Hi ya’ll. I’m writing to you from my somewhat-new home deep in the heart of Dixie. My house sell in the mid-Atlantic region is now behind me, and full Southernization is underway.
“The South” — commonly referred to as the American South or Dixie — leans toward the southeastern corner of the United States, stretching north enough to encompass West Virginia and west to include Texas.
Everyone has a notion of what The South is like, thanks to distorted television depictions. As such, most people know the top things to expect with such a move – grits, sweet tea, mam/sir usage, heavy accents, slower pace, fire ants, unusual metaphors, armadillos, swamps, etc.
However, I’m learning there are several layers of revelation to Southernization and that those features (just above) make up only the first round of Southern uniqueness.
I’d like to share with you the second layer of differences that greet you once you’ve been here a while.
My second tier of Southernization has involved:
1. Wardrobe. Clearly it’s hotter than the North, but let me clarify: I’m talking summer heat so pervasive, you will wilt upon stepping outside. How the South survived without air conditioning for generations is a mystery.
This means: Goodbye cashmere! Goodbye wool! Adios to that impressive winter wardrobe you spent years accumulating. You could weather a winter in a significant portion of the South with a change of just three sweaters or sweatshirts. I’m now located in southern Georgia (aka, “The Deep South”), and I think I wore a winter coat a total of about a week and a half this past winter. According to health statistics, The South has the largest number of people dying from stroke – I’m betting that includes heat stroke…
2.You’re a Yankee. And you always will be. Accept it. Your accent will always give you away. Yes, YOU have the accent, according to folks in the South.
Further, while living in the North, never once did I refer to people in Southern states as “those Rebs,” but I have lost count of the times folks in the South will refer to Northern compatriots as “those Yankees.” I guess the sting of the Civil War lives on for some. The South was devastated in terms of population, infrastructure and economy; and, when you think about it, that was only 150 years ago, even though it sounds like ancient history.
3. Endearments. Mothers and fathers are forever referred to as “Mama” and “Daddy.” Yes, even by grown men.
4. Services. Remember that slow pace I mentioned? Take it times three, and you’ll know what to expect when you call a service provider (builder, carpenter, electrician, exterminator, etc.).
Maybe that’s why the term “fixin” is so popular, as in, “I’m fixin to go to the grocery store.” I’ve been told that “fixin” means about. However, in my experience thus far, some of the things folks say they are “fixin” to do can take up to five years or more to accomplish, so I think we need to redefine that “about” notion.
5. Football. I grew up in central Pennsylvania where the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Penn State Nittany Lions were a way of life on winter weekends. But, most Northerners aren’t used to football being a part of the culture…until they move south, that is. I’ve seen Georgia Bulldogs, Florida Gators and Alabama Crimson Tide emblems displayed in ways – and in places – that leave me shaking my head. (Who knew you could fit a Georgia Bulldog on that particular part of the body?)
6. Bugs. According to research, there are 251 Georgia bugs in the Insect Identification database. I think we have all 251 types on our property. (And, now that the stink bug is moving into The South, I guess that database will soon read 252.)
Remember that wardrobe change I mentioned in number one above? It works the opposite for footwear. I had to put my cute sandals away when I moved south and dig out my high-tops. Why? Because hubbie and I can walk across the lawn in front of our house, at a quick pace, and when we reach the end, I will have a minimum of three bites. He, of course, will have none.
7. Nanner puddin. Also known up north as banana pudding. It’s on every menu, every buffet, every shopping list, every picnic table in The South. (Maybe that’s one reason that nine Southern states have obesity rates over 30% of the population?)
8. Abandoned buildings. There are a startling number of abandoned buildings here in The South. It may be indicative of hard times, foreclosures, or just the call to move on.
Almost a third of all Americans who claim English ancestry can be found in the American South, and the Scots-Irish influence is particularly strong here. These ethnics tended to be movers, as opposed to the Germans who tagged a piece of land and built to stay forever.
9. Vegetation. In short, it’s THICK. Up North, things die off each winter. Around here, they just keep growing. Don’t even ponder taking “a nice walk in the woods,” – a common undertaking up North. If you attempt it here in The South, you may need a machete to cut through the growth and a pair of snakebite-proof boots (yes, there really are such boots and I own a pair now, thank you very much.)
10.Vehicle colors. If you see anyone driving a black vehicle in The South, they: (1) recently relocated from somewhere else, (2) house their car in a garage most of the time, or (3) regret their selection but will never admit it.
