Gullah attitudes toward life and death

Creel, Margaret Washington

essay

Gullah attitudes toward life and death

africanisms in american culture • Bloomington • Published In 1990 • Pages: 69-97

By: Creel, Margaret Washington.

Abstract
In this paper, Creel examines Gullah religious life and attitudes towards death in the Antebellum period. (This article also forms a chapter in her book, see document no. 3.) She identifies aspects of Gullah religious practice and beliefs that originated in Africa and those influenced by Christianity and the conditions of slavery. She discusses African secret societies and suggests that they survived in some form in the new world, shaping Gullah religious organization and practices. She claims that the Gullah did not fear death but regarded it as another rite of passage. While some may regard Gullah attitude towards death as fatalistic, Creel argues that it expressed an inner strength and way to cope with the harsh and often brutal conditions of slavery. She also discusses Gullah ideas of sorcery, 'good' and 'bad' deaths, the afterlife, and funeral rites.

HRAF PubDate

2000

Region

North America