Louisiana’s Culture: Families & Festivals Chapter 1

Section 1: What is Culture? Culture is a way of life of a group of people Elements of culture include: religion, music, food, clothing, language, architecture, art, literature, games, and sports. Cultural diffusion is the spreading of one’s own culture through different ethnicities, religions and nationalities.

Section 1: What is Culture? Religion: The first European Religion in Louisiana was Roman Catholic because both France and Spain were at the time Catholic countries. After the Louisiana Purchase, members of Protestant religions moved into the territory including Methodist, Baptists, and Presbyterians Voodoo describes a set of underground religious practices which developed within the French, Spanish, and Creole speaking African American population. The core beliefs of Louisiana Voodoo include the recognition of one God who does not interfere in people’s daily lives and spirits that preside over daily life.

Section 1: What is Culture? Music: New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz. In New Orleans, jazz funerals for musicians feature marching groups called “seconds lines” Blues is a type of folk music that was created by slaves influenced by their African culture. Cajun music was created by Cajuns, who descended from the Acadians. Cajuns held dance parities at their rural homes called Fais-do-do. Zydeco music is similar to Cajun music but a rub board is used to keep rhythm.

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Section 1: What is Culture? Food: Is considered one of the best elements of Louisiana culture. Food is an example of cultural diffusion with Cajun restaurants spread throughout the country. Louisiana’s seafood industry plays a major role in Cajun and Creole dishes. Many dishes contain shrimp, crab, and crawfish. Louisiana social gatherings often involve a fish fry or seafood boil.

Section 2: Louisiana Festivals Festivals began as a celebration of a good harvest. There are more than 400 Louisiana festivals

Section 2: Louisiana Festivals August & September: Shrimp and Petroleum Festival – “Blessing of the Fleet” Frog Festival Zydeco Music Festival Festival Acadieans – Celebrates French heritage. Draws a crowd of more than 100,000 to Lafayette, LA Alligator Festival Sugar Cane Festival

Section 2: Louisiana Festivals October & November: Red River Revel – art festival Fanfare – held at Southeastern Louisiana University OktoberFest – German Heritage Tamale Festival International Rice Festival Yambilee Festival Giant Omelette Festival Louisiana Pecan Festival Po-boy Festival

Section 2: Louisiana Festivals December: - Christmas Festival of Lights - Christmas Bonfire Celebration January & February: Creole Heritage Day March & April: St. Patrick’s Day Strawberry Festival French Quarter Festival New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Section 2: Louisiana Festivals May: Crawfish Festival Sawmill Days Jambalaya Festival June & July: Peach Festival Blueberry Festival Folklife Festival Essence Festival

Section 2: Louisiana Festivals Mardi Gras: Louisiana’s biggest celebration originally began in Europe and was brought to Louisiana by the first French explorers. An 18th century paraded could be described as men walking through the streets with cowbells. Today more than half a million people line the streets each year for the more than 50 parades held in the city. The official start of the Mardi Gras season is 12th night (Jan 6). Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” and signifies the end of the Mardi Gras season and beginning of Lent.

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Section 3: Louisiana’s Cultural Regions Sportsman’s Paradise Region Located in the northern part of the state and offers an abundant outdoor recreation for residents Fishing and Hunting are popular recreational activities. North Louisiana has more in common with its neighboring states than it does with south Louisiana. The early settlers who in this region came from other southern states making their ancestors English, Scottish, or Irish.

Section 3: Louisiana’s Cultural Regions Crossroads Region The crossroads region covers the center of the state. This region merges the cultures of North and South Louisiana This region has many small towns featuring main streets stores and churches

Section 3: Louisiana’s Cultural Regions Cajun Country: Cajun country has a triangular shape in southwest Louisiana Within this region there are: Prairie Cajun- culture centered on livestock and agriculture Wetland Cajun – culture centered on fishing and trapping

Section 3: Louisiana’s Cultural Regions Plantation Country: Located along the Mississippi River Common symbols include old plantation homes, live oak trees, and Spanish moss This region has more plantation homes than any other region in the South

Section 3: Louisiana’s Cultural Regions Greater New Orleans Region Located in the Southeastern part of the state and includes all the parishes surround Lake Pontchartrain With its unique culture, this region is often compared to European cities The Port of New Orleans plays a major role in the United States imports and exports

Section 3: Louisiana’s People Louisiana’s cultural background is a reflection of the diversity of it’s citizens. Ethnic groups – people who share common traditions, beliefs, and patterns of living that include language, religion, customs, and food.

Section 3: Louisiana’s People Acadians French Canadians migrated to Louisiana during the 18th century after being forced to leave Acadia (Nova Scotia). As a result, they settled in Acadiana and became known as the Acadians. The Acadians contributed their Cajun culture to the state of Louisiana.

Section 3: Louisiana’s People African Americans Came to Louisiana in several different ways Slaves came from West Africa and the West Indies West African slaves from Gumbo which mean “okra” The West Indies slaves brought the Creole language. There were also Free People of Color Creole- African-French people born in Louisiana instead of Europe or Africa The Creoles contributed Zydeco music.

Section 3: Louisiana’s People American Indians: Louisiana continues to be the home to some of the decedents of the Native Americans who settle in Louisiana. The primary remaining tribes are the Chitimacha, Choctaw, Coushatta, Tunica-Biloxi, and Houma.

Section 3: Louisiana’s People Anglos: The Anglo culture developed in the British Colonies They migrated to Louisiana and established farms in North Louisiana.

Section 3: Louisiana’s People Germans: The Germans immigrated to Louisiana during the early colonial years. They did not retain their language but some of their decedents have preserved some of their German heritage and continue traditions.

Section 3: Louisiana’s People Hispanics: The oldest and best preserved Hispanic culture in Louisiana is the Isleños (meaning islanders). They are descendants of the Canary Islands and came to Louisiana when it was a Spanish colony and settled in St. Bernard Parish.

Section 3: Louisiana’s People Italians: The largest group of Italians settled in Independence, LA. They became farmers, raising vegetables and strawberries. The St. Joseph’s Alter is one of the traditions they contributed. The alter represents a “thank you” for blessings of the past year.

Cultural Regions Poster Requirements: 1 Cultural Regions Poster Requirements: 1. Title (Name of your cultural region) 2. Elements of culture (religion, music, food, language, etc.) 3. Major Cities Labelled