Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • Home & Garden
  • Style & Culture
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • These Haircuts Are Going To Be Huge in 2021

      The trendy haircuts you’ll be seeing everywhere next year. Read More Next
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More Next
    • The Right Way to Heat a Pre-Cooked Ham

      It's so easy, trust us. Read More Next
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food

    Lost Cakes of the South

    These simple and spectacular Southern cakes deserve a comeback
    • All Food
    • All Recipes
    • Holidays & Occasions
    • Quick Fix Suppers
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Casseroles
    • Healthy Recipes
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining

    70 Wedding Vow Examples That Will Melt Your Heart

    Fight writer's block and find ways to express your love with these romantic, funny, and short wedding vow examples.
    • Christmas
    • Entertaining
    • Thanksgiving
    • Southern Weddings
    • Easter
    • Kentucky Derby
    • Valentine's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Mother's Day
  • Home & Garden

    Home & Garden

    See All Home & Garden

    7 Paint Colors We’re Loving for Kitchen Cabinets in 2020

    ‘Tis the season to ditch your all-white palette in favor of something a little bolder and brighter.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Before & After
    • Inspired Communities
    • Curb Appeal
    • House Plans & Builders
    • The Grumpy Gardener
    • Plant Names A-Z
  • Style & Culture

    Style & Culture

    See All Style & Culture

    50 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime

    Curl up with a classic!
    • Southern Culture
    • Hair
    • Travel
    • Beauty
    • Pets
    • Southern Fashion
    • Healthy Living
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Southern Culture
  3. Southern Traditions We Want to Bring Back–And You Will Too!

Southern Traditions We Want to Bring Back–And You Will Too!

By Melissa Locker
June 07, 2018
Skip gallery slides
Save FB Tweet
Credit: Harold M. Lambert/Lambert/Getty Images

While we realize that the days of white gloves and calling cards may be gone, good manners and solid traditions should never go out of style. After all, Southern gentility, hospitality, and good manners are as central to a Southerner’s identity as sipping a glass of sweet tea on a hot day. While the world is changing, things like humility, courtesy, and basic politeness are mainstays of any civilized society and that should never change.

Start Slideshow

1 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Saying Please and Thank You

Credit: George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images

Saying please and thank you are the bedrock of human civility. Children who have just learned to talk can master the art of expressing gratitude, yet many adults have seemingly forgotten the skill.

1 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Saying Sir and Ma’am

Credit: Hirz/Getty Images

When children call adults sir or ma’am it is a sign of respect and teaching children to respect each other and their elders is important. As the Manners Mentor website says, “Respect is so important to emphasize to our children because it’s the cornerstone of other invaluable character traits such as tolerance, selflessness, giving, and compassion.”

2 of 23

3 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Proper Table Manners

Credit: George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images

You don’t have to know the proper placement of an oyster fork in a formal table setting to have good table manners. The rules are the same for children or adults: Put your napkin in your lap, talk to people on your left and your right, wait until everyone has their food before eating, and, of course, no phones at the dinner table. (As for that oyster fork, it goes to the right of the spoons, according to Emily Post.)

3 of 23

Advertisement

4 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Cursive

Credit: Harold M. Lambert/Lambert/Getty Images

Cursive writing has been around since at least the 19th century and there’s no reason that it should die out now just because youngsters prefer texting. Plus, the flowing nature of cursive makes writing thank you cards and Christmas letters that much easier.

4 of 23

5 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Handwritten Thank You Notes

Credit: George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images

Gracious guests always send thank you cards to their hosts as soon as possible after the event. It’s the least you can do to thank them for their hospitality and text messages just don’t carry the same gratitude as a handwritten note.

5 of 23

6 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Recipe Cards

Credit: Brianna Soukup/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

When picnic companions beg for the recipe for your lemon Bundt cake, you could just send them a link (to SouthernLiving.com, of course), but it’s far nicer to write out the recipe on a card for sharing.

6 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Sunday Suppers

Credit: Lambert/Getty Images

Between PTA meetings, after-school baseball practice, and youth group gatherings, it can be hard for busy families to sit down together for every meal. Sunday supper, though, should be a non-negotiable, can’t miss event. It’s the perfect time for families to share a meal, catch up and, well, be a family.

7 of 23

8 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Holding the Door for Others

Credit: Fox Photos/Getty Images

If you’ve gone to the trouble of opening the door, it’s easy enough to hold it for another minute or two to help the person using the door after you. Naturally, if someone does hold the door for you, be sure to say thank you as you walk through.

8 of 23

9 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Welcoming New Neighbors

Credit: Harold M. Lambert/Lambert/Getty Images

When someone moves to the neighborhood or the apartment complex, make them feel like they’ve really come home. Bake them a banana bread or an apple pie, or if you’re not a baker, simply buy an assortment of treats that will make them feel welcome.

