Who Are the Cajuns?

Cajuns [kay'-juns] are people of Acadian ancestry, most of whom live in south Louisiana. They share a culture
which is remarkable for its tradition-rich attitudes and spirited outlook on life. The Cajun heritage has been
strengthened by surviving the hard times and invigorated by enjoying the good times. Family and religious
traditions, quaint customs, native arts and crafts, community festivals, music and dance are intrinsic parts of
Cajun culture. The most universally recognized aspects are flavorful cuisine and that exotic Cajun-French dialect.

The term 'cajun' was probably derived from the French pronunciation of Acadian [ah'-kah-jan] or its Anglicized
version [uh-cade'-jun]. Acadia (now the Nova Scotia area) was the Canadian province from which the Catholic
ancestors of modern Cajuns were deported more than two centuries ago. How the exiled Acadian families got to
Louisiana is an interesting story to be explored later.

Many of the estimated 700,000 people who consider themselves to be Cajuns are direct descendants of the
French-speaking exiled families from Acadia. Quite a few Cajun surnames, including that of U.S. Senator John
Breaux and my own Boudreaux family, end with the suffix '-eaux' (pronounced as "oh"). The ancestry also has
some non-Acadian roots; genealogy reveals some Cajun families of Spanish, German, French-Creole, Anglo,
and Scotch-Irish origin. Although the majority continue to live in the adopted homeland of their ancestors, the
Cajun roster has widespread connections throughout America and other parts of the world.

Because of their unique heritage, Cajuns have a special ethnic identity. An insightful character portrayal in Bob
Hamm's colorful narration "What Is a Cajun?" is available online for interested readers. If the name "Bubba"
marks a good old Southern boy, then the name "Tee" or the prefix T- is a good indication the person is a Cajun
(Aunt Tee or cousin T-Paul, for example). A derivative of "petite" often used in reference to a younger family
member, Tee (T-)is probably the most common nickname in Cajun communities.

Would you recognize a Cajun if you met one for the first time? Probably not just by looking at him or her, because
there are no distinctive physical features for members of this ethnic group. Although most of the original Acadian
ancestors were small in stature, with dark hair and eyes, the Cajun of today might be a tall blue-eyed blonde.
But, if that Cajun is talking, you might notice the accompanying use of expressive hand gestures and hear some
unfamiliar words spoken rapidly in a peculiar accent!

As with any other demographic group, not every person of Acadian heritage has the same set of characteristics;
there are individual variations within Cajun communities and families. Typical Cajun personalities often exhibit
many admirable traits including adaptability, loyalty, devoutness, diligence, earthiness, practicality, friendliness,
generosity, and that certain 'joie de la vie' (joy of living) associated with their culture. Cajuns have a
well-deserved reputation for willingness to help others in need and for genuine hospitality towards visitors. Also,
the people of Cajun country usually maintain close ties with their extended families and tend to hand down their
favorite recipes and traditions to younger generations.

Stereotypical portrayals in books and films sometimes give undue emphasis to less flattering Cajun
characteristics such as their stubborn tendencies, simplistic attitudes, feisty behavior, superstitious beliefs, and
unusual speech patterns. As a general rule, Cajuns are not reluctant to work hard but most do like to 'party
hardy' at every opportunity. Some rural families in Acadiana still earn a living by farming and fishing as their
close-to-nature ancestors did. Other Cajun workers fill specialized niches in occupations related to Louisiana's
oil industry. Many Cajun business-owners and employees, however, are much like those in the mainstream
economy of other regions in America.

Although true Cajuns make up only about thirty percent of the total population in south Louisiana, the influence of
Cajun culture is predominant and a vital part of state tourism activities. Like a good 'gumbo' mixture, the Cajuns'
cultural identity is a blend of various ingredients, simmered and stirred over two hundred years into the
tantalizing flavor which permeates the south Louisiana known as Acadiana.


Author: pbleggette
Published on: January 26, 2000