Religious, spiritual, fraternal, funcrary and burial rituals are just a few examples of the sociocultural phenomenon which provide us with cultural imprints of customs long practiced among Africans throughout the world. The imagery and the rites of passage often associated with that of crossing over, passing (on), or stepping have long been associated with transcendence from one world to the next. There is always an ascension of sorts connected with these acts. The author explores the African Diaspora's spiritual link between the people from the shores of the Western motherland, to the Gullahs (Geechees) of the coastal Southeastern low country. The author further addresses the socioreligous heritage of the Gullah community within the Carolinas. Assimilation and resistance to the doctrines of slavery and Christianity, as well as their interpretation, have significantly impacted Gullah people.

There have been noted links between customs carried out at places of worship and burial sites during Gullah funerals, and spiritual rites of passage enacted during African based religious ceremonies. There is no death, but only a passing from this world to the next. Tremendous homage is paid to ancestors spirits still manifacts itself through execution of prayers,, grave decoration and visits, altar creations (photos, memorabilia, objects of love, flowers, plants), the continuation of language and cultural activities (Gullah language and traditions-foodways, practical beliefs), spiritual practice and ritual (baptism, right hand fellowhip, charity societies), as well as collective sociocultural experiences (church, clubs, etc.). Many of these rites serve as symbols of the African-American Gullah community's link back to the motherland.