Cajun superstitions in Louisiana are just as strong today as they were 200 years ago. The solid Catholic upbringing the original Cajuns brought with them when they entered Louisiana has caused superstitions among Cajuns to remain strong and unwavering. Although the Cajuns from South Louisiana are a little different in their beliefs from the Cajuns of Central Louisiana most of the superstitions are the same.
In childhood, Cajun children are taught that if they are bad the lou-lou (boogeyman) or the loup-garous (werewolves) will get them. On children’s birthdays, they are often held down and spanked playfully. They get a swat for each year of their age and always one to grow on. This superstition is to make sure that they will celebrate another birthday.
Dating couples also have superstitions that need to be taken into consideration. When a girl wants her boyfriend to propose she can slip one of her hair ribbons into his pocket. This superstition is a bit outdated and although it is no longer practiced it is often suggested. Girls that are without beaus should be careful around anyone who is sweeping. If they raise their feet to allow the person to sweep under them it is said they will never marry. Another sign of spinsterhood is if the heels of a girl’s feet are yellow.
Pregnant Cajun women have it the hardest. They are constantly bombarded with superstitions that they should follow. If a woman dreams of snakes, then she is probably pregnant. Once a woman finds out she is pregnant she can go to a traiteur to find out what gender her child will be. A traiteur is someone who has the gift and can heal and see things with prayer. A necklace with a pendant is dangled above the pregnant woman’s stomach and if the charm swings back and forth the child will be a boy. If the charm swings in a circle the child will be a girl.
A pregnant woman is discouraged from looking at anyone with a mental or physical handicap. If she does, she could be frapeed (hit) with that person and her child will suffer the same fate. The same is said if a pregnant woman touches a baby animal. Her child will be cursed with the features of that animal. Whatever food a pregnant woman craves, if eaten in excess, will be emblazoned on her child in the form of a birthmark. Cajuns believe that pregnant women should not raise their hands above their head because it will cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby’s neck.
Once a child is born and teething time hits, the child is taken back to the traiteur for a teething necklace. These necklaces are rare and very special. They consist of a thin piece of string with small knots tied into it in certain spots. Each knot has been prayed over by the traiteur. The mother is to bring the child in, the traiteur ties the string around the baby’s neck, and then the mother is to leave, all without saying a single word. If a sound is made by either party then the gris-gris (charm) will not work.
There are many superstitions about death in the Cajun culture. If a cocodrie (alligator) finds its way under your house, death is coming. If a child’s father dies while they are still in the womb, that child will have a gift (clairvoyant, psychic, traiteur, etc.) While going about your daily routine you experience a frisson (goose bumps) a spirit is close by and watching over you. Finally, when someone dies a cloth is draped over their coffin and their feet are placed facing towards the door so that their soul can enter into the next world. Neighbors make sure to shut all doors and windows so that wayward spirits cannot enter.
Cajuns even have superstitions when it comes to the most important thing in their life, food. They believe that when you cut a cucumber, you must cut the stem end first, and then rub it against the spot it was just cut from. This is said to take the bitterness or the fever from a cucumber. Cajuns also eat boiled cabbage and black eye peas for New Year’s Day. The cabbage is said to bring money in the upcoming year and the black eye peas bring good health.
Cajun superstition can affect anyone for any reason. When the left palm itches it means money is coming. The right palm itching means you will meet up with an old friend. The nose itching is said to be a sign of a fool wanting to kiss you. And if their ears are ringing, well someone is talking about them. When you drive by a cow pasture and all the cows are lying down that means rain is coming. A dish towel is a powerful Cajun tool. If it is dropped and it falls into a ball the dropper will be receiving a small amount of company. If the dish towel falls and lies flat on the floor, get ready for a fais-do-do (large dance).
Hunters also have superstitions they have to keep track of. They have to always be aware of a fifolet. A fifolet, also known as swamp gas, is when a hunter senses something following them in the woods. When the hunter turns around a glow or illumination will be behind him. This is thought to be a sign of evil spirits out to get someone. When a hunter hands his pocket knife to his podna (friend) it must be returned the same way it was received, either blade out or blade in. Otherwise, it will cut you later.
These superstitions are only a small part of the beliefs that have evolved in the Cajun culture. They are important because they keep the heritage of Cajun people alive. Cajun superstitions are as interesting as they are unbelievable. Yet, many Southern people use these beliefs to guide their lives. Whether, other cultures think Cajun superstitions to be intriguing or crazy, this is the way they have lived for hundreds of years. They will continue to live this way for hundreds more.
