Traditions of the Choctaw Indians: Lighting of the Graves

The summer has faded and the leaves are turning shades of gold and red while the cooler weather provides for lively fall festivals. While most of us find it quite fun this time of year following tradition of creating a festive sometime haunting costume, creating tasty yet very gruesome treats to take to our Halloween festivities, there is a small community in SE Louisiana who devote this time to prepare for the day of Saints, All Saints Day.

LaCombe, Louisiana, a small town lying on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain and surrounded by bayous is home to the descendants of the Choctaw Indians. Now a mixture of white, French, Creole and Choctaw they have continued in the tradition of their ancestors. For the weeks leading up to Nov. 1, you will find the cemeteries in LaCombe filled with people working on the graves and the grounds surrounding. Some whitewash the old stone markers and refresh the painted descriptions of their departed loved ones.

Then as the day turns in to evening on this holy day, they return to the site that holds the remains of their cherished loved ones. Most light candles and surround the burial sight with light and their they sit, paying their respects and holding ritual in honor of the dead, and as the evening turns dark the cemeteries are all a glow as more family join in the ritual. As they speak, they talk of their departed grandparents, mothers, fathers, sisters or brothers and the things they remember most about them. As time has passed, it has become a tradition for neighbors, friends and others to come experience the Lighting of the Graves.

My first experience was very spiritual. Some of the cemeteries are deeply embedded in the woods with the faint glow flickering with the breeze of the remaining leaves and as you approach, the glow is brighter and brighter until you reach the cemetery which has become alive with light and people. As I walked, I stopped to read each marker, some would have the traditional cross while others had the cross known as the Cross of the Choctaw. Family of the departed sit, making sure the candles stay lit and talk to those coming to pay their respects. I recall this one young man who told us all about his grandfather. He spoke with so much love and emotion, I knew the gentleman was greatly missed and I as I was leaving felt as though I had met the gentleman myself, and in a way I did as that young man carries his grandfather with him each and every day.

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When visiting SE Louisiana and Woodridge Bed and Breakfast, make plans to visit LaCombe, just 15 minutes west. It is filled with much charm and culture of its own. Visit the LaCombe Museum to get the flavor of the area. Visit the old Catholic Church where miracles have happened by touching the holy water as well as sightings of Mary.

And while there, take in a fabulous meal at John Besh’s La Province or at Sal and Judy’s.

For more information and to book your stay Contact Debbi at Woodridge B&B.

SE Louisiana - Fisherman's Paradise

Well I love her….but I love to fish! For many fishermen this song is not far from the truth. Well for all the Brad Paisley’s out there, we have a solution to all your worries. But first lets take care of the important stuff.
So you love to fish, well you have come to the right place, bring plenty of ice chests because the waters south Louisiana are abound with fish. Never mind your experience, the fish of saltwater lakes - Pontchartrain, Catherine and Borgne and the fresh fish in the waters of the Pearl River are just waiting for your pole to hit the water. The saltwater lakes are well known for Speckled Trout and Redfish year round.

The Rigolets Marina is a great place to launch and then during the summer head over to the Seabrook Bridge area, in the spring and winter just hover around the trestles near Slidell for Trout or near the marshy banks of the Pearl or Bayou Bonfouca for the reds. The marina will have plenty of live shrimp for bait through late fall, and during the winter you can rely on the Deadly Dudley’s to reel in the catch. If you want an expert guide, Capt. Dudley Vandenborre is the best around and fun to know as well. There are plenty of places to just drop a line off the banks or docks as well…great during the summer when the use of a sliding cork line will lure the trout when they are closer to the top of the water.

If fresh water is more your liking you will love the fishing in the Pearl River near Slidell as it breaks into numerous branches as it flows toward its mouth. Middle, eastern and western tributaries are areas with winding curves and lily pad flats where it is known to have large bass just waiting for you. The Pearl is also known for good river cat and perch. There are several landings up river to launch as well as the Rigolets at the base. For Bayou fishing, you can launch at Heritage park and ride along the banks of the Bonfouca.

No matter where you fish, you will not need to come up with a story of how the big one got away…it will be right there in your catch box.

Now that I have caught your attention and you have packed your rod and reel ready for your trip, lets get to the part of how to make this trip one of fun AND romance. Well I have never thought the words romance and fish belong in the same sentence much less the same weekend, but in South Louisiana anything can happen! Select the Woodridge B&B ‘I love to fish’ package when you book on line and we will arrange everything to keep the romance going while you enjoy the sport you love…
Arrive to a lovely dimly lit room with fresh flowers and a nice fruit and cheese tray. She will hardly budge when you slip out in the wee hours to catch the big one…but don’t forget the boxed goodies we have packed for your adventure. While you are out enjoying the water, she will rest in peace awaking to freshly made coffee on the balcony while listening to the morning bird songs, then joining other guests in conversation over a wonderful gourmet breakfast, followed by an hour massage to lift the stress from her shoulders. By the time you come back she will be welcoming you with a warm rested smile. A little time for you to rest then it is off to a scrumptious dinner at one of the areas best restaurants, arriving back to a nice bottle of bubbly before another wonderful night’s rest. By the time you are packing your bags to go home, she will be asking when you plan to go fishin’ again.

Thank you for Shootin’ the breeze with me - Debbi
http://www.woodridgebb.com
Woodridge Bed and Breakfast Inn Louisiana

Located just outside of the Honey Island Swamp and minutes to the area launches. Providing guests with the ultimate in relaxation and romance.