by Beau, age 7, asks St. Nick do you carry a staff like a shepherd?, about the Mississippi River, and Louisiana’s levee bonfire tradition
Dear St. Nick,
My name is Beau and I am 7 years old. I live near New Orleans, Louisiana, where my family lights big bonfires along the Mississippi River levee every Christmas Eve, and you can see them glowing for miles.
First, do you carry a staff like a shepherd?
Second, a geography question: what river runs beside the levee bonfires in Louisiana?
Third, a school question about my country: why do people light bonfires along the levees in Louisiana on Christmas Eve?
I left you a slice of king cake and cocoa.
Love, Beau, age 7, near New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, near New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
From the Desk of St. Nick
Dear Beau, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you carry a staff like a shepherd?
I do, a tall staff much in the old bishop’s tradition, a nod to the historical figure I am named for.
What river runs beside the levee bonfires in Louisiana?
Those bonfires burn right along the levees of the Mississippi River, one of the longest and mightiest rivers in the world, and the flames reflected on the dark water make for one of the most striking sights anywhere on my whole route through the American South.
Why do people light bonfires along the levees in Louisiana on Christmas Eve?
This tradition, especially strong in the River Parishes near New Orleans, grew out of old Cajun and French Catholic customs, originally meant to help light the way for Papa Noel as he traveled down the river to deliver gifts to children, since the levees had no other lighting long ago.
Merry Christmas, Beau.
Ho ho ho, St. Nick
