Define Southern Hospitality

Southern hospitality is a quality attributed to residents of the southern region of the United States. The term implies that in comparison to people living in other parts of the United States, Southerners are typically friendlier, more welcoming and generous to strangers or guests. It is also based on the principle of sharing resources, even when resources are limited.

History

The origin of the term is attributed to Jacob Abbott, author of the children's series of books, The Rollo Series. Abbott traveled throughout the South in the early 19th century and wrote a book, New England and Her Institutions. In the book, Abbott described the Southerners' willingness to provide a stranger food, shelter and entrance to the home as part of the "character of southern hospitality."

Geography

Southern states--also referred to as Dixie, Down South, American South or simply, the South--cover the southeastern and south-central part of the United States. According to the 2006 U.S. Census Bureau, the southern region includes 16 states and the District of Columbia:

Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C.

According to a 2006 U.S. Census Bureau report, 36 percent of all U.S. citizens live in the southern region, making it the most populous region in the United States.

Social Etiquette

Southern hospitality focuses heavily on food and the role it plays in daily life and social systems in the South. It is customary for people to bring food to the home of a new neighbor, the ill and the bereaved. Southern hospitality dictates that even when visitors arrive without food to share at a gathering, they are included in the occasion with access to all food offerings.

Etiquette is a significant trait in southern hospitality. The use of "Ma'am" and "Sir" is widely practice to demonstrate respect. If the person is considered too young to be addressed by those terms, the use of "Miss" or "Mr." before the first name is appropriate. Standard etiquette practices associated with Southern hospitality include opening doors, pulling out the chair for a woman to be seated, standing when a woman leaves the table, men removing their hat when greeting a woman and inviting newcomers to social events or religious services.

Cultural Significance

The South developed its own culture of literature, music and cuisine based on influences of the Native Americans, African slaves, Spanish settlers and early European settlements of English, Scots-Irish, Scottish and French. Southern hospitality is rooted in southern culture and religious observances but does not address inequities of race or poverty commonly associated with the South.

Considerations

Southern hospitality is often seen as fake, theatrical or stereotypical behavior. The ideals of southern culture and hospitality continue to be promoted in publications such as Southern Hospitality Magazine and with nonprofit organizations such as Center for Southern Folklore.

References

• U.S Census Bureau Report
• News Release from the U.S. Census Bureau

Resources

• Know Southern History