Have you heard of Le Petit Bon Homme Janvier (the little January Man)?
before the 1800's, Santa did not come to kids down yonder here in Louisiana! Instead Cajun lore held that Le Petit Bon Homme Janvierwas the one who brought kids trinkets and fruits. Everynight parents and kids would leave him baked goodies under the tree, and when they woke in th emorning, the plates would ne clean. Then to thank the kids, Le Petit Bon Homme Janvier would hide toys, fruits and nuts for the kids, sometimes in odd places, like their shoes!
As time went on the legend changed, and Le Petit Bonhomme Janvier came AFTER left, and stayed for 7 days, to play with all the toys that Santa had left for all the girls and boys. He would move the toys around to hide them from the children, including putting them in the bathtub and the kitchen sink! The baked goodies would still be left daily for Le Petit Bon Homme Janvier
On New Years Eve, to show thanks for all of the goodies, and for the merriment, the children's stockings will be stuffed with toys, fruit and nuts, when they wake on New Years Day.
This is a fun little tradition and one that we will be trying out this year! How about you?
Local author Cornell Landry has an excellent book, on his Blackpot Publishing Press, that tells the tale: Le Petit Bonhomme Janvier (Illustrated by Sean Gautreaux)!
Check it out an continue a Louisiana tradition with your kids!
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