Juneteenth Traditions

Juneteenth are the oldest know celebration commemorating of the ending to slavery in the United States. Back in 1865, it was on June 19th that union solders, led by Major General Gordon Granger, Landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. The Emancipation proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the Executive Order. The surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance. The attempts to explain this two and a half year delay in the receipt …show more content…
Rodeos, fishing, barbecuing and baseball are just a few of the typical Juneteenth activities you may witness today. Juneteenth almost always focused on education and self-improvement. Guest speakers are bought in and the elders are called upon to recount the events of the past. Prayers services were also major part of these celebrations. Certain foods became popular and subsequently synonymous with Juneteenth celebrations such strawberry soda-pop. More traditional and just popular was the barbecuing, through which Juneteenth participants could share in the spirit and aromas that their ancestors emancipated African Americans, would have experienced during their ceremonies. The barbecue pit is often established as the center of attention at Juneteenth celebrations. Food was abundant because everyone prepared a special dish. Meats such lamb, pork and beef which not available everyday were brought on this special occasion. A true Juneteenth celebrations left visitors well satisfied and with enough conversation to last until the next. Dress was also important element in early Juneteenth customs and is often still taken seriously , particularly by the direct descendants who can make the connection to this tradition’s