In addition, over 50 more churches and community institutions across the Corridor and
the nation are observing a Watch Night & Emancipation Proclamation celebration this year.
Contact our office by telephone at 843.818.4587 or e-mail us for locations and more
information. We thank you for helping us to preserve and sustain this cherished,
Gullah Geechee tradition.
the nation are observing a Watch Night & Emancipation Proclamation celebration this year.
Contact our office by telephone at 843.818.4587 or e-mail us for locations and more
information. We thank you for helping us to preserve and sustain this cherished,
Gullah Geechee tradition.
What Happens on Freedom’s Eve? All across the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage
Corridor, Watch Night services will generally begin late in the evening on December 31, 2018.
What you will experience in the hours leading up to midnight will vary based on custom
and practice in each Gullah Geechee community but tradition holds that these services
usually involve music, the traditional liturgy and contemplation of what has passed followed
by reconciliation and resolutions for the coming year.
Corridor, Watch Night services will generally begin late in the evening on December 31, 2018.
What you will experience in the hours leading up to midnight will vary based on custom
and practice in each Gullah Geechee community but tradition holds that these services
usually involve music, the traditional liturgy and contemplation of what has passed followed
by reconciliation and resolutions for the coming year.
The Watchmen, elders in the community, will signal when midnight is near. At that time,
the community will kneel in prayer to welcome the New Year – and collectively reflect on
how on January 1, 1863 the New Year also meant a long-hoped for freedom for millions
of African-Americans in the United States. Gullah Geechee people, who have been a
part of or have long memories of these traditional celebrations within their communities
over the years, will educate others about the traditions, history and significance of what
occurred on these days.
the community will kneel in prayer to welcome the New Year – and collectively reflect on
how on January 1, 1863 the New Year also meant a long-hoped for freedom for millions
of African-Americans in the United States. Gullah Geechee people, who have been a
part of or have long memories of these traditional celebrations within their communities
over the years, will educate others about the traditions, history and significance of what
occurred on these days.
