Whenever I tell someone I'm from Louisiana, they always want to know a couple of things. Do I have an alligator in my back yard, and do I go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? No, and no. But thanks for asking.

Only in Louisiana has a list of questions that people always want to know about Louisiana, and I thought I would share, because sometimes we just need a little chuckle, sha!

  • What is the difference between cajun and creole? Here's the unofficial version - creole is city food, and cajun is country food. Simple, but basically true.
  • Why do we have parishes instead of counties? Because we were originally a territory owned by Spain and France, which were both Roman Catholic countries. The counties were divided by Catholic parishes, and it has stuck to this day.
  • What is a bayou? According to Wikipedia  it ' is a body of water typically found in a flat, low-lying area, and can be either an extremely slow-moving stream or river'.
  • Do people in Louisiana speak french? Yes, but in our area of the state it is 'cajun french' and usually not the 'proper' french some people learned in school.
  • When is Mardi Gras, and where is it celebrated? Mardi Gras Day is different every year, but the season always starts on Twelfth Night, which is the feast of Epiphany. In 2018 it will be on February 13. Mardi Gras is not just in New Orleans, but all over the great state of Louisiana! In the rural communities, Mardi Gras activities can include a 'Courir de Mardi Gras', which is also known as a 'Chicken Run'.
  • What is a king cake, and why is there a plastic baby inside it? King Cake is traditionally served during Mardi Gras, and always with purple, green, and gold icing. If you get a slice of King Cake with the plastic baby inside, that means you have to host the next king cake party, or bring one to your next gathering.
  • What do you do with all the Mardi Gras beads you've caught? Either recycle them for a parade you are riding in, use them for decorations, or donate them. Several charitable organizations re package and re sell them to benefit their causes.
  • What is gumbo? Hard to believe that people wouldn't know about something that is so prevalent in our lives, and I feel sorry for them! Gumbo is the official comfort soup of Louisiana, and can be either meat or seafood. Popular varieties include shrimp and okra, and chicken and sausage. It always starts the same way, with a roux.
  • Are alligators just roaming around? Not unless you are near a swamp or bayou! However, if you see a sign that says 'Beware of Alligators', pay attention.

 

 

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