#acadian folklore

[tenofmuses]

I started reading Llewellyn’s Complete Book of North American Folk Magic today, and usually these books on “North American” magic don’t have anything at all about Canada, and if they do, it’s one or two mentions of like “hey yeah, Canada is in North America and they’ve got witchcraft too!” But they rarely have any substantial info. Which is a bit frustrating as a Canadian witch, but I’ve learned to deal with it and work with the limited info I can find.

Anyways, this book opens with a chapter on French Canadian magic (Sorcellerie). The two authors—creators of the Courir le loup-garou blog about French Canadian magic, which is a wonderful and bilingual resource—describe a brief history of French Canadian people and the context behind the historical folk traditions they were a part of. And then they get into a discussion of what some of those traditions and practices were, what their uses were, and so forth.

I wasn’t expecting to read anything about my Acadian ancestors’ traditions in this book, and reading it made me a bit emotional because it’s just so rare to come across this information, let alone in an accessible book like this. The Acadian side of my family have become very disconnected from our culture over the last fifty-so years, largely the result of a lot of complicated historical stuff that went on. The last two generations (me and my mum’s generation) don’t even speak French. Nowadays, being bilingual is a massive source of pride in Canada, but knowing French wasn’t always a positive, so it wasn’t passed down for that reason.

Over the last year or so, my practice has shifted a bit from largely eclectic and neo-pagan to a calling to explore the traditions of my ancestors, many of whom are Acadian. But with that has come a difficult realization: since I don’t know French, a lot of the existing sources on sorcellerie aren’t accessible to me. Which is fair enough, and one of the reasons I’m trying to learn the language, but sad when taken in context with the gradual loss of culture in my family.

All of this to say that while I’ve only read the first section of the book (the essay on Sorcellerie) and have no idea how the rest of the book is, reading this chapter about the traditions of my Acadian ancestors was very beautiful and healing, and if you’re trying to reconnect to those traditions like I am, I really recommend reading this essay. I’ve learned a lot and have a few jumping off points now for further research, which is always so exciting!

[this-is-my-main-i-follow-from]

Some of my fave Métis folklore creatures:

Rou garou: from the french loup garou, a werewolf that can shapeshift like many cree stories. 

Little men: brownies, fairies, or naiads/water nymphs, (fae) that use leaves as boats.

Whiitegoos: white monsters who eat children at night, from the cree wendigo(ak).

[lesorciercanadien]

Folk Ways for an Acadian or French Canadian folk practitioner

I want to start an ongoing list of Acadian and French Canadian religious and popular folk ways that I've been learning about for the last two years. My references will be at the end for further reading!

Blessing a candle on Candlemas (Feb. 2) with holy water will allow you to have a light whenever there is sickness and storms hitting your home. Traditionally on Candlemas, the light is lit and guided through every room in the house to bless all its corners for the year. It was even paraded in the farmer's fields. (Dupont)

The 25th April, on St. Mark's Day, is the ideal day to bless your fields or garden before putting in the first seeds. This ensures the growing food to be blessed by this saint. (Maillet)

Animals have been known to speak in human tongues on Christmas Eve. (Maillet)

If you feel that nothing is going right in your day, your homemade bread sours, or general bad luck assails you, simply boil some holy medals. (Dupont)

The first three days of the month of August, the ocean waters are known to have healing properties, and it wouldn't hurt to dip your feet in it. (Chiasson)

It was customary to trace crosses on windows using holy water when a storm would hit. (Lacroix)

To find a lost object, simply toss a rosary or a pocket metal rosary over your shoulder. The foot of the cross will point in the direction where your lost object might be located. (Dupont)

To have good weather on your wedding day, be sure to hang your rosary on your clothes line the day before. (Dupont)

Maillet, Antonine. Rabelais et les traditions populaires en Acadie. Les presses de l'université laval, quebec. 1980.

Lacroix, Benoit. Folklore de la mer et religion. Editions Leméac, 1980.

Dupont, Jean-Claude. Héritage d'Acadie. Collection Connaissance, editions Leméac, 1977.

Chiasson, Père Anselme. Chéticamp: histoire et traditions acadiennes. Editions des Aboiteaux, 1972.

[schweizercomics]

Companions of Christmas day 7: Guinefort, the Cajun Rougarou When Santa Claus visits the bayous of Louisiana, the dense canopy of trees that blanket the rivers along which its people live preclude him from employing his reindeer-pulled sleigh. He has instead taken to using a pirogue, a type of flat-bottomed boat, and in lieu of reindeer employs the services of eight charitable alligators.

The people along the bayou’s rivers light bonfires on the bank each Christmas Eve to help Santa find his way.

But those settlements, and the cabins and houses between them, are spread out enough that the oppressive darkness of the waterland often persists for long obstacled stretches.

Luckily for Santa and the children of Louisiana, he is assisted along these stretches by a Rougarou, a type of werewolf, whose real name is not known, but whom the Acadian locals calls “Guinefort” after St. Guinefort, a popular saint in France who happens to be a dog.

