The Creepy South Carolina Legend That Will Keep You Awake At Night
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 efforts for the area is a little known legend surrounding the Gullah people of the region.
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.
A Boo Hag is dangerous. Its essence can easily slip into your home through even the slightest of cracks and will do so while you are sleeping.
And then it sits on your chest sucking all of the air out of your lungs. But that's not even half of the danger. Reportedly, after the Boo Hag has sucked 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 having been awake.
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.
To many Gullah people living in South Carolina’s sea islands and coastal plains, the Boo Hag is very real. Whether steeped in simple folklore passed down from generation to generation, or based on actual occurrences, cultural legends are important to a 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? We believe roots are important… where do yours trace back to?
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
