Lousiana: Parle vous francias?

Andrew Jones
English 2000 Section 24

When I was asked to do this assignment, many ideas raced through my head. I could take pictures of swamps, LSU, seafood, alcohol, and so many other things. I believe that this goes a long way in describing Louisiana’s culture. Louisiana has some of the richest culture in the whole world. People from all around the United States do not realize the hospitality and southern charm that the state possesses. Louisiana is only state that can combine the best college in America (LSU) with the wildest party in America (Mardi Gras) along with some of the most gorgeous plantation homes in America. With all of these different things, I believe that our French history plays the biggest part in our culture. When outsiders think of Louisiana, they think of Cajuns. Cajuns is another word for a bayou Frenchmen. All of my family spoke French up to a few generations ago. Our family names are Thibodeaux and Cantrelle. There are a lot of “French” influences throughout the gorgeous state. From the French Quarter to the different names of cities, the French influences have played a giant role in the history of Louisiana. Without the influence from the French long ago, I do not believe that our state would be regarded with such distinction. When Louisianians go out to other states in the US and listen to people butcher their last names, they laugh. This is because it is so accustomed to us to know the French pronunciation for the names. Another interesting and separating fact is that Louisiana is the only state that uses parishes instead of counties. Louisiana has 64 parishes, which were created when it was a territory of the Spanish and French empires. The name that we call home, Louisiana, was named after Louis XIV, King of France from 1643–1715. I believe that the one thing that separates Louisiana culture from everyone else’s is the food. Even though this isn’t directly related to French influences, Cajuns are usually the ones with the spiciest food. Lastly, the resting home of our beloved college, Baton Rouge, has some French heritage. The word baton rouge is French for “red stick.” The Louisiana Purchase was one of the most recognized historical events that have ever taken place. The United States bought the region of Louisiana during the eighteen hundreds. Upon entering the great state of Louisiana, one is greeted by the welcome sign; it reads “Beinvenue de Louisiana.” This means, Welcome to Louisiana in French. This state reeks of French influence everywhere. When you leave the state, make sure to say, Au revior!!!