What Does it Mean If You See a Blue Porch Ceiling in Arkansas?

Have you ever been to an old Southern home in Arkansas and noticed that the ceiling on the front porch was painted a blue color?

What Does it Mean?

Many old homes in the South still carry this century-old tradition but what does that mean or better yet what did it use to mean?  Historically, if an overhang or porch ceiling was painted a haint blue it was to ward off evil spirits with some believing it made the porch cooler during the summertime. It was also painted blue because it was considered an insect-repellant.

This superstition started with the Gullah people from Africa the word "haint" means a restless evil spirit that causes havoc. The Gullah people believed that a "haint" had a weak spot and they were afraid of water so painting the porch ceilings protected them because the blue hue resembled water and would trick the ghosts into staying away.

Over the years there have been various haint blue colors developed but the tradition is not as prevalent today as it once was. Supposedly, the Governor's Mansion in Arkansas has a blue ceiling as well as Victorian homes in Savannah, GA, and Charleston, SC., according to Only in Your State.

I once knew a lady in my neighborhood growing up that had a blue porch ceiling and I thought nothing of it. Now I guess I'm going to start paying more attention when I go to an older home.

What do you think? Silly superstition or just that someone wanted their porch ceiling painted blue?