The Cajuns were always wary of Guinefort because it is, after all, prudent to be wary of wolves, but knowing that his birthday was Christmas (because, as many know, only those born on Christmas can be cursed to become werewolves), people would leave him treats and presents on that day, so Guinefort came to love Christmas, because it was the day that he felt loved himself.

Now, the furry Cajun makes the most of his agile nature and keen night vision to help Santa navigate the sometimes treacherous waterways, standing on the backs of Santa’s alligators and serving as a pilot, avoiding submerged logs and Cypress roots while sipping hot chicory and casting a warm glow with his red lantern.

••••••••••••••••••••••

Happy December, friends! Each year around this time I post up drawings of Christmas and other winter holiday figures, along with narratives to explain the practices with which folklorists and holiday buffs might be familiar. When stories exist, I use them; when they don't, I do what I can to piece together what folklore surrounds them to fill in the gaps (or, in some instances, defer to the theories of my friend and fellow narrative reconcilianist Benito Cereno). I hope you enjoy them!

[grandmamarieslouisianakitchen]

Mysteries Of The Bayou: Cajun Folklore And Legends

Ah, settle in, dear ones, as we embark on a journey through the mystique of the bayou, where whispers of Cajun folklore and legends weave tales as enchanting as Spanish moss draping the cypress trees.

The Rougarou Let me share the tale of the Rougarou, a creature of the night with a taste for mischief. As the moonlight dances on the bayou waters, locals speak of this shape-shifting beast – a reminder to keep the sacred traditions alive and be cautious when venturing into the unknown.

The Feu Follet Look closely on a moonlit night, and you might glimpse the Feu Follet, the mischievous "will-o'-the-wisp" leading wanderers astray. Cajun storytellers say these elusive lights are spirits guiding lost souls, adding a touch of magic to our bayou nights.

The Legend of Evangeline In the heart of Cajun history, there's the tragic tale of Evangeline, separated from her love during the Acadian exile. Her spirit is said to linger in the shadows, seeking her lost Gabriel along the moss-covered paths of the bayou.

Papa Legba  Among the whispers of the bayou, the voodoo spirit Papa Legba guards the crossroads, offering guidance and challenges to those seeking mystical wisdom. His presence is a reminder of the rich spiritual tapestry woven into our Cajun heritage.

The Ghostly Isleños Travel to the haunting swamps, and you might hear the echoes of the Ghostly Isleños, Spanish settlers who mysteriously disappeared. Some say their spirits still linger, casting a spectral presence upon the bayou's edge.

The Sacrament of the Gris-Gris Deep in the bayou, crafting Gris-Gris bags is a mystical art. Passed down through generations, these enchanted pouches are said to bring protection, luck, and even love to those who carry them.

As the night settles over the bayou, these stories come alive, mingling with the sounds of crickets and the distant call of an owl. Our Cajun folklore, rich and deep-rooted, whispers through the moss-laden trees, inviting us to embrace the mysteries that dance on the edge of our vibrant culture. 

Next time you find yourself by the bayou, listen closely – for it might just share secrets and tales of our Cajun ancestors, keeping the spirit of Louisiana alive in every rustle of the leaves and every ripple on the water. 

Gather ‘Round The Campfire

Imagine the crackling flames of a bayou campfire casting dancing shadows as we gather to unravel the Mysteries of the Bayou. To accompany these tales, let us weave a tapestry of campfire activities and comforting Cajun delights, creating an enchanting evening under the Louisiana stars!

Campfire Activities

Bonfire Storytelling Circle Gather 'round the bonfire, my darlings, and let the bayou come alive with tales of voodoo queens, haunted swamps, and friendly spirits. Everyone can share their favorite Cajun folklore or ghost story, adding to the night's mystique.

Cajun Campfire Sing-Along Enliven the atmosphere with the lively tunes of Cajun music. Bring out the accordion or play some zydeco favorites. Let the rhythm of the bayou set the tone for our storytelling, making it a musical journey into the heart of our culture.

Bayou Night Walk Take a lantern-lit stroll along the bayou's edge, allowing the mysterious sounds of the night and the rustling of Spanish moss to envelop us. It's a chance to feel the heartbeat of the bayou and connect with the spirits that dwell within its depths.

Cajun Constellation Spotting Look up, my loves, and marvel at the celestial wonders above. Cajun constellations like the Rougarou or the Alligator Queen can be spotted in the Louisiana night sky. Share stories of these cosmic characters and let the stars weave their own tales.

Comfort Foods 'Round The Campfire

Gumbo by Moonlight Serve up steaming bowls of gumbo, its rich aroma mingling with the night air. Gumbo by moonlight, with the flickering flames as our only light, adds a touch of magic to our Cajun feast.

Cajun Sausage and Boudin Skewers Thread Cajun sausages and boudin onto skewers and roast them over the campfire. The smoky flavors and the crisp night air create a culinary experience as delightful as the tales we share.

Beignet Bonanza Transform the campfire into a makeshift Café du Monde with a beignet bonanza. These fluffy, powdered sugar-dusted treats are the perfect sweet indulgence under the stars.

