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Le Traiteur |
07/31/2004
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In Southern Louisiana we find a relatively unknown healing tradition. Called traiteur in Cajun French or "treater" in English, these healers represent an amalgam of three ethnic groups: the Cajun/European-American, Houma/Native-American and Creole/African-American. Le Traiteur has received prayers from an older community or family member and is qualified to pray and lays hands on those who seek relief from various sicknesses. Some use prayers exclusively and some combine prayers with "home remedies" (folk medicine.) Le Sachet is a term referring to the bag of charms a traiteur might carry. ___________________________ Nia Henry went through a traiteur apprenticeship with her grandmother. Here is one of her journal entries. Oct. 24, 1998 Today we went through the remedy case. We grouped all of the oils, such as: castor oil, olive oil, chicken grease, and goose grease.
Rebecca D. Henry- Master Nia Henry- Apprentice St. Landry Parish
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This site was last updated 07/31/04