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The history of BBQ, including wood barbecues and charcoal barbecues, belongs to the South. That having been said, there is discussion as to whether barbecue defines a lifestyle, a way to cook food, or "the food." The origin of the term is believed to have come from the Indian word, "barbacoa" - a process to preserve meat by hanging it in a smoky environment so it would dry and be free of insects. The indigenous populace of the Southern US preserved their meats by barbacoa. Eventually, early (European) Americans figured out that this "barbecue" process added more to the meat than just preservation. In the early South (pre Civil War), pork was the most common barbacoa meat because the animals required little care and could simply be "hunted" when it was time for a big meal. In fact - even to this day - in the South, it is not uncommon to see restaurant signs advertising BBQ with a picture of a smiling pig. By the end of the colonial period, neighborhood barbecues around barbecue pits were well-established as a social event, but in the next fifty years, before the Civil War - the barbecue party tradition would become entrenched. Frequently, plantation owners would hold large and festive barbecues - and this is where the argument for the barbecue "lifestyle" rears its head. Today, a look in the back yard, when company is over for BBQ dinner, will usually find the man of the house, the other male visitors - and male children all surrounding the chef… beer in hand (except for the kids, of course) enjoying the smell, offering advice, bragging about their grilling prowess, insisting on testing, and enjoying the ambiance… of the barbecue lifestyle. Barbecues bond friendships. Make no mistake about it. Throughout the nineteenth century, barbecues were a feature at rallies and picnics as well as private parties. If you were a politician, barbecues were a popular and inexpensive way to lobby for votes. The organizers of political rallies would provide barbecue, lemonade, and usually a bit of whiskey to buy their way into the hearts and minds of their potential supporters. These gatherings were also an easy way for different classes to mix. Barbecue was not a class specific food, and large groups of people from every social level could mix to eat, drink and listen to the speeches. Church and political barbecues are still a vital tradition in many parts of the South. BBQ restaurants originally grew out of a simple barbecue pit - where the owner sold barbecue to take away. Many of the pit men only opened on weekends, working (usually on a farm) during the week and tending the pit on weekends. The typical barbecue shack consisted of a bare concrete floor surrounded by a corrugated tin roof and walls. Soon, stools and tables were added, and the ubiquitous pig adorned the outside of the building. Few pit men owned more than one restaurant because the preparations required almost constant attention, and few expert pit men were willing to share the secret of their sauce preparations. Eventually, barbecue migrated Westward - but that is another part of the story. The history of barbecue reflects the varied history of the South and can be seen as an emblem of Southern history. For the past ninety years, the barbecue joint has flourished. Although local specialties and the time-intensive nature of barbecue preparation have limited real barbecue as a staple at chain restaurants, specialty barbecue joints have endured. Aside from its succulent taste, delicious sauces and the inimitable, smoky atmosphere of an authentic barbecue joint, barbecue has become a Southern icon and today, an American tradition, a symbol that is cherished by all US citizens alike. |
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