Cajun Traditions...

Traditions run deep here in the south. They make up a big part of who we are and why we celebrate. Christmas is that time of year when friends....family...and traditions join hand in hand. To some this may look like just a pile of sticks.

But  for those of us who are blessed to live along the bayous and the awesome Mississippi....it's a way of life!

50 miles above New Orleans ,Cajun descendants once lined the Mississippi River Levee with bonfires. Today the tradition remains the same....

It was once believed that we needed to light the way for Papa Noel to find us down here in the swamps.  So every Christmas Eve a huge festival begins and at dark the bonfires light the night sky for Papa Noel.

This huge house is called Manresa House and dates back to 1842. My Grandfather attended school here now it is used to house retreats.

This is one of the side buildings to the Manresa.... beautiful!

Just across the street from Manresa is this life size Nativity. It's is just breathtaking resting under the oaks.

One of the historical homes along the river road.

Just something special about old wooden churches...I bet the Lord moved many a souls on those wooden pews...

Here are just a few of the acadian style homes that grace the river road. If you are ever down this far south, this road alone can take you on a journey in time. Does your community or family  have any special traditions?