1. Mississippians Love Rooting For The Rebels (And The Bulldogs)...
The rivalry in Mississippi between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Mississippi State Bulldogs has endured for more than 100 years, making it one of the longest-running football feuds in the nation’s history. And in a state where couples actually plan their weddings around football games, it can get ugly.
But not as ugly as the trophy that gets passed back and forth to the winning team after they face off each year in the Egg Bowl. The infamous Golden Egg was purchased after a game in the 1920s in an effort to keep peace among a fervent fan base that had broken out into a massive street brawl.
2. Almost As Much As They Love Being Rebels
The Confederate flag is flown with unabashed enthusiasm in Mississippi. And the flag’s saltire (the infamous star-studded cross) actually appears in the state’s own flag, making it the sole holdout in the nation (Georgia broke down in 2003 and removed the Confederate emblem from their theirs).
Flying the Confederate flag is definitely a source of contention, with defenders claiming they are preserving the heritage. The criticism has not deterred their “civic” pride. So, the flag can be seen flying from houses, trailer parks, and car windows, as well as printed on T-shirts and bumper stickers all over the Magnolia State.
3. Folks In Mississippi Are The Bible Belt
There’s a fundamentalist Baptist church on every corner in Mississippi. OK maybe not every corner but the state does have a large contingent of believers. Thirty-six percent of religious folks in Mississippi are Baptist, compared with a meager 9 percent in the U.S.
In fact, Mississippi was recently listed as the most religious state in the country; approximately half of its residents describe themselves as “very religious.” And the whole separation of church and state thing seems like more of an optional thing here.
4. Mississippians Shoot Everything In Sight
When the preacher of your church doesn’t show up for sermon because it’s the opening day of gun season, you know you’re in Mississippi.
That's because Hunting is a big deal here. Deer, turkey, quail, duck, black bear, squirrel, dove, rabbit, beaver, coyotes, fox, skunk, wild hogs and gator. Even nutria…you name it, they shoot it. And eat it. Or stuff it and hang it on their wall.
It’s such a big deal that many Mississippians wear camouflage even when they’re not actually hunting. Ever seen a groom walk down the aisle in a camo tux? It’s not as uncommon as you might think.
5. Everyone Has The Blues In Mississippi
The Delta Blues, that is. If blues music is the lifeblood of this state, the Mississippi Delta is its heart. Here the soul of the state and the history of its people are communicated via the slide guitar, harmonica, and cigar box guitar.
R.L. Burnside, Bo Diddley, T-Model Ford and a long list of other blues masters were all born in Mississippi. Vicksburg-born Willie Dixon is one of the most prolific musicians of our time—his songs have been appropriated by more superstars than ticks on a Mississippi dog.
6. The People Of Mississippi Can Tell A Story Better Than You
The state’s rich oral tradition, deep Southern roots, and contentious history provide for endless story material. So it’s no surprise that Mississippi has bred some of our greatest writers, including Eudora Welty, Tennessee Williams, Faulkner, Richard Ford, and Jimmy Buffett (hey, he’s a poet in the eyes of some).
7. Mississippians Have Baby Fever
The birthrate for the U.S. has been steadily falling for years. Everywhere except for Mississippi. And they like to start young in this state—Mississippi is No. 1 in the nation for teenage pregnancies.
The state has adopted a controversial abstinence-only education in high schools. However, Mississippi is still 60 percent above the national rate for teen pregnancies—I wonder if we should tell them their sex-ed plan ain’t workin’.
8. Mississippians Tawk Funny
Mississippians have their own special southern drawl that calls to mind their deep-south and Delta roots.
The Mississippi accent drops the “r,” sound so “they’re” becomes “they,”—as in “they gonna come over”—and sometimes places the emphasis on a different syllable—so “police” becomes poe’lice”.
“Fix” becomes a catch-all verb—as in “I’m fixin’ to make a sandwich.” And the addition of an extra word—as in “might could”—adds that lyric little touch.
9. Mississippians Are The Nicest People You Will Ever Meet
We’ve all heard the joke about the traffic jams in Mississippi—two cars stopped at a four-way crossing, both downright insisting that the other go first. But it’s not much of a stretch, really.
Mississippians have heart and being polite is just what ya’ mama taught you. But even beyond manners and etiquette, there is a true generosity in the hearts of Mississippians. To them, everyone is a neighbor and they will give you their last dime if you need it.
10. Not Even Mother Nature Can Keep A Good Mississippian Down
Many Mississippians have adopted a “whatever may come will come” mentality. They embrace whatever comes their way, including hurricanes. In fact, Hurricane Katrina may have hit the lives and homes of many in the state but it hasn’t dampened that unbeatable Mississippian spirit.
If you say a hurricane is coming, they say bring on the hurricane party! No rain and wind is going to mess with their good times.
Feature Image Source: Flickr user scragz 
