#cajunfrisson

[everbayou]

City Park in Autumn. So glad to be back in NOLA for the holiday season. Bring it on!

[everbayou]

It's Happening...

I'm moving to Louisiana for 4 months. This account is coming back active, baby. I hope Evangeline has been waiting for me.

[everbayou]

Above ground family tombs in Louisiana typically held up to 85 family members. 

How? When a family member passed they would be interred in the tomb in a wooden casket. They were kept there for one year and one day (the one day due to it being taboo to disturb someone exactly one year after their funeral) and exhumed. The whole purpose for this is to ensure the body went through a New Orleans summer where the tombs can reach 350 degrees easily in the summer heat. When the casket was removed they would either burn the casket or dispose of it after removing the body, taking the remains which have essentially been cremated (though in a Catholic friendly way since fire never touches the body) and placing them in the back of the tomb - mixing them with the remains of the family members who came before. 

[everbayou]

Folk Tale: M’su Carencro and Mangeur de Poulet (Mr. Buzzard and the Chicken Hawk)

M’su Carencro, the Buzzard, was sitting in a tree waiting for something to drop dead so he could feast. It had been days since he had a decent meal. Then out of nowhere came flying in Mangeur de Poulet, the Chicken Hawk. Mangeur de Poulet notices M’su Carencro in his tree and calls out “ Ca Va, mon padnat?” (How’s it goin’, friend?)

M’su Carencro cawed back “Ca va mal! (Not good at all!) I am starving! I been here waiting for something to drop dead for the pas’ couple of days. I just want my supper.” 

“And why is that padnat?” says the confident and full of himself Chicken Hawk.”If you are hungry, you just go get it yourself like I do. Why dont’cha just catch you some fresh meat? You have to look out for yourself if you gonna make it in this world, mon ami.” (My friend.)

“Non!“ (No!) said M’su Carencro. “You don’t understand how this works. I have to for somethin’ to drop dead before I can eat it. This is my purpose given to me by le Bon Dieu.” (The Good God) 

“Le Bon Dieu? Non! Don’t bother with the Good God. Even if he does exist, what says you that he cares if you eat? You have to look out fo’ yourself like I do. I’ll show you how to take care of yourself and not depen’ on anyone else!” said Mangeur de Poulet. 

And with that the Chicken Hawk soared in to the air, doing fancy flips and maneuvers. The Buzzard followed along at a safe distance behind watching in amazement at how agile Mangeur de Poulet was. They soon came upon a wide empty field and noticed some movement down below.

A fat, juicy rabbit was darting below; quick and agile trying to avoid the Chicken Hawk. The Chicken Hawk grew closer to the rabbit and thought that he had him for sure. At the last moment Mangeur de Poulet talons graced the rabbits fur as he dropped in to a den hole near a fence post. Before Mangeur de Poulet could realize what had happened, he hit that pole at full speed. 

The Chicken Hawk fell straight dead to the ground. M’su Carencro landed next to him and looked up to the sky. “Merci beaucoup, mon Grand Bon Dieu!” (Good God almighty, thank you!) He then grins and says “Suppertime!”

[everbayou]

Missed it by a couple of days, but January 6th marks the Epiphany - the start of Carnival season. It’s also the celebrated birthday of Joan of Arc, so happy 608th.

The statue pictured is Joanie on the Ponie, gifted to the city of New Orleans in 1972 by France. Joan is the Maid of New Orleans, since the city was named after Orleans, the first city she defended and recaptured for the French in the 100 years war. 

[everbayou]

When winter hits too hard and the Cypress lose their will to live.

[everbayou]

The Bead Tree, only found in Louisiana and Mississippi during the Carnival months and after; till they disintegrate and fall apart.

[everbayou]

It’s a debatable subject, but there is a pretty good chance the term “Dixieland” did originate in New Orleans.