New Orleans Traditions
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| SECOND LINE MARCH The “first line” of a funeral consists of the people who were an integral part of the ceremony, such as the members of the club or family and friends of the deceased. Usually brightly colored items such as beads and feathers were offered to the “second line”. The “second line” originally referred to people who were attracted to the music. Traditionally such people would follow behind the “first line.” Today, “second line” types of dances are held independently of funerals. The “second line” dance is where you grab a napkin or handkerchief and dance around in a line waving the napkin in the air. The Brides and Groom will participate as well and traditionally wave around decorated umbrellas. |
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| WEDDING CAKE PULLS Cake pulls generally consist of several short ribbons around the lower section of the wedding cake. Ladies chosen by the bride simultaneously each pull a ribbon, which are attached to small charms embedded in the cake that each have a special meaning. |
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| KING CAKE King Cake is a brioche-style cake made the weeks prior to Mardi Gras. Usually oval in shape, the King Cake is a bakery delicacy made from a rich Danish dough (which is a sweetened yeast bread. a cross between a coffee cake and a French pastry) and covered with a poured sugar topping. This colorful topping is representative of a jeweled crown in honor of the Three Wise Men who visited the Christ Child on Epiphany. Epiphany, also known as Twelfth Night is when the Carnival Season officially begins. A small plastic baby is hidden inside the cake. Tradition requires that the person who gets the baby in their piece must provide the next King Cake. |
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