9 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Good Handshake

Credit: General Photographic Agency/Getty Images

Make a good first impression with a solid handshake that won’t leave your new friend wishing they had never stuck out their hand. If you’re not sure where your handshake rates, ask your most honest friend for an assessment.

10 of 23

11 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Phone Calls

Credit: Archive Photos/Getty Images

Yes, it’s easier to text, but phone calls are a much better way to catch up with a friend or family member

11 of 23

12 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Punctuality

Credit: Cleland Rimmer/Getty Image

We’re all busy, so don’t be rude by showing up late. When you make a plan, stick to it, and don’t waste someone else’s time by failing to live up to your word.

12 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Church Hats

Credit: Kirn Vintage Stock/Corbis via Getty Images

Dressing up for church is a Southern tradition and for women that frequently topping your outfit with a church hat. Whether you opt for a chapeau that is elegant, bold, understated, or over-the-top is between you and your fashion gods, although perhaps be mindful of whoever has to sit behind you in church.

13 of 23

14 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Smiling at Strangers

Credit: Leonard Mccombe/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

While strangers get a bad rap, as William Butler Yeats said, strangers are “only friends you haven’t yet met” and that is particularly true in the South. The art of turning strangers into friends starts with a smile.

14 of 23

15 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Eye Contact

Credit: George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images

Making eye contact is the easiest way to let someone know that you see them and recognize their shared humanity. When you shake someone’s hand, make eye contact. When you pass someone on the street or at the grocery store, make eye contact— and perhaps even smile.

15 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Hospitality (Open Door Policy)

Credit: Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

True Southern hospitality means an open-door policy to family, neighbors, co-workers, friends, friends of friends, and even friendly strangers. While times have changed enough that you do need to trust your instincts, generally, when someone shows up on your porch, greet them with a smile and maybe a glass of sweet tea.

16 of 23

17 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Helping Your Neighbors in Times of Happiness and Sorrow

Credit: Jamie Hodgson/Getty Images

The rules are simple: Is there a new baby in the neighborhood? Bring them a casserole. Is your neighbor mourning a loss? Bring them a casserole. While the casserole is negotiable, the act of showing your neighbors that you support them through food (or flowers or some other creative idea) is not.

17 of 23

18 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

RSVP

Credit: Housewife/Getty Images

While Southerners are known for their hospitality and will undoubtedly always greet a friend with a smile, it’s still polite to let your hostess know whether or not you plan to take them up on their offer. Email, text, or (gasp!) call to give regrets or ask what you can bring to the event.

18 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Loyalty

Credit: Dr. Paul Wolff & Tritschler/Corbis via Getty Images

Picking a side and sticking to it, is just another example of living up to your word. Be loyal to your family, your friends, your sorority, your football team, your state, and your country.

19 of 23

20 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Hostess Gifts

Credit: George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images

When someone has invited you into their home, grab a bottle of wine or champagne or bring your hosts your favorite pralines or divinity for them to enjoy later.

20 of 23

21 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

No Gossiping

Credit: Ivan Dmitri/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

If there is anything that we learned from multiple viewings of Steel Magnolias is that it’s almost impossible to avoid gossiping at the beauty parlor—and same goes for brunch or book club. It’s hard to avoid gossip, but it’s important to try.

21 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Avoiding Swearing in Public

Credit: Underwood Archives/Getty Images

On a similar note, for gentility’s sake, try to avoid swearing in public. It’s not always possible, but any Southern woman should be able to make her point loud and clear without swearing. For proof, look no further than Designing Women’s Julia Sugarbaker.

22 of 23

23 of 23

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Sunday Best

Credit: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

Getting everyone out the door to church or brunch or both on a Sunday morning can be a challenge—and trying to put a tie on a little boy or wrestling a baby into tights can drive many to prayer—but donning your Sunday best is still a tradition worth keeping. Just remember, it is only once a week.

23 of 23

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Melissa Locker

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 23 Saying Please and Thank You
2 of 23 Saying Sir and Ma’am
3 of 23 Proper Table Manners
4 of 23 Cursive
5 of 23 Handwritten Thank You Notes
6 of 23 Recipe Cards
7 of 23 Sunday Suppers
8 of 23 Holding the Door for Others
9 of 23 Welcoming New Neighbors
10 of 23 Good Handshake
11 of 23 Phone Calls
12 of 23 Punctuality
13 of 23 Church Hats
14 of 23 Smiling at Strangers
15 of 23 Eye Contact
16 of 23 Hospitality (Open Door Policy)
17 of 23 Helping Your Neighbors in Times of Happiness and Sorrow
18 of 23 RSVP
19 of 23 Loyalty
20 of 23 Hostess Gifts
21 of 23 No Gossiping
22 of 23 Avoiding Swearing in Public
23 of 23 Sunday Best

Share options

Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Login

Southern Living

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Books from Southern Living
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Southern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

View image

Southern Traditions We Want to Bring Back–And You Will Too!
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.