A Darker Shade of Midnight: Mar 1, 2008

Midnight Trivia

*Loa- refers to voodoo spirits, also called Mystère or invisibles. The term comes from Voudun as practiced in Haiti.

*Lagniappe in Cajun/Creole French means "a little something extra"

*Beau Chene is a fictional small town I created. Translated it means "beautiful oak". However the real Beau Chene is an upscale community in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. Follow the link to read the rich history.

*"Momon" means grandmother in Louisiana Creole French

*Louisiana Creole French (LCF) is very similiar to Cajun French, but there are differences. LCF was no doubt created by African slaves in the process of their acculturation with French colonial society. African speech rhythm, intonation and ways of using language shaped LCF (reference: Dictionary of Louisiana Creole). Sadly, LCF is one of the most endangered languages in this country.

*Traiteur (treater) - someone who uses prayer and herbs to treat ailments.

*Gris-Gris- charms made to draw good luck or to bring bad luck to an adversary. Gris-gris can be used to attract good (a lover, money, success) or evil (sickness, failed business ventures, guilty verdicts even!).

*Zydeco- music of south Louisiana Creoles of Color. The word comes from the French expression les haricots, meaning "beans". Originally it borrowed from Cajun music, but it was heavily influenced by "low down" blues elements. Today it has influences from soul, disco, rap and reggae.

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