The History of Haint Blue

Have you ever heard of painting your ceiling or porch Haint Blue? I recently went on a tour of the Owens Thomas House in Savannah, GA and learned the history of this custom. Haint blue is a traditional paint color that has a unique history rooted from the slave trade.

The term "haint" originates from the Gullah people, who are descendants of West African slaves. In the Gullah culture, "haint" refers to a restless spirit or ghost. They believed that haints could not cross over bodies of water, and they often painted their windows, doors, and architectural elements with a blue shade to keep away these malevolent spirits.

A current day example of a haint blue porch

In addition to its usage as a spiritual protector, haint blue also served a practical purpose. The color was believed to repel insects, such as wasps and mosquitoes, and to cool the interior of homes by creating the illusion of a clear blue sky, thus making the space feel more comfortable during hot summer months.

What do you say, would you paint a ceiling blue in your home?