All Saints Day - Nov. 1

Time is closing in to one of this areas most interesting cultural traditions.  Spiritual, devotion to family past and present.  I have written about this on a couple of occasions. http://woodridgebb.blogspot.com/search?q=all+saints+day
http://woodridgebb.blogspot.com/2010/10/from-spirits-to-spritual.html

And I just read another great article here, with another historical take on the tradition.
http://countryroadsmagazine.com/History/all-saints-day-in-lacombe


B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well!

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.

From Spirits to Spiritual

No better time than October to write about spirits in New Orleans where almost every building you see in the French Quarter has its own tale of days gone by and the spirits that remain haunting the establishment. Some are harmless, just passing through while others seem to be up to no good, slamming doors, moving or hiding objects and just making humans uncomfortable while in their presence.

What must it be like caught in between? There are Ghost or Haunted tours every night, year round in New Orleans. And each night those wishing to learn more about their future are welcomed by Fortune Tellers willing to dredge into your future. But in October, things seem to take an even more haunted feel with several haunted houses throughout the greater area to make the hairs on your neck to rise. Check out for a Spooky time.

It would not be New Orleans, if they did not have a music festival to fit right in with the theme of the month. The VooDoo Fest. has become very popular with sounds this year by Muse and Ozzy Osbourne as well as many others check out more here:

Now on to the spiritual side of things. As October comes to a close, we are greeted to November by All Saints Day, a day set aside to remember our loved ones that have gone before us. A day of remembrance. For most, the day includes a visit to your loved ones graves, placing flowers, saying a prayer. For The Choctaw Indians and descendants, things are taken a step further. In days prior to Nov. 1, family members spend at the cemeteries, cleaning and whitewashing the graves of their loved ones. Then as night falls on that Day of the Saints, candles are placed around each grave. Since most of the cemeteries are on pieces of family property many are surrounded by woods with only a small trail and the eerie glow to guide you. Once you reach the graves, the spiritual experience begins. To read the story, please view Visitors are welcome to come met the family and learn about their loved ones. This experience will carry with you the remaining of your days.

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 Bed and Breakfast 985-863-9981 Woodridge B&B.