Here are 11 small things about Oklahoma that may unexpectedly make someone homesick by highlighting the state’s unique cultural, traditional, and everyday life aspects:
- The rich musical heritage blending Native American tribal music, blues, country, and Western swing, reflecting Oklahoma’s diverse cultural roots including legendary musicians from Tulsa and southwestern Oklahoma.
- The enduring dance hall culture where locals historically danced all night on Saturdays and worshipped on Sundays, a tradition blending Southern and Native influences.
- The presence of over thirty-six federally recognized tribes with distinct languages, ceremonies, stickball games, beadwork, and powwows sustaining long-held indigenous customs.
- The mix of Southern and Midwestern cultural influences, seen in local cuisine like chicken-fried steak, barbecue, cornbread, and okra, reflecting the state’s position as both South and Midwest.
- The legacy of ranching, cowboys, and rodeo culture intertwined with Native American life, where the cowboy and Indian traditions coexist in everyday life and storytelling.
- The quirky and charming small towns like Ardmore and Mustang, each with annual Western festivals, community swimming spots, and art centers that celebrate local life.
- The spiritual and religious culture marked by numerous churches, sacred music traditions like shape-note singing, and the importance of gospel and family singing groups.
- The state’s land-rush heritage, remembered each year with festivals and events that celebrate pioneer spirit and “Sooner” history.
- The sustained importance of barbershop harmony, with Oklahoma (especially Tulsa) being home to the national preservation society of this uniquely American singing style.
- The traditional arts and crafts such as beadwork and pottery preserved among Native communities, embodying patience, beauty, and deep cultural meanings.
- The tightly knit family and community values embedded in social events, outdoor activities, and festivals that are a core part of life in Oklahoma’s towns and rural areas.
These elements collectively form a small but evocative collection of Oklahoma’s soul that might suddenly make a native or anyone connected to the state feel homesick.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=FO012)
[2](https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=CU001)
[3](https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/8-towns-in-oklahoma-with-unique-traditions.html)
[4](https://www.choctawnation.com/about/culture/traditions/)
[5](https://www.britannica.com/place/Oklahoma-state/Cultural-life)
