VACHERIE — St. Joseph Plantation’s annual “Creole Mourning Tour” allows guests to experience the customs and rituals of 19th century Creole Louisiana. Through Nov. 3, the house will be “dressed in full deep mourning” according to the old prescribed protocol of mourning.

This year, live actors are portraying some of St. Joseph Plantation’s long-ago residents and the customs of mourning they followed every Saturday and Sunday vs. every other as in years past. Guests will be educated and entertained by these live portrayals by the Crazy Bout History group. These live re-enactments include portrayals of Dr. Cazimir Bernard Mericq and Josephine Aime Ferry, who lived at St. Joseph on separate occasions.

In the 18th and 19th century, the Creoles of Louisiana were predominantly of French, German and Spanish descent. These families, whose parents and grandparents had settled in New Orleans and the surrounding areas of South Louisiana, were all Roman Catholic. Their religion was woven deeply into the fabric of their daily lives. On Sunday, buggies were full of families making their way to the various Catholic Parish Churches to attend Mass. Images of Jesus, Mary, St. Joseph and the other Saints were as much a part of the decorations of these homes as the pictures of family members. A Prie Dieu was visible in every bedroom. Morning, evening, and before meal prayers, rosaries and holy candles also made up the patterns of daily life in these homes. In the city and on the plantation, these customs were devoutly followed.

In death as in life, these Catholic families of old Louisiana practiced customs and rituals that were followed for generations by their ancestors. With the much shorter life expectancy of those days, family members were in mourning a considerable amount of their life. A widow would be in deep mourning for a whole year. Black garments were required at all times. Black dress of a reflective nature could be worn  after the first six months. Children and servants were also required to dress the part.

Holy Days were very important, and Nov.1, All Saints’ Day, (“La Toussaint”), was one of the most celebrated Holy Days of the year. Weeks before, family tombs were cleaned, repaired, and white-washed in preparation of this much anticipated annual event. On All Saints Day, families and friends visited with the living as well as paid respects to the departed. This custom, although modified somewhat by modern life, is still very strong in South Louisiana today.

St. Joseph Plantation is located along the Great River Road in Vacherie. Regular tours are offered seven days a week, and the guided mansion tour is one hour followed by a self-guided grounds tour. Most tours are led by descendants of Joseph Waguespack. To schedule or find out more, contact us at StJosephPlantation.com or call 225-265-4078.