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The painted blue porch ceiling started in the American South around 200 years ago. In order to repel evil spirits from plantations, porch ceilings were painted a soft blue. The color was meant to mimic water in an effort to keep any haints or spirits at bay.
Does painting a 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.
Why do people paint porch ceilings blue in the South?
Across the South, the tradition of painting ceilings blue is passed down from generation to generation. There are many stories and legends as to why, and it’s not just about keeping bugs at bay. In the Deep South, a darker blue sometimes called “haint blue” is believed by some to keep away evil spirits.
What color is haint blue?
Haint blue is a collection of pale shades of blue-green that are traditionally used to paint porch ceilings in the southern United States. The tradition originated with the Gullah in Georgia and South Carolina.
Does painting porch ceiling blue work?
It was used as an insect repellent. There was a more down-to-earth rationale for blue porch ceilings, too—the notion that it could keep wasps and other pests from building nests there. The blue paint actually did thwart insects, but not by outsmarting them.
Will painting a porch ceiling blue?
According to Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, “Simply put, many homeowners choose to paint the porch ceiling blue because of the way it makes that space look and feel. Blue is a calming color, so using it in an area of the house that’s intended for relaxation makes sense.
What color do Southerners paint their porch ceiling?
Porch ceilings in the American South (and parts of the Northeast) are almost always painted blue — whether the rest of the home’s exterior is white, yellow, pink or any other color of the rainbow.
What does a blue porch light mean?
Many parents will also put blue lights on their porches to show support for those who struggle with autism Spectrum Disorder. The color blue was chosen for this awareness month because of the connection between autism and the sky.
Why are porch ceilings painted blue in Key West?
Blue painted porch ceilings are a common and aesthetically beautiful site to see in Key West. The idea was (and for some still is) that blue porch ceilings act as a natural bug repellent because the porch looks like the sky and fools the bugs who obviously won’t build their nests in the sky.
What is a haint ghost?
So what is a “haint?” It’s just another word for a ghost or spirit, a derivative of “haunt.” For centuries, Southerners have passed down ways to keep spirits from haunting your home.
What does haint mean?
DEFINITIONS1. 1. a type of ghost or evil spirit from the Carolina coast. According to Appalachian historian Dave Tabler, the word haint can refer to an angry dead spirit, but also to “an undefinable something that scares the bejeevers out of you.”Apr 5, 2019.
Why is it called 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”.
Does haint blue keep bugs away?
This blue/green color or “Haint Blue” is not only calming and aesthetically pleasing, but also it apparently helps repel bugs. It also has an important folk lore purpose of warding off evil spirits. Haint blue can be seen on doors, shutters, entire buildings and most commonly on porch ceilings all over the world.
Does Sky Blue keep spiders away?
Sky blue paint might actually fool insects as well. Originally we painted the porch ceiling blue over seven years ago and I can say we have had fewer spiders, wasps, and other bugs trying to take up residence on our porch ceiling.
Why do blue ceilings keep bugs away?
When blue paints were first used on ceilings, they were usually milk paints, and those paints often had lye mixed into the composition. Lye is a known insect repellent, which would explain why insects would avoid nesting on a painted porch ceiling or ledge.”Apr 11, 2017.
What is the meaning of haint blue paint?
The shade and the term “haint blue” have become mythic and ubiquitous. The Gullah Geechee legend says that evil spirits do not like water and painting spaces to look like water will keep them away. The color is said to have been originally based on the indigo grown in the region in the eighteenth century.
What is a porch?
Generally, a porch is a covered area that is attached to the entrance of a building. A porch typically has open sides and offers an easy transition between the indoors and outdoors.
What color paint keeps bugs away?
Best Exterior Paint Colors That Repel Bugs & birds: Colors such as yellow and white will do a much better job of deterring mosquitoes from your property.
What does a blue front door mean?
Blue. A blue front door may symbolize prosperity and abundance, and the darker you go the more a blue door can project a sense of tranquility, peace and elegance.
Can you paint a ceiling blue?
Your ceiling might not draw quite the same crowd, but painting it can have a big impact on the overall decor. And while white is certainly the safest choice, flip through any design magazine and you’ll quickly note that blue is a decorator favorite.
What color is Palladian blue?
Palladian Blue is a serene blue-green paint that offers soft, relaxing tones. Its light and airy coastal hue makes it a perfect choice for adding a touch of color to a room without going too bold.
What do blue porch lights mean 2021?
Blue porch lights are not only for honoring the police but also for raising awareness of autism spectrum disorders. A blue porch light symbolizes that you care about people with autism spectrum disorders and want to take a stand against bullying and exclusion. World Autism Day is observed on April 2nd of every year.
Does a blue porch light mean drugs?
The system is a combination of different colored lights and Morse-code-like flashes. “Red means the police are coming, blue is for cocaine, and green is for weed,” says one Virginia man, a former drug dealer who now buys drugs there.
Why do cops use red flashlights?
Police officers don’t have time to wait for their eyes to adjust to darkness so using a red interior light saves them crucial seconds. It takes around 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to darkness and, for police officers and other emergency responders, that is 30 minutes too long.
