reveal an enriching story of American culture. Take a historical tour through Hopsewee Gullah Museum. Explore the wealth of artifacts at the Gullah Museum in Georgetown. Immerse yourself in the wonder of Brookgreen Gardens. 

The next time you find yourself on the sun-drenched beaches of Myrtle Beach, take a moment to listen. The wind may carry notes of a Gullah spiritual. The waves might whisper tales of their people, and the bustling markets may resound with the rhythm of the Gullah language.

Content on this page is subject to change. Please contact the locations mentioned to see if promotions, hours, pricing, etc. are still valid.