Go down the streets of the Garden District, through the Riverbend, or even the suburbs of Metairie, and chances are you won’t pass many houses that aren’t sporting a pale blue porch ceiling. But can New Orleans take the credit for this particular exclamation point at the end of this home decor sentence?
While no, New Orleans can’t take credit for the blue ceiling, many locals will know that you have to paint your porch ceiling blue to keep the bad spirits away.
While the more modern version of this painting practice originates in Charleston, South Carolina – or the Lowcountry area of South Carolina – in the 19th century, the original idea comes from the Gullah people.
The Gullah, or Gullah Geechee, people are those of West and Central African descent who were, or had ancestors that were, enslaved and brought to the eastern coast states to work on plantations. These particular slaves were brought primarily to the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. With the influx of Gullah people came Gullah traditions and practices. One of those practices was using the color to ward of evil or spirits with bad intentions. These unwanted spirit visitors were called “haints” or “boohags” according to Lowcountry Gullah, an organization based on the education and continuation of the Gullah Geechee people and traditions.
Haint is a term used for a ghost or evil spirit. The spirit is considered to be restless and vengeful as they exist between the living and the afterlife. In Gullah lore, and that also of Appalachian culture, the specific pale blue color is thought to confuse and repel the haints. By painting doors, porches and the ceilings this blue, it would confuse the haint into thinking the blue was either “heaven” or water that they couldn’t cross into the home.
Lowcountry Gullah shared that the specific hue that is associated with “haint blue” is derived from the indigo plant, which was grown throughout Lowcountry plantations.
Now, whether you’re trying to keep spirits away, paying homage to those who have come before you or just looking for a little pop of color to add to your home, haint blue is – quite simply – beautiful.
It used to be said that the blue hue also repelled insects, but according to Good Housekeeping, who interviewed an entomology professor from North Carolina State University, there is no supportive evidence that color actually repels insects. Instead, it brightens up your porch space, in some instances makes the ceilings look taller – as if they’re pointing into the sky – and whether you believe in it or not is a good way to bring positive energy to a home.
So, when planning your home upgrade remember – the Saints are giving us enough trouble this season, lets do what we can to prevent the haints from stirring the gumbo pot.
