Southern Diva

A simple leisurely activity that continues from generation to generation. Porch sittin’ is not specific to the South, for every region has its own iteration, but it is definitely something Southerners love to do. I have read and heard conversations about buying a house and ensuring it has a large porch that will accommodate this pastime (I am also one of those people). Why is sitting at the front of one’s house so popular in the first place? There are likely many reasons, but I have my guesses.

Porch sittin’ can be done at any time, but it is most comfortable in the early morning or at dusk when it is hot. It is hot and humid for about half the year in the South, so the porch is often cooler than the house. Yes, we can run the air conditioner, but have you seen an electric bill for a house below the Mason-Dixon line? We don’t want those problems. It is also the opportunity to get some fresh air and be one with nature. As fall rolls around, bring a cozy blanket and a warm drink to keep you company. You can chat with neighbors as they pass by or yell across the way as many do. Sitting on the porch can be an hours-long activity from listening to the sound of birds chirping or the bellow of lawn mowers and leaf blowers in the morning, the squeals of children playing in the afternoon, to the evening sound of crickets and cicadas.

The popularity is so high that the front porch is often seen as an extra living space for the house. Decorated with rocking chairs, porch swings, daybeds, plush cushions, and bar car carts for sipping something cool, you name it. It has garnered its own home decor category at this point. However, it can be enjoyable without the fancy decor, the best part of porch sittin’ is that it is free.

Cover Image Credit: Karleen Roy, @karleenroy, Memphis, Tennessee native and owner of The Vanity Group, sitting on a porch in Mississippi.