About Southern Hospitality

A feast with plenty of food is just example of Southern hospitality.

Southern hospitality is about good manners, gracious hosting and making those around you feel comfortable. Though these qualities seem simple, Southern hospitality is more involved than remembering to say "please" and "thank you."

Food

Southern hospitality goes hand-in-hand with an abundance of good, home-cooked food. When new neighbors move in, the other residents of the block often bake a cake or other welcoming treat to take to them. Social functions often revolve around food, whether it is a pot-luck or single-host gathering. According to Study Overseas, "Food is served in plentiful portions; in fact, it would be considered a failure on the host's part if their guests left hungry."

Hosting an Event

Whether it is a small gathering of close friends or a gala event of mixed company, a Southern host extends compliments to each guest and never ignores anyone. The host also ensures that everyone feels welcome and comfortable and mingles with all attendees to keeps the conversation flowing.

Manners

Good manners are an expected part of Southern hospitality. People in the South frequently use the phases such as "yes ma'am," "no ma'am," "yes sir," "no sir," "thank you kindly" and "pardon me." Four-letter curse words are considered foul when coming from a lady's mouth, and men often refrain from using rough language in the presence of ladies. Napkins are laid in laps when dining and bodily functions are neither discussed nor displayed. Smiling and waving to people you pass is common, and it would be considered rude to not say "hello" or "how are you?"---even to a stranger.

Chivalry

In the South, chivalry is appreciated and practiced by many. According to "A Handbook of Southern Manners," gentlemen open doors for ladies, offer their seat to them, stand when a woman enters the room and offer their arm when they are going up or down steps." Men do not tell sexually explicit jokes in mixed company, nor do they discuss intimate details or spread gossip.

Do Not Boast

If you are a truly gracious Southerner, you do not boast, you support those around you and lift up their spirits. If you do well in a competition, good Southern manners dictate you are gracious and humble in accepting any accolades or recognition. In any acceptance speech you thank your team and acknowledge anybody else's contribution to your success.

References

• Know Southern History: Southern Manners
• Study Overseas: Welcome Ya'll---A Guide to Southern Hospitality