Symbols of the South || Things That Define Us || A Look at Our Culture

Ah, the South… So many things come to mind when I think of my home *heart-eyes* I have told my husband many times, you can take the girl out of the South but you will never take the South out of the girl! And that includes turning me into a Marylander. Not happening, LOL!

So with that in mind, we are gonna talk about some of the symbols of the south and what they mean to us. Read it with an open mind, cause some of this may surprise some of you. The accepted narrative is rarely correct.

1| The Confederate Flag
Few things make me happier than seeing the Southern Cross flying. It instantly fills me with love and sorrow for my home and my heritage. It’s no secret I’m proud of my southern history. And when I say that, so many people tell me it’s racist. More than you might think. I just laugh because I know it isn’t. A racist is someone who hates a certain race of people enough to want to wipe them out, Ex. Hitler wanting to kill the Jews. And I don’t believe in that and neither did my Confederate ancestors. Unfortunately, bigots have taken this beloved and sacred symbol and tried to twist and mar it into something hateful and disgusting.

But they will not prevail. Because the more the media harps on the evil of that flag, the more people research and find out the truth. That flag always has and always will represent a beautiful piece of southern history: the years that our men fought and died for the rights of all Americans. When they lost the war, America lost many of their freedoms that we haven’t regained to this day. So, next time you see that flag, show some respect and reflect on the men and women who died in an attempt to preserve your God-given rights.
 
2| Cotton
I don’t care what you say, nothing says the South like driving by a nice big cotton field! Cotton symbolizes agriculture, self-sustainment, and the American work ethic. It represents the men and women who worked through the decades to pick, clean, card, spin, and weave clothing and contribute to the fashion world. It represents a simpler time and the American tractor *halo* It’s versatile, useful, and practical… all things that personify the South!
 
3| Fried Chicken
Need I say more? If you want a classic Southern meal, you gotta get yourself some fried chicken! And biscuits. And gravy and mashed potatoes. And Fried okra. You get the idea *halo*
 
4| Rocking Chairs
I love evenings in the South, sitting in a rocking chair, listening to the whippoorwills and cicadas (that for some reason Marylanders hate and I still don’t understand why! They are the most awesome bugs ever!) and the doves calling back and forth. I don’t really like the coyotes, but their solo howls ain’t too bad. A balmy breeze and maybe even a gentle rain… *sigh* Front porches with rocking chairs are the best thing ever…
 
5| Sweet Tea
And what is a post about the south without our classic beverage?? But I don’t mean just any sweet tea. I mean tea that is so sweet you don’t need to do any blood tests after drinking it cause they’ll be convinced you have diabetes! SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEET Tea. * in a toddler's voice* I must have all dey sugarses *halo* Sweet tea is a symbol of southern hospitality, friendship, and family. It’s a summer staple and year-round comfort beverage. You ain’t been down south until you’ve had you a glass of Southern Sweet Tea!
 
And on that note, I probably should go make a batch for my husband!
Have a Blessed Day and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22