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Synthesis of the Cajun Family
The La Famille acadienne were close-knit and large, and both parents shared the child rearing, however, each family member’s role was well defined (Wetlands). The children learned what was expected of them when it was time to begin their own families from their parents. The children were hard working as their parents, and of course this was mixed with play.
Each member of the family has their specific roles, and knew what those roles were. Traditionally, Le Papa (The Father) is the head of the house hold. He is responsible for providing sustenance, rearing the children, and comforting his wife. La Maman (The Mother) is responsible for keeping the house and cooking the meals. She also helps her husband in the fields maintaining crops and livestock. However, her main, and most important job, is to see that her children are well brought up for future responsibilities (Wetlands).
Others that are important parts of the Cajun family, is the extended family. Families lived close and nearby, especially children and the parents. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are as well nearby. Neighbors or any older relative may be called Tante or Oncle, however, the titles that were reserved were Marraine (godmother) and Parrain (godfather) (Wetlands). “Au bapteme (at baptism) they pledge the child’s spiritual and material well-being, une grande promesse in days when epidemic fevers orphaned many.” (Wetlands). The baptism of a child occurred shortly after birth, because if a child died unbaptised their spirit became a malicious, wandering feu-fallet (will-o-the-wisp) (Wetlands).
Each member of the family has their specific roles, and knew what those roles were. Traditionally, Le Papa (The Father) is the head of the house hold. He is responsible for providing sustenance, rearing the children, and comforting his wife. La Maman (The Mother) is responsible for keeping the house and cooking the meals. She also helps her husband in the fields maintaining crops and livestock. However, her main, and most important job, is to see that her children are well brought up for future responsibilities (Wetlands).
Others that are important parts of the Cajun family, is the extended family. Families lived close and nearby, especially children and the parents. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are as well nearby. Neighbors or any older relative may be called Tante or Oncle, however, the titles that were reserved were Marraine (godmother) and Parrain (godfather) (Wetlands). “Au bapteme (at baptism) they pledge the child’s spiritual and material well-being, une grande promesse in days when epidemic fevers orphaned many.” (Wetlands). The baptism of a child occurred shortly after birth, because if a child died unbaptised their spirit became a malicious, wandering feu-fallet (will-o-the-wisp) (Wetlands).
The slide show below is a collection of pictures taken at the Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux Louisiana. These are a few pictures that represent the people and lifestyles of the striving Cajuns of southern Louisiana.