St. Joseph’s Day is March 19th. It is one of those holidays that crosses religions, continents, and boundaries. My post a Sicilian St. Joseph’s Day Recipe For Frittata I talk about how ” in New Orleans Voodoo and Haitian Vodou the Catholic lithograph, feast day and attributes of St. Joseph are often associated with Legba. Again this is a time for celebration and thanks and occurs around the time of the equinox. Traditional Papa Legba offerings can be coffee, rum, cigars, and more. New Orleans Culture also has it’s own St. Joseph’s Day customs that have been going on since the influx of Sicilian immigrants in the 1800’s. There are parades, altars, and even lucky fava beans. Altars created are beautiful and complex, featuring flowers, candles, medals, and food, specifically bread.”
In New Orleans Saint Joseph’s Day is also a time for the Mardi Gras Indians. Tribes with names such as the Wild Tchoupitoulas, Yellow Pocohontas, Guardians of the Flame, and others, don their impressive finery and take to the streets. People often ask me about the history and why the groups call themselves “Indians.” In a post called Mardi Gras Indians Battling on St. Joseph’s Night, writer Tamika Thompson of PBS. org describes how ” African Americans, who were not invited to Mardi Gras celebrations, created their own Carnival rituals. Mardi Gras Indians began appearing in the late 19th century; the first group was the Creole Wild West from the Seventh Ward. The “Indians” honored Native Americans–who helped hide runaway slaves from bounty hunters and slave masters–by creating costumes and dressing up as American Indians. They were paying homage by “masking Indian” or “playing Indian,” and the tradition was a manifestation of the bond between American Indians and African Americans.” The tradition of Big Chiefs, Big Queens, Spy boys, Flag boys and the rest are the stuff of legend and beauty in New Orleans. Being in their presence is magic. At the picture to the left you can see myself and Big Chief Donald Harrison. While last summer I was fortunate enough to hear and speak to Big Chief Monk Boudreaux. Here is a small sample of what I was honored to see.
They embody both tradition and heritage. Mardi Gras Indians are a living remembrance of history and ancestors. For more information see my post below :
So Have a Blessed St. Joseph’s Day ! I hope you light a candle, and see a pretty Indian ! If you enjoyed what you have read here please remember to share !
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