Most vehicles are a blazing-sun-friendly white or silver. Black paint just heats up too quickly in southern heat. I’ve gone to restaurants locally and of the ten vehicles parked in the lot, nine will be white. No kidding.
Bonus: Be prepared for warmth and hospitality in The South; the folks I’ve met have embraced me, welcomed me, adopted me. But yes, they still consider me a transplant. I’m hoping that once I master using the terms “fixin” and “reckon” like a native, I’ll earn my diploma in Southernization.
But, there’s still more to grasp about the region, like those snakes that hide under BBQ grill covers, and the trees which drop sap that will eat your car paint, and…and…
Note: The picture captures three of the above items: an abandoned house (#8) that the thick vegetation (#9) took over, and I’m betting that someone is fixin (#4) to do something about it one of these days.
Historical intrigue interwoven with modern-day suspense and a touch of the mysterious.
Contemporary romantic suspense.
Coming-of-age sagas.
Haha Have appreciation for this being one of those Yankees–and yes, I do drive a black car! Have learned some manners here though.
Well, at least the pine sap doesn’t show up on black cars as much as other colors!
Great post Deb! Just give it a few more years and you too will think 40-50 is cold enough for your winter clothes. 🙂
LOL, Shane, you’re probably right about that! I’ve held onto many winter things because I still have a son living in the mountains of WV!
Lol! Deb keep learning! I RECKON the accent will wear off in a few years and you will sound like a southerner yet!! Hope all is well.
Funny, Joe. I reckon you’re probably right. LOL.
Deb I love this one – you my dear cousin will be a Southern belle in no time. I would love to live in every part of this beautiful country for a few years. This article kind of explains why Joe seems so calm and totally content – it’s his Southern blood. Love you much.
You are so blessed with words and thoughts and the ability to put them on paper for all of us to enjoy. I’m thankful you came south.
Tricia, thank you! You made my day. I’m glad I moved south too, because of people just like you!
We are selling our home in California and moving to NC. Is that south enough for similar southernization?
Carole, good question. I have limited experience in North Carolina, but from what I’ve seen, you need to get familiar with sweet tea and grits there too! Welcome to the South!
I am on page 201 of your novel can’t put it down. Would love to discuss it with you sometime. Can’t wait for the movie. I’m fixin to finish it before I go teach a painting class at 6. Dogs will get fed eventually. Back to the Book!! Welcome to the South!
Hi Darlo! So glad you reached out here…I could not find your last name, in order to “friend” on FB, but will now. So glad you are finding pleasure in Crossing into the Mystic!
I just loved this article!! I live in southwest Virginia. You pretty much hit everything straight on. I laughed out loud a time or two. Great article! Would love to hear more about your observations. I was 9 when I moved from outside Philadelphia. My grandmother lived in a holler lol. I am going to have to check out your book!
Hi Sally! Nice to communicate with you virtually. I love southwest Virginia. Very beautiful. Yes, check out my book because much of it takes place on the fringes of the Shenandoah Valley in West Virginia, just across the Potomac from Maryland…territory similar to where you live. I hope you like it! Thanks for your comments here.
Deb, having just spent two weeks between Savannah, GA and Seabrook Island, SC I completely agree with your “southernization” process. We were there in August and the heat and humidity were beyond suffocating! I love your style and look forward to reading your book and following your blog and Facebook page.
Hi 2mommiesof3… your URL alone suggests that you and yours are busy! How did you fit in time for a trip? That’s rhetorical – I know how! We’re women…we make it happen. Thanks for your comment. I hope my book offers you escape from the chaos and madness if even for a short time!
Deb…..all 5 of us went on the trip and our three girls LOVED it! You are right about us women making it happen….we just do! Your book did indeed offered me an escape that was so much more than just a joy to read! You have a true gift as an author! I was left with one burning question after finishing the book…
When is Book 2 expected out!?
Thanks!
2mommiesof3, you are the best. Thanks. When is book 2 due? I do not know…it’s in publisher’s hands right now…but it’s looking like maybe the plan may be one book per year. Stay strong!
From one who has lived in the Deep South all of her life, Welcome! So glad you came:) I know you will love it here. I love the winters because it doesn’t stay winter. We get all four seasons during winter. Take some advice and keep the short sleeves handy.
Loved your article. Every word is true. Look forward to connecting and hearing of your adventures.