Below the Mason Dixon Line, down here in the Bible Belt, we are known for so many things such as saying y'all, drinking sweet tea, watching college football, and having grits for breakfast. I've lived in the South for 19 years now, and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. Down here in the South, we have our own culture.
I'm from a big, small town known as Columbus, Georgia which is about 98 miles south of Atlanta. It's the second largest city in Georgia, but it's also a town where everybody knows everybody. Growing up in the South and never experiencing anything other than Southern traditions and culture, it's in my blood, and it's who I am.
Considering there are so many traditions here in the South, this post will reference 10 traditions that I think are not only most important, but also traditions that I love.
The Fifth Season -- College Football Season
Here in the South, we have 5 seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, & College Football. We eat, sleep, and breathe college football. After September 1st, our Saturdays are scheduled around who is playing who in the SEC. College football is a lifestyle.
Stuff We Line Dance & Say YEE-HAW To
People think that country music is just, "pop music with a banjo" or "songs about trucks, women, and booze" which is certainly not true. I grew up listening to mostly only country, and I will say that country music is the BEST genre of music. Country music is the music people can relate to and understand. There are so many talented singer in the country music industry. If you're still on the fence and/or don't think that country music is the best genre, listen to the songs below. I promise that you will change your mind.
Beautiful Crazy by Luke Combs
Must've Never Met You by Luke Combs
Movin' On by Muscadine Bloodline
If I Were You by Jobe Fortner
Free Drinks by Faren Rachels
When She Comes Home Tonight by Riley Green
David Ashley Parker from Powder Springs by Travis Denning
A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega by Ashley McBryde
California Ain't For Ya by Drew Parker
You can find all of the great tunes on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, etc. You won't be sorry, I promise.
The Breakfast Food of the South
Grits with cheese, butter, bacon, and chives. The ONLY way to eat grits in the South.
Grits are considered a legendary breakfast here in the South. And what other way to eat them other than LOADED like this? Grits are a favorite, and my dad makes THE BEST cheese grits that you'll ever eat in your entire life. They are so delicious, and not nutritious. But totally worth the calories and carbs! ;)
The Lord's Food
Most everyone in the South can agree that Chick-Fil-A is indeed, the Lord's Food. They have the best food which includes: chicken sandwiches, chicken biscuits, chicken nuggets, chicken tenders, salads, waffle fries, and SO much more. Along with their amazing food, Chick-Fil-A is known for their amazing service where it's their pleasure to serve you. Just not on Sundays.
The 3 Initials
The 3 initial monogram that you see EVERYWHERE in the South.
Just about every girl in the South has at least one thing monogrammed. Usually it's the back windshield of their car, but there are literally so many options. Us southern belles monogram everything. As for me, my basic 3 initial monogram can be found on my car, sweatshirts, t-shirts, book bag, MacBook, and literally so many more things. It seems a little excessive... but it's not.
The Food of the South
We call this Soul Food down here, and there's honestly nothing better.
There is NOTHING better than home cooking on a Sunday after church down here in the Bible Belt. Sunday meals usually consist of a fried meat, a vegetable such as: black-eyed peas, collards, corn, fried green tomatoes, butter beans, cabbage, and many more and are usually also accompanied with mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, hash brown casserole, dressing, and many others. There always has to be a bread such as cornbread, rolls, biscuits, garlic toast, and many others too. These "Sunday meals" can be served, and are served, any day of the week.
The Wine of the South
The best drink in the South...
Sweet tea can be found anywhere in the South, however, go above the Mason Dixon line and sweet-tea is unheard of.. What a shame, right? There's nothing better than a cold mason jar full of sweet tea on a hot summer's day.
What is Winter?
Yes, this stuff really does happen when it snows in the South.
Here in the South, we don't really have a Winter season.. We have Summer March-Octoberish and then Fall from October-March. It snows about once every five years here in the South where I live, and when it does, you'd think the world was ending. When it does snow here in the South, people go crazy. There is no bread, milk, eggs, or water found in the stores. You can't drive a mile without seeing an accident. We don't get snow very often, so when we do, the South is a madhouse.
Sports of the South
As Luke Bryan says, "Huntin', fishin', lovin' everyday..."
Down here in the South, we fish year-round. We fish for bass, bream, catfish, and so much more. Then when huntin season comes around, we deer hunt, hog hunt, dove hunt, and a lot more. So we pretty much fish for whatever swims and hunt for whatever walks, runs, or flies. Even Riley Green says, "What's wrong with skipping class even if it's just to catch a bass?"
Yes Sir, Yes Ma'am
Southern hospitality and manners down here in the South are essential.
Down here in the South we say yes sir, yes ma'am, no sir, and no ma'am. We say please and thank you, hold the door for people, help people when in need, and make anyone feel welcomed no matter where they came from. Southern hospitality is a necessity anywhere below the Mason Dixon.
