As in the last 303 New Year’s eves, Prairie du Rocher’s La Guiannee will be making their rounds around Prairie du Rocher to sing their song again this year.
Though almost no one who speaks modern French can understand what the song is about, here is Gerry Franklin’s interpretation:
“First, some background. Most of the real estate was owned by the wealthier class, those who were connected to the king or his military representatives. These small ‘plantations’ were worked by Negro slaves, natives and lower class French immigrants. Immigrants brought with them some of the old customs and beliefs they held in France. Many of these customs relate to those practiced by Druids in Europe. Mistletoe played a key role in many Druid observances, as did the winter solstice. La Guiannee literally translates to ‘Mistletoe of the New Year.’”
For more on La Guiannee, please see this week’s print edition.