Sky fall blue was chosen for the ceiling, because lore claims the insects and birds see the blue as the sky and don’t fly towards it.
The tradition of painting porch ceilings blue, commonly known as “haint blue,” does have historical roots in the Gullah Geechee culture. The Gullah Geechee people are descendants of Africans who lived in the Lowcountry regions of the southeastern United States, particularly in areas like the Sea Islands.
The term “haint” is derived from the Gullah language and refers to spirits, ghosts, or other supernatural entities. The belief among the Gullah Geechee people was that painting porch ceilings, shutters, doors, or window frames with a shade of blue would protect the home from these restless spirits or “haints.” The color was thought to mimic the sky or water, which spirits were believed to be unable to cross.
Over time, this tradition spread beyond the Gullah Geechee community and became popular in the Southern United States, where it is often associated with warding off not only spirits but also insects and birds. Many homeowners in the South still choose to paint their porch ceilings blue as a nod to this cultural history and to add a touch of charm to their homes.