The mystique of the Acadian culture captured our attention today as we made our way across America’s largest swamp, in Southern Louisiana. The temptation to go off our budget in pricey New Orleans had persisted for a time but was ultimately discarded when we discovered that the famous Mardi Gras celebration had ended the day before. Plan B would place us in close proximity to the city of Lafayette, home of the Acadian Cultural Center. Being briefly familiar with Cajun sightings in past visits to New Orleans, I seemed to preconceive this term as sort of a “hillbilly” person who ate spicy food and perhaps wrestled alligators for fun. I was clearly dissatisfied with this stereotype and desired to learn more.
What exactly did “Cajun” then mean in this part of the state? How silly of me to believe my previous biases were true as this was in fact a highly developed culture. In my visit to the Cultural Center, a Cajun would soon became clear to me as a direct descendant of the Acadians, a long persecuted French immigrant society deported from Nova Scotia, Canada centuries ago. While Acadian music and food would ultimately become popularized at the annual Mardi Gras celebration, I learned that this culture had prospered on its own in this harsh environment with a distinct French-derived language, a self-sufficient seafood trade, and a loyal adherence to the Catholic religion. As I left the center that day, I wondered why the American History books I used as a Social Studies Teacher omitted such mention of Acadian progress.
I also found the lighter side of Cajun Louisiana a captivating one to photograph today. Boiling crayfish, a spicy condiment- “Slap Ya Mama”, Cajun record albums, unusual musical instruments; all of these most assuredly provided me with a rare glimpse as to how Acadia fun attracts the tourist dollar today. Observing their culture logically, then, If one has to live in a swamp, you might as well enjoy it.
I enjoyed our visit here especially the National Parks Ranger who spent time talking with us and answering all our questions. It was also interesting that a full tour bus of French Canadians were there with us and the movie used subtitles !!!
LikeLike
I never really know what “Cajun” meant, either. Thanks for clearing this up.
Also, those are lovely photographs.
LikeLike
Just a nit pick here: Strong adherence to the CATHOLIC religion, rather than simply “Christian”. It was their refusal to renounce Catholicism and swear allegiance to Great Britain that caused the great deportation or “Grand Derangement” of others.
LikeLike
there should be a period after derangement. of other included another statement I chose not to use.
LikeLike
I could not find the word derangement in this blog. Can you clarify your suggestion?
Thanks.
LikeLike
Yes I read this but felt that using Christian would be less offensive to others. Anyway I will make the change.
LikeLike
Hi, usfman, “Grand Derangement” was a term for the Acadian Diaspora, so say it with a French accent :). It means a dispersal in this instance.
LikeLike
It is so easy to assume something about others without fact. That seemed to be the point of this blog. Thus, it was important for me to check the real Cajun experience out.
LikeLike
I enjoyed this immensely. My mother was from New Orleans and her family was from different parts of Louisiana. There was a mix of Cajun and French in her family. I am glad you took the time to do the research.
LikeLike
Doing the research was interesting but immersing myself in a real Acadian environment meant so much more.
LikeLike
I love your new blog and the way it is set up. I lost you when you changed over for a more professional look. Nice to find you again and read your reflective thoughts.
LikeLike
Thanks for the feedback about the changes to my my blog. Actually, I just made my entries more picture friendly and tweeked the topic covered
LikeLike
Thank you for the Acadian Education
LikeLike