Like cornbread and collard greens, the South and tradition go hand in hand. Therefore, it should go without saying that Mississippi is complete with rituals and practices that may be unfamiliar to those from other cultures. Here are 11 excellent illustrations.
1. Ringin’ Cowbells
Mississippi State University has secured a place in the Guinness Book of World Records because of this boisterous sporting custom. Even though the tradition’s precise beginnings are still a mystery, don’t you think it has a great ring?
2. “Hotty Toddy” applause
What the cowbell is to Mississippi State University, “Hotty Toddy,” is to Ole Miss. Another long-standing sporting custom, its origins are a mystery, but it has always been a source of school pride.
3. Commitment to tailgating
Since we’re discussing sporting customs, we should also bring up one of the state’s favorites: tailgating. To give you an idea of how popular tailgating is in Mississippi, consider that Ole Miss’ The Grove, called “the Holy Grail of tailgate spots,” draws more than 20,000 spectators during home games.
4. The Neshoba County Fair
Even though every state holds fairs, no one does it better than Mississippi, particularly when it comes to the Neshoba County Fair. The week-long celebration often referred to as “Mississippi’s Giant House Party,” draws thousands of visitors from all over the nation and has, for many, developed into a family tradition.
5. The Ground Dinner
After the Sunday morning service, there is a potluck supper with delicious southern classics, time for mingling, and camaraderie. What might be superior?
6. Family quilts
Many people in Mississippi have a quilt handed down through the generations, and it is warm, comforting, and emotional.
7. Young people using firearms
In Mississippi, where hunting is such a common sport, many kids learn to shoot a gun before they can drive a car.
8. Giving others food
Mississippians believe that food is the best way to win people over. Hence they frequently give food as gifts. A Mississippian will never arrive empty-handed at a wedding, burial, or social gathering.
9. Tupperware in the South
Additionally, because Mississippians enjoy sharing their meals, they keep the packaging from products like Cool Whip, Country Crock butter, and similar items for convenient transportation and storage.
10. Storm-related events
A hurricane is a perfect occasion for a gathering. It would be best if you were confined inside, after all.
11. Breakfast of Champions
The day’s most important meal is breakfast, and there is no better way to start the day than with some handmade biscuits and gravy. This is undoubtedly one of the state’s most delicious customs, whether you choose tomato or white sauce.
Have you ever participated in any of these customs? What are more businesses unique to Mississippi? Comment below with your answer, and let us know!
Big River Customs: Mississippian Folklife
A sternwheel riverboat gliding down the Mississippi River is among the stereotypes of Louisiana that are most frequently used. Since the 1930s, these ships have not been a practical means of trade and transportation; they now only serve the tourism sector. However, even in those somewhat fictitious circumstances, they maintain a vast body of tradition. Additionally, the river is a source of various folklore, professional jargon, and oral histories in addition to steamboats. Commercial fishing, the barge business, and seasonal activities like levee bonfires are some further examples.
Although each facet of river life has unique traditions, there is a great deal of commonality between them in terms of both minute details and a general sense of camaraderie. Ted Ewing, a former towboat deck hand and pilot serving as the port captain for American Commercial Barge Line in Harahan, Jefferson Parish, claims that “river people are like a huge family.” Ewing says, “If you mess with one river man, you’ve messed with all of them.”