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Christmas Around The World: Louisiana Cajun Country

Christmas Around The World: Louisiana Cajun Country

#CajunChristmas

#Lazziezlesbontempsrouler

Inspired by @RedRobin's Christmas around the world mytakes on Brazil and New Zealand, I an writing about a tradition in another part of the USA.

Probably one of the most unique American Christmas celebrations happens in South Louisiana near New Orleans and Lafayette.

Along the Mississippi River, several bonfires are lit from towers 20 feet high! The bonfires also light the way for the folks attending Midnight Mass. This is a very Catholic region, and these traditions have been followed by generations of men and women. After mass, folks enjoy a bit of hot Gumbo before retiring for the night. However, while the bonfires are burning prior to mass, family and friends gather for a nice bowl of Gumbo (usually consisting of crab, shrimp, and/or oysters) and some Jambalaya (either made with seafood or chicken with Andouille sausage) served with hot French bread that has been buttered. There’s music, laughter, and dancing as all make merry on Christmas Eve as they bring each other glad tidings. Stockings or socks are hung by the fireplace for Père Noël to leave candies, fruit, and small gifts.

Pere Noel and his Pirogue
Pere Noel and his Pirogue


Santa Claus transforms into Père Noël (or Papa Noel either one) when his sleigh reaches the bayous of Cajun Country in Louisiana. His sleigh turns into a pirogue, and his reindeer turn into alligators. Père Noël and his gators follow the bonfires, along the levees to bring presents to les bonnes enfants (The good Children). He makes his way to their houses on the South Louisiana Rivers and bayous. Just like the reindeers, Santa’s alligators all have names. They are Tiboy, Suzette, Renée, Ninette, Pierre, Alcée, Celeste, and Gaston.

Turducken
Turducken

Another delicacy, Turducken, is served on Christmas Day. Turducken is a boneless turkey, stuffed with a boneless duck, that has been stuffed with a boneless chicken. Each bird has also been stuffed with oyster dressing. This is traditionally served with mashed or sliced sweet potatoes covered with a praline sauce.

Along the Bayou, the Christmas traditions are pretty much the same as anywhere in the US. They still put up Christmas trees, decorate their homes and boats, shop till they drop at the malls and department stores, and go to church. However, they do celebrate their French-inspired culture.

One of these French-inspired traditions is Reveillion or the awakening. It's a traditional meal served after Midnight Mass around 2 AM. Reveillon originally was a meal served after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Early New Orleans was almost entirely Catholic, and virtually the entire community would participate in these ceremonies. Families would return from the late-night service famished and set upon a feast prepared in advance and laid out on the table or sideboard.

A typical early Reveillon menu looked very much like breakfast — with egg dishes, bread, and puddings, but could also include turtle soup, oysters and grillades of veal. Naturally, the Creoles accompanied these rich repasts with wines, cordials, and other fortified drinks. The dinners could last for many hours, and by some accounts even until dawn.

Another famous Cajun Tradition is the reading of The Cajun Night Before Christmas

Have a Joyeux Noel and Bonne Annee (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year) and Lazziez les Bon Temps Rouler

Christmas Around The World: Louisiana Cajun Country
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