Spiritual Background and History

Origin of Spirituals
Over generations of enduring harsh treatment, slaves in the Southern United States developed slave songs, or spirituals. A main reason for creating spirituals was to devise a network of communication throughout the Southern states. This means of communication was unique because only the slaves could understand their “language”. Coded songs were often about rebellions and ways of escape, like the Underground Railroad.
Spirituals were sung about hope, pain, suffering, joy, salvation, and anticipation of someday being free from the grasps of slavery. Slaves incorporated Bible stories and lessons taught by both black and white abolitionist preachers from the North into their lyrics. Although slaves sang these songs while they worked, plantation owners never suspected spirituals held multiple meanings and weren’t as simple or superficial as they sounded.

Slave Life
In early America, the treatment of African slaves was often blatantly inhumane. Most slave owners felt that their slaves were of a less evolved and less intelligent race. Consequently, slaves were treated as little more than animals used to perform labors. In addition, if they misbehaved or were suspected of not obeying their master's wishes, it was likely that they would be harshly punished. For example, Venture Smith, a slave, was whipped 36 times and left suspended on gallows for about an hour because he was blamed for mishap that wasn't his fault. This dreadful way of life left slaves with little means of comforting and encouraging themselves. One of the few methods available was turning to spirituals, which proved to be a consolation and uniting force for slaves throughout America.

Change and Adaptation
Spirituals have changed and adapted in many ways throughout time. Spiritual melodies are said to have developed in Africa, but lyrics soon evolved to proclaim the Christian faith. Derived from the African Americans’ love for song, spirituals led themselves to the expression of emotions as well as devotion to the Christian religion.