Southern Culture in the 1930s

1. Southern Culturein the 1930s A visual aid to help understand the setting of Harper Lee�s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird

2. Common Foods Many of the notable origins of Southern-style cooking come from African, Native American, British or French origins. Soul Food, Creole, Cajun, and Low Country are some examples of Southern cooking. Southern-style cooking is actually very multicultural. The South's fondness for a full breakfast (as opposed to a Continental one with a simple bread item and drink) is derived from the British fry up, although it was altered a good bit. Much of Creole/Cajun cuisine is based on French cuisine.

3. Popular art: music, literature, dance, visual art Old style Southern music was common in the rural South during the early 1900-1940s. Newer songs were mostly about the American experience, and instrumental music was often played on the fiddle, banjo, dulcimer, and later on the guitar. Music was constantly evolving. After the Civil War, Southern art reflected an important part of our country�s history.

4. Southern Manners Southern etiquette is an important part of their culture. Warm welcoming of visitors to their homes, distribution of Southern cuisine, calling one �Sir� or �Ma�am�, opening doors for ladies, and inviting one another to church functions are some examples of �good manners� practiced by Southerners.

5. Language Southerners speak with a different accent, and use different �slang� words. They all speak with a "Southern brogue�. This identifies them from being from the South. But different states of the South all had their own unique accent, different from one another.

6. Traditions, Holidays, and other Celebrated Events Sunday dinners, barbecues, and family reunions have been a tradition for Southerners Many traditional foods are served at those events, including wild game, a Southern specialty. Mardi Gras has always been an important celebration in the South.

7. Entertainment Money was scarce in the South during the 1930s. Movies, parlor games, and board games were very popular. Many people listened to the Yankees game on the radio. Dancing, reading, and story-telling were also done as forms of entertainment.

8. Social Class System The Upper-Class consisted of: planters, successful merchants, and urban professionals The Middle-Class consisted of: farmers and urban middle class The Lower-Class consisted of: sharecroppers and mill workers

9. Religion 80-90% of Southerners were Evangelical Protestants. This includes Baptists, which is the religion of most Southerners. Many religious practices are informal, and usually a service ranges from 30 minutes to a few hours.

10. Clothing People began using zippers because they cost less than buttons Different hem lengths were used for different times of the day Men wore high-waisted pants All well-dressed males wore hats

11. Education In the 1930s, children were not forced to go to school. If children did not pass a grade, they would repeat it the next year. For example, some students in Scout�s first grade class had been in that class many times already.