The Sea Islands of southern South Carolina hold much intrigue. From the most haunted road in perhaps the entire state to a bounty of delicious eateries and resort destinations, this part of the South Carolina Lowcountry holds a bounty of things to do. But one thing you won't find in most promotional materials for the area is a little-known legend surrounding the Gullah people of the region. If I've piqued your curiosity, read on to learn about Boo Hag in South Carolina.

The sea islands and the coastal plains of the southern coast of South Carolina are home to a culture rich in African heritage.

Called "Gullah" after the Creole language spoken here, the Gullah people along South Carolina's coast have a culture all their own; one that is well-respected by other South Carolinians.

Part of that culture involves the legendary tale (folklore?) of the Boo Hag.

If it sounds (and looks) creepy... it most certainly is! The Gullah believe that a person has a spirit and a soul. Once a person has departed, if the spirit is good it ascends to Heaven; but if it's bad, it lingers here and becomes a Boo Hag.

According to Boo Hag legend, it is dangerous. Its essence can easily slip into your home through even the slightest of cracks and will do so while you are sleeping.

Per the Boo Hag story, you won't even though they are there. It will creep around your house until it finds you asleep in your bed.

Then, the Boo Hog in South Carolina sits on your chest taking all of the air out of your lungs. But that's not even half of the danger. Reportedly, per Boo Hag legend, it sucks the very life out of your lungs, it will slip into your skin and use your body as a muse all through the night, leaving in the early morning hours. If a Boo Hag visits you in your sleep you'll be exhausted after you awaken in the morning but you won't remember when you were awake.

There are some easy ways to ward off the Boo Hag that we think you'll find interesting too.

According to the Boo Hag story, they're obsessive about numbers. If you place a broom, a hairbrush, or even a kitchen colander next to your bed they won't be able to focus on anything else until they have counted every last straw in the broom, hair on the brush, or hole in the colander. Therefore, we encourage you to be prepared when you're in South Carolina!

To many Gullah people living in the Sea Islands and coastal plains, the Boo Hag of South Carolina is very real. Whether steeped in simple folklore passed down from generation to generation, or based on actual occurrences, cultural legends are important to society and many South Carolinians wholeheartedly believe (or at least support the cultural folklore) in this Gullah legend.

What other legendary cultural tales have you heard from, or about, South Carolina? Feel free to share with us in the comments section.

To learn more about what makes the state so special, I invite you to take a look at this guide about South Carolina fun facts. And, if you'd like to have more unique adventures when you're in South Carolina, take a look at Tripadvisor Experiences, as well.