Why do Southerners paint their porches blue?
The shade of blue used on many southern ceilings is often called “haint blue”. The blue color was meant to ward off “haints” or evil spirits who might want to harm the house or the family inside. Tricking Insects. Many people argue that painting your porch ceiling blue actually keeps insects away.
What is the meaning of haint blue shutters in the South?
Originally, haint blue was thought by the Gullah to ward haints, or ghosts, away from the home. The tactic was intended either to mimic the appearance of the sky, tricking the ghost into passing through, or to mimic the appearance of water, which ghosts traditionally could not cross.
What is the history of haint blue?
Haint blue was supposed to protect people from bad spirits. The Gullah people (also known as the Geechee or Gullah Geechee) in Georgia, a subsection of enslaved people who lived on island and costal plantations, were the first to use this color blue as a protection against evil spirits, calling it “haint blue”.
What Sherwin Williams color is haint blue?
Sherwin-Williams Waterscape (SW 6470) is a dynamic, perfectly soft-but-bright blue infused with hints of green. Haint blue in general can be tricky because it will depend on several factors, like the natural light on your porch, the other colors present, and the amount of greenery surrounding your house.
Does painting the porch ceiling blue keep bugs away?
Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence that blue ceilings do in fact keep bugs away. However, there are some personal testimonies that state they saw fewer spiders and wasps after painting their porch ceiling blue.
Does sky blue paint keep bugs away?
This blue/green color or “Haint Blue” is not only calming and aesthetically pleasing, but also it apparently helps repel bugs. Most modern paint formulas do not contain lime, so painting your porch ceiling blue may or may not help shoo the bugs away, but it definitely looks good and provides a relaxing “feel”.
What is a haint ghost?
In Gullah tradition ‘Haints’ are restless ghosts. They’re said to be spirits who have not left this world and haunt a certain place usually performing harmless tasks.
What color keeps evil spirits away?
Haint Blue
Haint Blue is significant because of its power to ward off and deter spirits, particularly evil spirits.
What color is Charleston blue?
While some believe the purpose behind the colorful accent is simply to create a charming appearance and a relaxing ambiance, others believe the baby blue ceilings represent an anecdote of historical (and spooky) significance.
What color is Waterscape?
sea glass green
Waterscape is a soft, shaded, sea glass green with a crystal undertone. It is a perfect paint color for a bedroom or spa-like bathroom. Pair it with white trim and soft golden accents.
What does a blue porch light mean?
Red porch light: participating in heart health awareness. Purple porch light: color of domestic violence awareness. Blue porch light: raise awareness about autism and as a means of celebrating police officers. Green porch light: raise awareness for Lyme disease.
What kind of paint to use on front porch?
1 Paint made specifically for floors or porches will stand up better to wear and tear than other paints. Some paint designed for porches contains grit for added traction. 2 Make sure you choose a paint that’s tailored to either wood or concrete. 3 Dark colors generally hide chips and stains easier than light-colored paint.
Why do people paint their front porches blue?
Others claim the milk paint people used to use for their blue porches contained lye, which worked as an insect repellent. Because the paint wouldn’t last long, homeowners would add a new coat of paint every year or two, keeping the lye fresh, too. But there don’t seem to be any studies linking that chemical to wasps either.
How long does it take to paint a front porch?
Since wood is a porous surface, you want to wait for your porch to dry completely before attempting to paint. It can take up to 24 hours, especially in humid climates. Sand and scrape your porch to remove any existing paint.
What do southern porches usually have in common?
From the porches overlooking Magazine St. in New Orleans, Louisiana, to those along Monument Ave. in Richmond, Virginia, Southern porches tend to have one thing in common, and it’s not hanging baskets, rocking chairs, or very good dogs. It’s not over-the-top lush container gardens, or a wicker bar cart.