May is National Preservation Month, a time to celebrate the stories, traditions, and craftsmanship that make historic homes so special. One of our favorite beloved Southern traditions? Haint blue ceilings.

Originating in Gullah Geechee culture, the soft blue hue was painted on porch ceilings to ward off “haints” — restless spirits who, it was believed, couldn’t cross water. The color mimicked the sky or water, tricking spirits into passing by.

Beyond folklore, haint blue served practical purposes too — deterring insects and brightening dark porch ceilings by reflecting light.

This timeless detail is still seen across the South today, preserving both cultural heritage and charm.