CAJUN COUNTRY GREETINGS - LIGHTING THE WAY FOR PAPA NOEL

[Marty Roth]

Louisiana's River Parishes, especially St. James and St John, have traditionally built bonfires in a very specific style to light the way for Papa Noel. These fires are lit at around 7:00 PM Christmas Eve, and burn through the night. Children were told the fires were so Papa Noel cold find his way to them. Tradition tells us that, when roads scarcely existed in Bayou Country, and waterways were the primary travel access, deep fog aws always a concern - especially with cooler evening temperatures and warmer water. Paddling a pirogue or batteau on a bayou or river in the fog, one was wont to lose a sense of direction, but the fires along the levee helped guide families home from Christmas Midnight Mass. 

 

Enjoy the traditions of another culture, 

and see if you can spot the '58 Chevy.

Edited December 24, 2021 by Marty Roth (see edit history)

[Marty Roth]

[f.f.jones]

[Marty Roth]

7 minutes ago, f.f.jones said:

Looks familiar-

Where is this?

[Dosmo]

37 minutes ago, Marty Roth said:

Louisiana's River Parishes, especially St. James and St John, have traditionally built bonfires in a very specific style to light the way for Papa Noel. These fires are lit at around 7:00 PM Christmas Eve, and burn through the night. Children were told the fires were so Papa Noel cold find his way to them. Tradition tells us that, when roads scarcely existed in Bayou Country, and waterways were the primary travel access, deep fog aws always a concern - especially with cooler evening temperatures and warmer water. Paddling a pirogue or batteau on a bayou or river in the fog, one was wont to lose a sense of direction, but the fires along the levee helped guide families home from Christmas Midnight Mass. 

 

Enjoy the traditions of another culture, 

and see if you can spot the '58 Chevy.

 

[f.f.jones]

The Chevy by the levee...