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[CHAPTER 10]
[Page 1]
FOLKLORE OF FRENCH- AND ENGLISH-SPEAKING NEGROES OF LOUISIANA
The Life of the slave in Louisiana during the 18th and 19th centuries was not an enviable existence--in spite of assertions to the contrary. His was no light and carefree existence wherein cares nor worries obtruded. He produced food for his master’s table, cooked it, served it, and after he was through, either ate what was left, or else cooked his own food from a cheaper and coarser fare. Frightened by fate, quaking before God, whipped into subjection by his master, and the enlightenment of his mind forbidden by legislative enactments, he became a firm believer in luck, charms, magic, and sorcery.
It is difficult to say how many taboos and superstitions the slave brought to his new home. Folk-taboos had already played a prominent role in his previous existence. His new position in society, and the religious teachings of both the Protestant and the Catholic churches helped to create others. Many of his previous taboos and superstitions became interrelated with like ones of French origin. Those of English origin also played an important part in the lives of those English-speaking slaves from the Carolinas, Georgia, Maryland, Kentucky, and Virginia. These taboos and superstitions governed many of their everyday actions and highly colored the humdrum and threadbare existence of the slaves. Many of these superstitions are still observed by many Negroes and whites of the cities and rural sections of the State.
For instance, one must never leave a room except by the same door through which he entered. If a mule nickers after nightfall, it is a sign of death. If a person is
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