Juneteenth Traditions, Food & Recipes
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The Juneteenth holiday and Juneteenth traditions are celebrated on June 19th in the United States.
But you may be still wondering…
What is Juneteenth, how is it celebrated, and why does it matter?
Juneteenth commemorates June 19th, 1865, the day the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas, with good news.
The news was that the American Civil War had ended, and enslaved African Americans were free because President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth began as a day to celebrate the abolition of slavery. Juneteenth traditions continue today as a day to celebrate African Americans’ culture, heritage, contributions, and progress in the United States.
Why is it called Juneteenth?
The word is a combination of “June” and “nineteenth.” So June 19th, now a holiday, is the date the news of emancipation finally made its way to Galveston, TX.
What is the importance of Juneteenth?
The Juneteenth holiday is a jubilee day to celebrate African American freedom, independence, and heritage.
Even though the United States became a free country 87 years earlier on July 4th, 1776. Enslaved Black people weren’t freed on the 4th of July.
So you can understand why many in the Black community have a tainted view of America’s 4th of July Independence Day.
Juneteenth is a day of remembrance, a celebration of Black people’s freedom day, and a time to reflect on the vital roleAfrican Americans played in America’s journey to freedom and equality.
Juneteenth traditions remind us of our ancestors’ trials and tribulations before gaining equality and pride.
Juneteenth history is the time to remember African American history, celebrate cultural accomplishments, and look forward to what we can achieve as a community.
Why is Emancipation Park important to Juneteenth?
According to Visit Houston Texas, Emancipation Park is a 10-acre public park purchased by four formerly enslaved people in 1872 and served as a location to celebrate Juneteenth.
Until the 1950s, it was the only public park and swimming pool in Houston open to African Americans.
The new Emancipation Park is designed as an interwoven tapestry of buildings and landscapes celebrating the park’s rich African American history. In addition, guests can enjoy revitalized landscapes and playgrounds in this memorialized space.
How to observe Juneteenth
Juneteenth is an African American holiday celebrating the ending of slavery. However, it’s not the same as the 4th of July Independence Day, even with its patriotic aspects and celebration of freedom.
Juneteenth independence day is a more spiritual display of patriotism that focuses on African-Americans rather than the nation.
Juneteenth traditional colors
The Juneteenth flag consists of red, white, and blue, the same colors found in the US flag. It represents that formerly enslaved people have always been and continue to be Americans.
Juneteenth flag and colors
The Juneteenth flag features a bursting zigzag around the star, representing a “nova,” a term used by astronomers to describe a new star that suddenly appears.
This image symbolizes the emergence of African Americans, who were once forcibly kept from owning the land they lived on. It represents freedom, a new beginning, and a new horizon for African Americans in the United States.
What should you wear to Juneteenth
The official Juneteenth flag colors are red, white, and blue, representing enslaved Africans and their descendants as Americans. However, many in the Black community have embraced the Pan-African flag colors: red, black, and green (RBG).
The RBG colors worn at Juneteenth events symbolize the blood, soil, and prosperity of all African people and their descendants.
Watch the video of an African American Juneteenth celebration with friends, family, and food.
What type of music is played on Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, a time to reflect and celebrate. You’ll likely hear celebratory and spiritual music at a Black cookout or celebration.
Iconic artists like Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Billie Holiday created spiritual songs sung in church congregations. They were also activists for Black folks and equal rights, often recording songs about freedom and revolution.
Do you wish someone a happy Juneteenth?
Yes, because Juneteenth is a celebration of the journey and freedom of Black people in the US, and it’s an excellent opportunity to recognize the numerous contributions that Black people have made to American culture.
Indeed, you can wish someone a Happy Juneteenth Emancipation Day. Even better, you can utilize the following tips on celebrating and acknowledging Juneteenth, including on social media.
How to celebrate Juneteenth
- What are some traditions for Juneteenth? And how do you organize a Juneteenth celebration? Gather family and friends with a Juneteenth menu and spread of foods. While you’re together, discuss the importance of Juneteenth in Black History.
- What are ways people celebrate Juneteenth? Share the contributions of Black people to American culture (i.e., artists, creators, athletes, products, businesses).
- How do you celebrate Juneteenth respectfully? If you’re not a Black American, it’s crucial not to use Juneteenth as an opportunity for self-promotion or appropriation of Black culture.
Red food and drink tradition for Juneteenth
Juneteenth red foods are not only delicious but also symbolic. Red is one of the primary colors used by African Americans to celebrate Black History. Juneteenth traditions involve serving a menu of red foods to honor the sacrifices made by our ancestors as they fought for freedom and equality.
When celebrating Juneteenth, include red foods as part of the official tradition. Black chefs and home cooks have contributed delicious Southern recipes to the culinary world, including this tangy and sweet tomato watermelon salad, which can be easily added to your Juneteenth traditions menu.
Try this recipe for tomato watermelon salad at your traditional Juneteenth celebration.
Equipment
- Instant Pot pressure cooker (for the pickled red onions & sweet pickled peppers)
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Juneteenth tomato salad
- 1 pound seedless watermelon chopped into approx. 1″ size bites (1 mini watermelon works well)
- 6 oz grape tomatoes halved – if in season, choose the gourmet medley of colors (red, yellow & purple variety pack)
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup cilantro fresh & chopped
Ingredients for quick pickled onions & pickled peppers
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- 5 sweet yellow peppers deveined, seeded, and sliced lengthwise
- ¼ cup red onion sliced into strips
Instructions
Instructions for Instant Pot quick pickled red onions & sweet pickled peppers
- Pour the red wine vinegar into the Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot.
- Add the sliced yellow peppers and red onion to the pot.
- Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is in the sealing position – up) and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
- When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural release of pressure for at least 4 minutes.
- To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
- Use a colander to drain the vinegar from the pickled vegetables.
- Set aside the pickled red onions and peppers.
Instructions for Juneteenth tomato watermelon salad
- Add the chopped watermelon, sliced grape tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped cilantro in a medium-sized bowl.
- Add the pickled yellow peppers and red onions to the fruit mixture.
- Use a small rubber spatula to gently toss and mix the ingredients gently.
- Tomato watermelon salad can either be served at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator for an hour.
- Serve Juneteenth tomato watermelon salad right away, and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
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