The Gullah

The “Gullah” is a name given to slaves who were brought to the South to work on the plantations. They came from places that are now known as Angola, Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, and Senegal. They brought their folklore, traditions, and beliefs with them. Gullahs practice a unique blend of Christianity, herbalism (herbal medicine), and folk magic (some call this black magic or hoodoo, also known as Lowcountry Voodoo). Many of the descendents of these men and women still call the lowcountry home.

Gullah history, folklore, beliefs, traditions, recipes, and more can be found in my titles, Lowcountry Voodoo and Coastal South Carolina.

If you’re interested in visiting the Lowcountry and learning more about the Gullah…

Sites & Insights Tours offers Black History and Porgy & Bess Tours. These include stories of the Gullah culture and visits to Emanuel A.M.E. Church, Catfish Row, Old Slave Mart Museum, City Market, Site of Hanging Tree, and more. They also offer Sea Island Tours, which shares Gullah culture and takes visitors to James Island, Johns Island, Angel Oak, Burn Churchyard Cemetery, and more. www.sitesandinsights.com

Sample authentic Gullah cuisine at the Gullah Cuisine Restaurant in Mt. Pleasant, SC. 843.881.9076.

Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival is a lowcountry tradition. It is held in Mt. Pleasant, SC every June. http://www.sweetgrassfestival.org/

Penn Center on St. Helena Island was founded to preserve the unique history, culture, and environment of the SC Sea Islands. Brick Church, near Penn Center, was built in 1855 by Gullah slaves. There is a Heritage Days celebration every November. www.penncenter.com

Gullah-N-Geechee Mahn Tours shows visitors St. Helena Island and other area sea islands while sharing stories about the Gullah. http://www.gullahgeechietours.net/