Cajun superstitions in Louisiana are as strong today as they were 200 years ago. The solid Catholic upbringing the original Cajuns brought with them when they entered Louisiana caused the superstitions among the Cajuns to remain strong and unyielding. Although the Cajuns of South Louisiana differ slightly in their beliefs from the Cajuns of Central Louisiana, their superstitions are largely the same.
In childhood, Cajun children are taught that if they are bad they will be lou-lou (boogeyman) or loup-garous (werewolves). At children’s birthday parties, they are often detained and distracted by joking. For every year of age they go away, and always one to grow. This superstition is an effort to celebrate another birthday.
Dating couples also have superstitions to consider. When a lover girl wants to show off those strands of hair can be slipped into his pocket. This superstition is a little old-fashioned, and although it is not practiced, it is often hinted at. He sweeps carefully around each of the girls who are naked. If they raise their feet to allow a man to sweep under them, they are said to never marry. Another sign of a spinster is if the girl’s feet are yellow.
Being pregnant is very difficult for Cajun women. He was constantly sending out superstitions to follow. If a woman dreams of snakes, she may be pregnant. When a woman discovers that she is pregnant, she can go to the betrayer to find out what kind of offspring she will have. A traitor is someone who has the gift and can heal and see through prayer. The necklace is hung with a pendant on the belly of the pregnant woman and if the charm returns, the boy will be a boy. If the charm turns off in the circle, the boy will be a girl.
A pregnant woman is driven away by someone with a mental or physical disability. If he does, he is frapeed with that person and his offspring will suffer the same fate. The same is said if a pregnant woman touches a baby animal. Cursed is his child with the liniments of that animal. Whatever pregnant food craves, if eaten in excess, will be involved in childbirth. . The Cajuns believe that pregnant women should not raise their hands above their heads because they wrap the navel around the baby’s neck.
After the child is born and teething season hits, the child is relegated to the treachery of the teething necklace. These necklaces are rare and special. A thin string consists of small knots tied to certain spots in it. Each knot the traitor prayed. The mother will bring the child out, the betrayer ties a thread around the child’s neck, and then the mother will leave everything without a word. If the sound is made from either side, the gris-gris (hare) will not work.
There are many superstitions about death in Cajun culture. If a crocodile finds your house, death is coming. If the father of the child dies while he is still in the womb, he will have this gift child. traiteur, etc.) While going about your daily routines you experience frisson (auca bumps) close to your mind and guarding you. Finally, when someone dies, the cloak is loosed over the box, and the feet are placed towards the door, so that their soul can enter the next world. They make the neighbors close all the doors and windows, so that evil spirits cannot enter.
Cajuns also have superstitions when it comes to the most important thing in life, food. For they believe, when you cut a melon, you must first cut the stem, and in that place immediately rub the cut. This is said to take the bitterness from the cucumber or feverfew. Cajuns also eat boiled cabbage and black-eyed peas for the New Year. Cabbage is said to bring money in the coming year, and black peas bring good health to the eyes.
Cajun superstition can be affected for any reason. When the left palm itches, it means money is coming. The itchy right palm will meet you with an old friend. An itchy nose is said to be a sign of a fool wanting to kiss you. And if their ears ring, well someone is talking about them. When they drive away the pasture for the cattle, and all the cows lie down, which means that rain is coming. The cajun towel is a powerful tool. If he is let down and falls into the group, he will receive a small amount of the company. If the dish towel falls and lies prone on the floor, prepare to fais-do-do.
Hunters also have superstitions. They have always been aware of the fifoletes. Fifolet, which is also called swamp gas, is when a hunter in the woods feels something following. When the hunter turns around the sun or the light will be behind him. This is thought to be a sign of evil spirits to take someone. When the hunter has to return his pocket-knife to the podna (friend), it is taken back in the same way, either the sword is cut off or the blade is inserted. Otherwise, it will cut you off later.
These superstitions are only a small part of the beliefs that have developed in Cajun culture. They are great because they keep the Cajun heritage alive. Cajun superstitions are as interesting as they are incredible. However, many Southern people use these beliefs to lead their lives. Whether or not other cultures think Cajun superstitions are strange or crazy, they’ve lived this way for hundreds of years. Hundreds more will live this way.
