Why do you drink something red on Juneteenth?

The color red is said to represent the blood shed throughout enslavement, and some say it traces back to parts of West Africa where red drinks marked special occasions and red is symbolic of spiritual power.

What does red velvet have to do with Juneteenth?

According to Adrian Lipscombe, red velvet cake's relationship to Juneteenth stems from its red color, which became popular in the 20th century after a specific red food coloring brand became the popular choice for tinting the cake. “The red color it is today was given credit to Adams Extract, a Texas company.

What is the official drink of Juneteenth?

Red Hibiscus Drink

It's been a part of Juneteenth celebrations since the beginning and it's tangy flavor comes to life when you boil the hibiscus flowers for about 10 mins and add ice and sugar to taste. Be careful though, hibiscus flowers are like dye so things can get messy!

Why do we color Juneteenth?

What do the flag's colors and symbols mean? You'll see that the Juneteenth flag uses the exact same colors as the United States's flag: red, white, and blue. This was intentional and meant to show that the formerly enslaved and their descendants are free Americans, too.

What does the color red represent in the cuisine of Juneteenth celebrations?

City leaders and one organizer for the Dothan Juneteenth parade, TriState Expo explained how this color got its stripes. “Red stands for of course the blood that was shed on the pathway to freedom,” TriState Expo spokesperson Leah McKay said. “Traditionally for juneteenth most celebrations celebrate with red food.”

Why Juneteenth Food Traditions Include Hot Links, Red Drinks and Dishes

What are the four colors of Juneteenth?

The official Juneteenth flag was red, white and blue displaying that all American slaves and their decendants were Americans. However, many in the black community have adopted the Pan-African flag, red black and green. The colors represent the blood, soil and prosperity of africa and its people.

Are there Juneteenth colors?

The Juneteenth colors of red, white, and blue echo the iconic colors of the American flag. These three colors appear on the Juneteenth flag as a second declaration of independence: Black Americans—from former slaves to their living descendants—were and are free Americans too.

Why is Juneteenth Black red green?

The official Juneteenth flag was red, white, and blue displaying that all American slaves and their descendants were Americans. However, many in the Black community have adopted the Pan-African flag, red black and green. The colors represent the blood, soil and prosperity of Africa and its people.

Do you wear red for Juneteenth?

The color red is an important part of Juneteenth celebrations. Juneteenth celebrations include red food such as red velvet cake, red sausages and red rice; the wearing of red clothing; and red drinks.

What flavor is Juneteenth ice cream?

The Celebration Edition: Juneteenth Ice Cream was released under Walmart's Great Value brand and is a mix of red velvet and cheesecake flavored ice creams. "Share and celebrate African American culture, emancipation and enduring hope," the original container of the frozen treat said.

What is the history of red drink?

According to Miller's research, the earliest mention of red drink on the mainland dates to the 1870s South, where Black Americans colored lemonade red with strawberries, sumac or tartaric acid. “That was the drink for special occasions: going to the circus, emancipation celebrations,” Miller says.

What color food do you eat on Juneteenth?

Juneteenth (a combination of June and nineteenth) celebrations include parades, parties, and prayer. And celebrations would not be complete without Juneteenth food. Barbecue and red-colored foods and drinks like red strawberry soda, and red velvet cake are all common.

What are some Juneteenth traditions?

Music, dancing, and games — like dominoes, bid whist, and spades — round out some festivities. Serving red drinks, which symbolizes perseverance and honors the blood that was shed by our ancestors, is another Juneteenth tradition.

Is Juneteenth a black celebration?

Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.

How do black Americans celebrate Juneteenth?

What exactly does a Juneteenth celebration look like? For some, it's eating barbecue, shooting fireworks, gathering at a cookout and sipping on red drinks, a tradition that symbolizes perseverance and honors the blood that was shed of African-Americans.

What does a red velvet cake symbolize?

Juneteenth. In recent history, red velvet cake has become synonymous with Juneteenth celebrations. Not only does the color red symbolize the bloodshed of the enslaved people who never experienced freedom, but it's also a symbol of strength and spiritual transformation in West African cultures.

What color to wear for Juneteenth?

A common theme is dressing in red, white, and blue to highlight the “Independence Day for Black folks” vibe of the holiday. It's also a nod to the Juneteenth flag, which sports bright red and blue stripes and a bold white star overlay to represent the "new star" on the horizon for our community.

What does red green and black symbolize?

Red stood for blood — both the blood shed by Africans who died in their fight for liberation, and the shared blood of the African people. Black represented, well, black people. And green was a symbol of growth and the natural fertility of Africa.

What is typical Juneteenth food?

What is Juneteenth meal?

Prosperity meals on Juneteenth are "all about celebrating good luck and wishing for the best," said Michiel Perry, lifestyle expert and creator of the brand Black Southern Belle. The meals often include side dishes like black-eyed peas, collard greens, cornbread, cabbage, and sweet potatoes.

How do you celebrate Juneteenth respectfully?

Is watermelon a Juneteenth food?

Over time, a “Juneteenth Trinity” took shape and hosts knew that an authentic holiday meal had to include barbecue (made red by smoking and slathering on a tomato-based barbecue sauce), a red drink (Big Red is the brand of choice for many Texans), and ripe slices of watermelon.

Is Big Red a Texas thing?

For the longest time, Big Red was only sold in Texas, but now can be found in southern Indiana and in Kentucky.

Why is Big Red so popular in Texas?

Especially popular with blue-collar and ethnic drinkers, Big Red is a must at any Juneteenth celebration, along with ribs, beer, and watermelon. It's also an essential ingredient for an authentic South Texas barbecue, the perfect palate-cooling antidote to the spicy heat of the meat.

What does Big Red taste like?

The drink is popular in the Southern United States, known for its unique taste and red color. Though often thought to be bubble gum, its flavor is a combination of lemon and orange oils, topped off by a pure vanilla that offers a creamy aftertaste.