The South.

The South.

Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska is very much the same as growing up in any other Midwestern city. Des Moines, Kansas City, St. Louis, all cities with similar size, geography and cultural heritage. Most of these cities were forged by early settlers in a transition westward. Growth was in large spurred by cheap government land and the impending progress of the rail roads. Names and features in the Great Plains region were driven by the indigenous Native Americans. It is often considered as the standard for which to asses American cultural from accents, to employment, to appetites. 

From my first trip to Louisiana with my parents a child I have found myself fascinated with the cultural and vibrancy present in the southern portion of the United States. The history of the south has shaped the region in a way that leaves no two areas alike. Originally explored by the Spanish in the mid 1500’s it was colonized largely by the French shortly thereafter. Many settlers arrived from nearby Haiti and the French colony of Acadia, an area in North Eastern North America now consisting of Quebec and Maine. This was followed by further European colonization and then the American Revolution. This wide range of inhabitants has left many characteristics of cultures imprinted within the Southern Society.

This concept of a melting pot is clearly displayed in the Cajun ethnic group. Largely influenced by French ancestry, many facets of French culture can be found on display in this uniquely American group. Such as the French Quarter section of New Orleans or the new famous Mardi Gras celebration. I would like to explore this unique way of life and attempt to understand some of its cultural heritage.

 

Cajun Cooking.