Story Summary
Discover the powerful history of The Big Dipper and the Drinking Gourd, a constellation myth that guided enslaved people to freedom on the Underground Railroad.
In the mid-19th century, a mysterious carpenter known as Peg Leg Joe traveled across the plantations of the American South. To the owners, he was a simple laborer, but to the enslaved, he was a messenger of hope. Joe taught them a song called 'Follow the Drinking Gourd,' a coded map hidden in plain sight. The 'Drinking Gourd' was the Big Dipper, a constellation that pointed the way to Polaris, the North Star. By traveling at night and keeping their eyes on these celestial guides, the weary seekers navigated through treacherous forests and across the Ohio River. The stars served as a silent, divine compass, transforming a cluster of light into a path toward liberation and a life of dignity.
The Moral
Guidance and hope can be found in the darkest of nights if one has the courage to look upward and the wisdom to interpret the signs.
“Follow the drinking gourd, for the old man is a-waiting for to carry you to freedom.”
Fun Fact
The song 'Follow the Drinking Gourd' contains actual geographic clues, such as the mention of the Tombigbee River and the end of the winter season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Big Dipper and the Drinking Gourd?
The story teaches that nature provides the tools for liberation and that resourcefulness can turn the environment into a map for freedom. It emphasizes that hope remains visible even in the darkest circumstances.
Why was the Big Dipper called the Drinking Gourd?
Enslaved people used 'Drinking Gourd' as a code for the constellation to avoid detection by overseers. It resembled the hollowed-out gourds commonly used to scoop water, making the secret map sound like an everyday object.
Who was Peg Leg Joe in the story?
Peg Leg Joe was a legendary figure, likely a real sailor or carpenter, who traveled between plantations teaching the coded song. His lyrics contained specific geographical landmarks and celestial directions to guide people north.
How did the Big Dipper help people find the North Star?
The two stars on the outer edge of the Big Dipper's bowl are known as 'pointer stars.' By following a straight line from these stars, travelers could locate Polaris, the fixed star that always points north.
Is 'Follow the Drinking Gourd' a real song?
Yes, it is a famous American folk song first published in 1928 by H.B. Parks. While historians debate the extent of its use, it is a celebrated symbol of the Underground Railroad's oral traditions.
What is the significance of the North Star in this folklore?
The North Star, or Polaris, was the ultimate symbol of freedom because it remained stationary in the sky. For those fleeing slavery, it was a reliable and unchanging guide toward the free states and Canada.
