A Cajun Quiz

Answer: Acadian

The original word used to describe the French population was "acadien" or "acadienne", depending on whether the person was male or female. If you say it quickly, and with a French accent, you can hear where the first "a" would be dropped and the rest of the word slurred over the years.

Answer: Nova Scotia

Back then, it was known as Acadia, made up of what is now New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. This latter location was originally named Isle St. Jean by Jacques Cartier who discovered it in 1534.

Answer: Expulsion

The town of Grand Pre on Nova Scotia received the worst treatment from their new government, with all men age 10 and up being locked in the local church for 3 days while ships were rounded up to remove the French settlers . The women and small children were put onto ships first and sent away.

The remaining men were put loaded up afterwords. Many families were torn apart this way, never knowing where their other family members landed.

Answer: Evangeline

The story of Evangeline is a sad one. On the day before her wedding to Gabriel, Evangeline and all of her townsfolk are deported by the British. She searches for years for her beloved Gabriel, and he for her. When they finally meet again... well, I'll let you read it.

Answer: Zydeco

Cajun music has, over the decades, blended with Zydeco music, which has it origins in the history of South Louisiana. It is similar to country music, but is distinctive in its use of the accordion and fiddle. This brand of music has finally been recognized nationally by the inclusion of a Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album category in the Grammy Awards as of 2007.

Answer: Okra

Okra is a staple of southern cuisine. Fortunately, you can remove the "slime" by cutting your okra into pieces, placing it in a large bowl, covering it with cold water and letting it sit in the fridge for 3 hours or so. Then when you drain off the water, the slime goes with it!

Answer: Lafayette

ULL stands for University of Louisiana at Lafayette. It was originally founded as the Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute in 1900. A few notable alumni are Richard Simmons, former Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco and 1978 Cy Young award winner/former New York Yankees pitcher Ron Guidry.

Answer: Mardi Gras

"Mardi" is "Tuesday", "Gras" is "Fat". Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, when one is to give up something that they truly enjoy, such as chocolate or beer. The Mardi Gras festivities are to give one a chance to indulge in their chosen vice before having to give it up for 40 days. At least that's what my mom taught me.

Answer: Hank Williams, Sr.

"Jambalaya (On The Bayou)" has been covered by many artists over the past 55+ years. Artists like Jo Stafford, Fats Domino, Gerry & The Pacemakers and Dolly Parton.
Oh, and file' is a seasoning.

Answer: Justin Wilson

Justin Wilson started with a legitimate job as a safety engineer, but he found that his lectures were more interesting if he could make his audience laugh. This led to a career as a stand-up comedian, 27 comedy albums, 7 cookbooks and 2 books of Cajun folk tales. If you look closely at a picture of Justin Wilson, you'll notice that he always wore a belt *and* suspenders - a true safety man.