This Fourth of July I am in Connecticut (aka part of the North), and I have traveled from my home in North Carolina (aka part of the South). Therefore, I thought I would make a little list of the differences I've noticed about how those in the North celebrate this holiday versus how those in the South celebrate this holiday. Enjoy! :)
1. Food
The food in the North is a little different than it is in the South. For the fourth, I'm used to having all of my fattening favorites (i.e. some sort of barbecue, some hush puppies, and maybe some collard greens cooked with fatback). Needless to say, I did not have any of these food this year in Connecticut. I even took the time to explain liver mush to my aunt and cousin, because I was craving it for breakfast on the Fourth. I did not receive any. :(
2. Drinks
Along with all of the fattening foods that go along with a barbecue, I generally always get a nice tall glass of sweet tea with my food. However, north of the Mason-Dixon line, sweet tea is not readily available. I have mostly been drinking water because I do not drink soda, but for my Southern friends who do, I have also not seen any Sun Drop or Cheerwine in my time here.
3. Clothing
During this fourth of July in Connecticut, I have seen considerably less camo and even American flag apparel than I am accustomed to. Most of the people I have seen here have been wearing some combination of the colors, red, white, and blue, but they have not been covered in 'Murica clothing like the people I know back home.
4. Accents
Now, this particular difference I've noticed this Fourth does not really have anything to do with the holiday itself. There's something intriguing about hearing the New England accents of my family (and of everyone else here). However, it's just not the same as hearing people say "God bless 'Murica," "Y'all, let's go do this," or "I'm fixin' to set of some fireworks" as I hear back home.
5. However...We have WAY more similarities.
Even though we may celebrate differently, the individuals in the North and the South love this country. Whatever we eat, drink, or wear this on this patriotic holiday, we appreciate our forefathers whose efforts made our freedoms possible. So, whether you are from the North or the South or you have transitioned between the two, I would like to wish you a happy Fourth of July and shout one loud "'Murica" in your honor. :)
