The earliest Cajuns "lived-off-the-land," meaning they would use whatever natural foods could be found locally. They often hunted and fished for food, and learned many survival skills, such as trapping, from the local Indians. It must have been a very difficult life for farmers coming from a cold and hilly Acadia to the warm and humid climate of Louisiana. After settling into their new homesteads, early Cajun settlers began to farm crops. They were also experienced pork and beef ranchers from their farms in Acadia. The Cajuns started vacheries , or cattle ranches. Out of necessity, the Cajuns became skilled at spinning, quilting, and textile crafts. Other crafts performed by the Cajuns that were part of their livelihoods include ropemaking, whipmaking, basketweaving. Some learned to build furniture, such as the rocking chairs of D.L. Menard, or the cowhide bottom chairs of Joe Soileau. Henry Badeaux and Raymond Sedotal are two Cajun craftsmen who have mastered the art of boat building. Today, Cajun farmers produce quite a large amount of rice and sugar cane. Cajuns also have become expert fishermen, catching large amounts of fish and shrimp, along with being the world's largest producers of crawfish (crayfish). Cajuns even participate in handfishing, where large fish are retrieved from the bayous using only one's hands! Because of their love for music, Cajuns had to become expert musical instrument makers. Cajun fiddles (violins) and accordions are two instruments that the Cajuns are well-known for building. The oil exploration industry has had a strong impact on the lifestyle of current day Cajuns. Many Cajuns work on oil rigs located in south Louisiana (and in the Gulf of Mexico), and many work in oil refineries and processing plants. This program, and all related text, sound, music, video, animation and graphic elements are copyright © 1994 - 2003, Espace Francophone. All rights reserved. No reproduction without express written consent.Based on an original project designed by, and copyrighted by, Gary Dauphin email: digitalmus@aol.com
After settling into their new homesteads, early Cajun settlers began to farm crops. They were also experienced pork and beef ranchers from their farms in Acadia. The Cajuns started vacheries , or cattle ranches.
Out of necessity, the Cajuns became skilled at spinning, quilting, and textile crafts. Other crafts performed by the Cajuns that were part of their livelihoods include ropemaking, whipmaking, basketweaving.
Some learned to build furniture, such as the rocking chairs of D.L. Menard, or the cowhide bottom chairs of Joe Soileau. Henry Badeaux and Raymond Sedotal are two Cajun craftsmen who have mastered the art of boat building.
Today, Cajun farmers produce quite a large amount of rice and sugar cane. Cajuns also have become expert fishermen, catching large amounts of fish and shrimp, along with being the world's largest producers of crawfish (crayfish). Cajuns even participate in handfishing, where large fish are retrieved from the bayous using only one's hands!
Because of their love for music, Cajuns had to become expert musical instrument makers. Cajun fiddles (violins) and accordions are two instruments that the Cajuns are well-known for building.
The oil exploration industry has had a strong impact on the lifestyle of current day Cajuns. Many Cajuns work on oil rigs located in south Louisiana (and in the Gulf of Mexico), and many work in oil refineries and processing plants.
