The practice of coloring the underside of exterior overhangs a shade of blue is a long-standing tradition, particularly prevalent in the Southern United States. This design choice involves applying pigment to the soffit, which is the exposed area beneath a roof’s eave, often on verandas and entries. The specific hue used varies, but typically falls within a range of light, airy blues, sometimes described as “haint blue.”
This custom stems from a combination of historical beliefs and practical considerations. One prominent explanation attributes the color’s use to warding off evil spirits, or “haints,” in Gullah Geechee folklore. The blue shade was thought to mimic the appearance of water, which spirits supposedly could not cross. Additionally, some believed it deterred insects, as the color tricked them into thinking it was the sky, discouraging them from building nests. While modern pesticides offer more effective insect control, the aesthetic and symbolic appeal of this tradition endures.
