The Sea Islands of southern South Carolina hold much intrigue. From the most haunted road in perhaps the entire state to a bounty of delicious eateries and resort destinations, this part of the South Carolina Lowcountry holds a bounty of things to do. But one thing you won’t find in most promotional materials for the area is a little-known legend surrounding the Gullah people of the region. If I’ve piqued your curiosity, read on to learn about Boo Hag in South Carolina.

The sea islands and the coastal plains of the southern coast of South Carolina are home to a culture rich in African heritage.
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Called "Gullah" after the Creole language spoken here, the Gullah people along South Carolina's coast have a culture all their own; one that is well-respected by other South Carolinians.
Part of that culture involves the legendary tale (folklore?) of the Boo Hag.
Flickr/ matthias lueger
If it sounds (and looks) creepy... it most certainly is! The Gullah believe that a person has a spirit and a soul. Once a person has departed, if the spirit is good it ascends to Heaven; but if it's bad, it lingers here and becomes a Boo Hag.
According to Boo Hag legend, it is dangerous. Its essence can easily slip into your home through even the slightest of cracks and will do so while you are sleeping.
Flickr/ Christian Ostrosky

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Per the Boo Hag story, you won't even though they are there. It will creep around your house until it finds you asleep in your bed.
Flickr/ Mark Strozier
Then, the Boo Hog in South Carolina sits on your chest taking all of the air out of your lungs. But that's not even half of the danger. Reportedly, per Boo Hag legend, it sucks the very life out of your lungs, it will slip into your skin and use your body as a muse all through the night, leaving in the early morning hours. If a Boo Hag visits you in your sleep you'll be exhausted after you awaken in the morning but you won't remember when you were awake.
Flickr/Andrew Iverson
There are some easy ways to ward off the Boo Hag that we think you'll find interesting too.
Flickr/theilr
According to the Boo Hag story, they're obsessive about numbers. If you place a broom, a hairbrush, or even a kitchen colander next to your bed they won't be able to focus on anything else until they have counted every last straw in the broom, hair on the brush, or hole in the colander. Therefore, we encourage you to be prepared when you're in South Carolina!

To many Gullah people living in the Sea Islands and coastal plains, the Boo Hag of South Carolina is very real. Whether steeped in simple folklore passed down from generation to generation, or based on actual occurrences, cultural legends are important to society and many South Carolinians wholeheartedly believe (or at least support the cultural folklore) in this Gullah legend.

What other legendary cultural tales have you heard from, or about, South Carolina? Feel free to share with us in the comments section.

To learn more about what makes the state so special, I invite you to take a look at this guide about South Carolina fun facts. And, if you’d like to have more unique adventures when you’re in South Carolina, take a look at Tripadvisor Experiences, as well.

 

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Boo Hag Of South Carolina

Marla S. | October 05, 2023

What are some well-known South Carolina legends?

Aside from the Boo Hag story, the following is an overview of some well-known South Carolina legends.

  • The Legend of Agnes of Glasgow: This tragic love story is marked with a tombstone of a young woman who died in search of her wounded boyfriend who was in the British Army.
  • Longstreet Theater Green Room Ghost: During the Civil War, this served as a hospital. Nowadays, there are claims of soldiers (both Confederate and Union) still haunting what was known as the "green room".
  • The Gray Man of Pawleys Island: Per this legend, a "ghostly" looking man shows up every time a storm is pending in this part of South Carolina.

 

What are some of the most popular haunted places in South Carolina?

Here are some of the most popular haunted places in South Carolina:

  • Admiral's House at Charleston Naval Base: Per legend, a young slave girl is said to wander the outdoor premises.
  • Crybaby Bridge in Anderson: Per this popular legend, if you stop your car in the middle of the bridge in the evening, there's a possibility you'll hear a baby cry.
  • Hell's Gate in Oakwood Cemetery in Spartanburg: Known as the most haunted destination in South Carolina, expect to have problems with your phone if you head hear during the day. In the evening, there have been reports of hearing children laugh, orbs, and more.

 

For more creepy destinations, I suggest checking out these abandoned South Carolina spots too.

 

 

 

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