Magnolias are a favorite subject with artists in the Deep South...truly almost a requirement. Dan waded into the fray with this version. Since its creation, this piece has garnered honors at Louisiana State Universities Bonne Terre Garden Fair of LaTerre Master Gardeners & was selected to be on display in Baton Rouge at White Oak, the Plantation home of renowned Louisiana chef, John Folse.

Charivari (pronounced  Sha-ree-vah-ree) -- which is also known in some places as Shevaree --  is a custom that was brought to south Louisiana by the settling Acadians from France via Nova Scotia.  Some say it had to do with beating drums, (or in more modern times, beating pots & pans, ringing bells, and clanging noise-makers of all kinds) to drive evil spirits away from the newlyweds. Other historical origins indicate that the Charivari was sometimes used as a coercion to force a couple who were “living together” to marry; or as a social commentary on a widow’s remarrying before an appropriate period of mourning.

According to Harnett T. Kane, a New Orleans journalist and author who published The Bayous of Louisiana in 1943, a Charivari could surprise the newlyweds who may have just gone to bed – and perhaps to sleep.  The revelers would sneak around the house, and then commence theCharivari with all the noise making they could muster.  It could continue on for hours – until they were invited in.  Once the couple was awake, the husband would ask of group what they wanted. A spokesperson from the crowd would demand wine, beer, cake, sausage, & cheese.  If the husband said “Entrez!” (Enter), then the music, drinking & eating would commence. And the crowd would toast the newlyweds:  “Que le Dieu benit les maries!” (May God bless the nuptials.)  After theCharivari ended the couple was left in peace.  By tradition, only one Charivari per marriage is allowed – but creative Cajuns will always find an excuse for another party.   

The Rougarou vs. the Traiteur ©
24" x 36" Acrylic on Gessoed Masonite Panel
2nd in the series: Cajun Heritage Paintings

A Cajun myth:  modern day Cajuns use the term “Rougarou” very loosely.  For example: “I don’t know what was the matter… I couldn’t sleep a wink; I “rougaroued” all night long.”  Here, Rougarou is meant simply to describe restless, rambling during the night. 

But, historically, the term Rougarou (also spelled Roux-Ga-Roux, Rougaroo and Rugaru) meant a legendary, mythical creature with a human body and the head of a wolf, which prowled the swamps of South Louisiana.  He was not only a werewolf, but a vampire-like creature as well, who--by night--could transform others by sucking their blood and spreading the curse.  By day, the Rougarou returned to human form.            

Cajun Catholic parents often persuaded their children to behave by telling them stories of theRougarou.  The beast was also believed to hunt down & kill Catholics who did follow the Lenten rules.  In fact, anyone who broke the rules for seven years in a row would be turned into a “Loup Garou” -  (Pronounced lu-ga-ru) from the French:  Loup meaning wolf, and garou – man who transforms into an animal.

On the brighter side of Cajun legends, exists the Traiteur (Treater) – or faith healer.  Since the eighteenth century, when Acadians migrated to south Louisiana from France by way of Nova Scotia, the Traiteurs have been ministering to the ill and injured of the bayou country. 

One might say that some Traiteurs are in general practice, since they treat almost anything; others are specialists who only cure warts, or only treat breathing problems, or blood problems. etc.  Cajun French traiteurs rarely claim any supernatural powers of their own; they typically proclaim that “healing comes from God.”    As promulgators of Gods healing & will, it is entirely likely that traiteurs frequently found themselves in battles with the darker side of Cajun folklore beliefs when attempting to heal their victims. 

In this painting the artist portrays such an instance: the Traiteur attempts healing a witless Cajun, who, in his drunken stupor, has wandered into the nocturnal darkness of the swampland -- and into the unyielding clutches of the Rougarou.'

This unruly -- yet beguiling & beloved -- woody vine, of showy purplish flowers, runs amuck in many a grand mère's yard.

Just Past Cocodrie, Louiaiana ©
8" x 10" Acrylic on Illustration Board

Popular music of southern Louisiana that combines French dance melodies, elements of Caribbean music, and the blues, played by small groups featuring the guitar, banjo, fiddle, accordion, & washboard.

Mais Boo! ©
16" x 20" Gouache on 200 lb cold press illustration board