Bonfires on the Levee

Category: Cajun Sayings and Stories | Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 3:56 am

While I know that Louisiana is not the only place that has bonfires, we do make a big deal out of it. It has been years since I have been to one. We used to go every year on Christmas Eve to the bonfires. They line the levee along the Mississippi River, some in Ascension and St. John Parishes, the greater majority being in St. James Parish. But why bonfires?

This is according to Emily Chenet Guidry:
For example, one of the more recent and increasingly popular explanations is that the bonfires were a "Cajun tradition", first used to light the way for "Papa Noel", the Cajun version of Santa Claus. This charming version, although improbable, has been depicted annually in front of a Paulina, LA business establishment where a levee scene shows "Papa Noel" with his pirogue drawn by alligators named Gaston, Ninette, "Te-Boy", Celeste, Suzette, etc.

Now, according to me, I think the popularity of bonfires in South Louisiana is just an excuse to have a party. But whatever the reason, they are a fun way to spend a Christmas Eve.

Here's wishing everyone, no matter what there Christmas traditions may be, a Joyeux Noel.

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Comments

pondlady wrote on Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:50 pm:

Thanks, Sharon, for the great description of one of our peculiar traditions. And you are totally right.....another reason for a party.

bailey wrote on Wed Dec 13, 2006 4:44 pm:

I love bonfires. I bet it is amazing to see the bonfires lined up along the levee.
Thanks for telling us about your Cajun tradition.

Desert Rat wrote on Wed Dec 13, 2006 5:11 pm:

Laura has a sweatshirt with pictures of all sorts of animals playing musical instruments such as an alligator playing a fiddle. Caption says,"Help support Louisiana wildlife. Throw a party."

cajunbelle wrote on Thu Dec 14, 2006 3:27 am:

Bailey, it is an amazing sight. The bonfires are built in all different shapes, some just the plain pyramid, but I have also seen ships, cabins, and lighthouses.

DR, Louisiana is known for it's party mentality. I tend to party a little differently now then when I was younger. LOL A real party would probably do me in.

jubabe296 wrote on Sun Dec 17, 2006 1:18 am:

Sounds like a great tradition Sharon! We used to have a bonfire on homecoming night in high school, but they don't have them anymore! It's sad because it was so much fun for us. I also love bonfires! I bet it is even more fun seeing them in all different shapes!