On a humid Georgia afternoon, as you rock peacefully in your rocking chair, you'll be approached by the irresistible scent of fresh barbecue and sweet hickory chips. While the scent lingers, you can't help but crave a plate of this comfort food. To those in America, this is known as Barbecue. Barbecue has been a Southern staple forever. Barbecue not only tastes good, but it helps bring people together to enjoy a special occasion or to simply dine together. In this essay I will give a general definition of barbecue, tell a brief history, discuss the various styles, and explain why it is so popular in the South. What is barbecue? According to Merriam Webster's dictionary, the term "barbecue" has multiple definitions. The first definition we are most familiar with is; for roasting or broiling on a grill or revolving pit on or before a heat source. The second definition is the social gathering especially outdoors where grilled food is consumed (Merriam Webster). While you may be familiar with both, barbecue defines a true Southern summer meal that brings everyone together. When you come to the South and ask for a plate of barbecue, you'll usually get pulled pork, hash with rice, potato salad with a side of hot sauce, and homemade barbecue sauce to smother your meat. Better yet, you might receive ribs that are rubbed and coated with homemade barbecue sauce. The origin of barbecue in the South dates back to the days of the Civil War. There were many pigs that were easy to care for and were cheaper to raise than other animals. So, as a result, the soldiers used them as food. To prepare the pigs for consumption, farmers left them... middle of paper... a mixture of sweet and spicy sauce. What makes barbecue is so popular in the South is because the food is typically cooked outdoors. When people inhale the aroma they gather and join together for a cookout or any special event. The food reflects South American culture through the various ways it is served. For example, a person who is used to eating Tangy South Carolina barbecue will most likely have difficulty trying to adjust to the taste of Sweet Memphis style barbecue. Works CitedButler, Stephanie. “Lip Smackin’ Good: Southern Barbecue.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, August 2, 2013. Web. March 11, 2014. Colomba, Laura. "The History of Barbecue." The history of barbecue. The University of Virginia, nd Web. 09 March 2014.Goldwyn, Meathead. "The History of Barbecue." Amazingribs.com. Np, 12 February 2012. Web. 07 March. 2014.