In the South, tradition and values run deep, like the roots of an old oak tree stretching through generations. It’s a region where traditions are cherished, and some things are held in such high regard that they’re practically sacred. If you’re a Southerner and or friends from the South, you’ll recognize these things and know they are worth their weight in gold.
1. Big Family Gatherings
Family is everything in the South; big family gatherings are almost like a religious experience. They also center around food (and plenty of it). These lively dinners are massive affairs where everyone from second cousins to your great-aunt shows up. It’s where you catch up, swap stories and bond over your love of family recipes passed down through generations. Southerners believe these gatherings keep the family tight and a sense of tradition alive.
2. Spending Hours on the Porch
The front porch is more than just a part of the house; it’s where connection and socializing happens. Southerners consider their front porch a sanctuary. It’s where they sip sweet tea, rock in a chair, chat with neighbors, and watch the world go by. The porch is the ultimate symbol of life in the South and the star of many Hollywood movies.
3. Dinking Sweet Tea
Sipping sweet tea is a cultural icon in the South. It’s brewed strong, sweetened generously, and served ice-cold anytime. Southerner’s obsession with drinking sweet tea reflects their love of tradition and pride for simple pleasures that are quintessentially Southern.
4. Sacred Sunday Dinners
Forget brunch; Sunday dinner is where it’s at in the South. It’s the week’s grand finale and often involves multiple courses of home-cooked comfort food that would make your grandmother proud. It’s a time to gather with family, indulge in fried chicken and collard greens, and spend hours talking around the table. The emphasis on gathering the family for Sunday dinner is a testament to the South’s dedication to preserving tradition and keeping the family connected.
5. Old Fashioned Southern Hospitality
Southern hospitality is a famous way of life. Southerners love to make everyone feel at home, even complete strangers. Offering a cold drink on a hot day, inviting neighbors over for a home-cooked meal, and engaging in the local community are the hallmarks of being Southern. Given the high value they place on family, everyone is treated like family in the South.
6. Southern Barbecues
A Barbecue in the South isn’t a meal; it’s a ritual. From Memphis to Texas, each region has its own take on pulled pork, brisket, or rib. Throwing a Southern barbecue is a source of pride, and going to one is a way to connect with friends and family, share stories, and honor this sacred Southern culinary tradition.
7. Football Friday Fever
Watching high school football games in the South is a big deal. Friday nights are reserved for football, and the stands are packed with fans who consider it an event not to be missed. The excitement, community spirit, and sheer pride in rooting for their local team make Football Fridays a cherished tradition that brings people together. A love of sports runs deep in the South.
8. Heirloom and Vintage Clothing
Southern style is also about honoring their heritage. From classic denim to breezy dresses and cowboy boots, Southerners love vintage clothing for its treasured history. They tend to favor pieces with an emotional connection to the past; whether it’s a family heirloom like grandma’s brooch or a rare find from a local antique shop, vintage clothing holds a special place in Southern hearts and wardrobes.
9. Classic Southern Recipes
Recipes are passed down through generations in the South. Whether it’s Grandma’s cornbread or Auntie’s pie, you learn how to master traditional Southern recipes at a tender age. Southerners are fiercely protective of their culinary secrets and take great pride in keeping them alive, ensuring that each generation gets a taste of history and maintains these sacred family traditions.
10. Celebrating Age Old Traditions
From crawfish boils to county fairs, local traditions and festivals are celebrated enthusiastically in the South. These events are more than just having fun; they are about preserving cultural practices and bringing communities together. They reflect the South’s vibrant local culture and deep appreciation for festivity and for celebrating life’s simple pleasures.
11. Being People of Faith
Going to church is a cornerstone of Southern life. Regular attendance and active participation in church activities are deeply valued, and church services are social gatherings as much as a place of spiritual connection. The Southern approach to church is about building community, honoring tradition, and bringing people together in their shared faith.
12. Respecting Your Elders
Respecting your elders is deeply ingrained in the South, so they are so big on manners. Calling people “ma’am” and “sir” is second nature, and they love hearing older generations’ stories, life experiences, and wisdom. This respect isn’t just a way of being polite; it’s a reflection of Southern values that place an emphasis on the importance of maintaining and strengthening family and community ties.
13. A Love of Bluegrass
Music is a huge part of Southern culture, from bluegrass to jazz to country. People attend local music and dance events with passion and pride. Through music, Southerners connect with their past and preserve cultural identity. Southerners value these traditions as essential parts of their heritage and community life.
14. Your Vegetable Garden
Growing your vegetables and fruits is normal in the South and comes with a great sense of pride. Many Southerners have sprawling gardens and a few pots on the porch, which shows their connection to the land. Their love and attention to growing and harvesting these foods reflects a deep respect for nature and a commitment to cooking with homegrown, flavorsome ingredients. Which explains why the food is so good.
15. Having Perfect Manners
People from the South have impeccable manners, and being polite and gracious to everyone they meet is in their blood. Saying “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome” with genuine sincerity is a hallmark of Southern hospitality and manners. They are taught early to show respect and kindness, which is why they have such tight-knit communities where everyone bends backward to help one another.