MARYLAND – Maryland, a state synonymous with the Chesapeake Bay, boasts a rich tapestry of traditions and customs that extend far beyond its famous blue crabs. While outsiders might find some of these practices quirky or unusual, they are deeply ingrained in the state’s identity and reflect its unique history, geography, and culture.
5 Unique Maryland Traditions That Define the Old Line State
This article explores five distinctive Maryland traditions, offering insights into what makes the Old Line State truly special.
1. Jousting: Maryland’s Medieval State Sport
Most states have a state bird or a state flower; Maryland has a state sport, and it’s not what you might expect. Jousting, the medieval sport of knights on horseback attempting to unseat each other with lances (or, in Maryland’s version, spear rings), is the official state sport of Maryland, the only state to claim this distinction (Source: Maryland State Archives, Maryland Manual).
This is a tradition, and was formalized in 1962. Tournaments are still held throughout the state, showcasing skill, horsemanship, and a connection to a surprisingly enduring tradition.
2. Old Bay Obsession: Seasoning Everything in Sight
Marylanders have a passionate relationship with Old Bay Seasoning, a spice blend created in Baltimore in the 1940s. While traditionally used for seasoning seafood, particularly crabs, Marylanders have a reputation for sprinkling Old Bay on everything, from french fries and popcorn to eggs and even ice cream (Source: McCormick & Company (Old Bay manufacturer), numerous Maryland food blogs and articles). This seemingly excessive use of Old Bay is a point of pride and a defining characteristic of Maryland cuisine.
3. Crab Feasts: A Ritual of Hammers, Picks, and Community
Eating steamed blue crabs is more than just a meal in Maryland; it’s a social ritual. Marylanders gather around newspaper-covered tables, armed with wooden mallets, picks, and knives, to painstakingly extract every morsel of sweet crab meat from the hard shells. These crab feasts are often lengthy affairs, lasting for hours, and are as much about community and conversation as they are about the food itself (Source: Maryland travel guides, articles on Chesapeake Bay culture).
4. Crab Pot Christmas Trees: A Coastal Holiday Tradition
Maryland’s maritime heritage extends to its holiday decorations. In many coastal communities, it’s common to see Christmas trees adorned with crab pot buoys, crab pot lights, or even constructed entirely from crab pots (wire cages used to catch crabs), reflecting the state’s deep connection to the Chesapeake Bay and its fishing industry (Source: Local news articles from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, social media posts showcasing crab pot trees). This unique tradition transforms a familiar holiday symbol into a distinctly Maryland expression.
5. Square Pizza: A Regional Culinary Quirk (Ledo Pizza)
While not exclusively Maryland (Ledo Pizza has expanded to other states), the prevalence of square-cut pizza, particularly from Ledo Pizza, is a notable culinary quirk. Ledo Pizza, a regional chain that originated in Maryland in 1955, is known for its rectangular pizzas with a thin, flaky crust and a slightly sweet sauce. The shape is attributed to the use of rectangular baking pans, a practical choice that became a signature feature (Source: Ledo Pizza website, articles on Maryland pizza styles). While round pizzas are certainly available, the square-cut style is a beloved local tradition…