Cajun Hot Chocolate Warm our souls with Cajun hot chocolate infused with a hint of cayenne for a spicy twist. Sip it slowly as we listen to the crackling fire and the whispers of the bayou.

Mossy Oak Cajun Popcorn Popcorn seasoned with Cajun spices and served in mossy oak bowls adds a touch of rustic charm to our campfire festivities. It's a crunchy, flavorful treat to munch on between our mystical tales.

Grandma Marie’s Louisiana Kitchen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.

Let’s embrace the magic of the bayou under the starlit sky. With storytelling, music, and comforting Cajun delights, our campfire becomes a portal to the enchanting world of Cajun folklore and legends. 

Cajun Hot Chocolate Recipe

Cajun Hot Chocolate adds a delightful spicy twist to the classic hot chocolate. Here's a simple recipe and a general estimate of the nutritional information per serving.

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Optional) Whipped cream and ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

Prepare Milk Mixture In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together whole milk, cocoa powder, sugar, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper until well combined.

Heat and Whisk Heat the mixture, whisking constantly, until it's hot but not boiling.

Add Vanilla Extract Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Serve Pour the Cajun Hot Chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.

Nutritional Information

Including optional ingredients like whipped cream, ice cream, and powdered sugar may impact the nutritional content. Here's an approximate nutrition breakdown (per serving, about 1 cup):

Calories: Approximately 150-180 calories

Protein: Around 7-9 grams

Carbohydrates: About 20-25 grams

Dietary Fiber: Around 2-3 grams

Sugars: Around 18-22 grams

Fat: Approximately 7-9 grams

Saturated Fat: Around 4-6 grams

Cholesterol: Approximately 20-25 milligrams

Sodium: Around 100-150 milligrams

For more accurate Nutritional Information , we recommend using a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you plan to use.

Until next time, ma cher. May the mysteries of the bayou illuminate your night!

[scenefromthesidewalk]

"CONNECTIONS"

Chantelle Trainor-Matties and JoLean Williams-Laborde

In 2022 the New Orleans Mayor, the Canadian Consulate, and Arts New Orleans partnered to highlight the many historic and cultural connections between Canada and Louisiana. Canadian artist Chantelle Trainor-Matties designed this depiction of the Acadians' journey south. A heavy reliance on blue and green tones depicts the importance of water to both peoples and the mural incorporates wildlife important to each, including some from their shared folklore. In New Orleans the design was painted by JoLean Williams-Laborde at Ursulines Ave and N Peters St, behind the popular French Market. 

LOCATION: 1100 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70116

@frettchanstudios/   @jolean_barkley/   @artsneworleans/

[seewetter]

Mythic Creatures by Culture & Region

Part 2: Settler (Colonial) & Diasporic Tales of Australia & the Americas

Overview here.

• Australian Settler Folktales Drop Bear; Easter Bilby; Oozlum Bird (oozlum bird also in Britain)

Canadian Settler Folktales

Cadborosaurus B.C.; Cressie; Igopogo Barrie; Manipogo; Memphre; Mussie; Red Lady; Thetis Lake Monster; Turtle Lake Monster

USAmerican Settler folktales including African diaspora

Agropelter, Maine & Ohio; Alfred Bulltop Stormalong Massachussets; Altamaha-ha in Georgia, U.S.A, see Muskogee; Anansi is Akan (which includes the Agona, Akuapem, Akwamu, Akyem, Anyi, Ashanti, Baoulé, Bono, Chakosi, Fante, Kwahu, Sefwi, Wassa, Ahanta, and Nzema) also found in African American lore; Red Ghost (Arizona camel with skeleton on its back); Augerino western USA, including Colorado; Axehandle hound Minnesota and Wisconsin; Ball-tailed cat; Beaman Monster; Bear Lake Monster; Beast of Bladenboro; Beast of Busco; Bell Witch; Belled buzzard American South; Bessie northeast Ohio and Michigan; Bigfoot; Black Dog; Blafard; Bloody Bones; Bloody Mary; Boo hag; Br'er Rabbit; Brown Mountain Lights; Cactus cat American Southwest; Calafia Amazon Queen (Caliph) that California is named after; Champ; Chessie; Dark Watchers; Demon Cat Washington D.C.; Dewey Lake Monster; Dover Demon; Dungavenhooter Maine, Michigan; Emperor Norton; Enfield Monster (NOT Enfield); Flathead Lake Monster; Flatwoods Monster; Flying Africans; Fouke Monster Arkansas; Fur-bearing trout; Gallinipper; Gillygaloo; Glawackus; Gloucester sea serpent; Golden Bear; Goofus Bird; Gumberoo; Hidebehind; Hillbilly Beast of Kentucky; Hodag; Honey Island Swamp Monster; Hoop Snake; Hudson River Monster; Hugag; Jackalope; Jersey Devil; Joint Snake; Jonathan Moulton; Lady Featherflight; Lagahoo; Lake Worth Monster; Lava bear Oregon, appear to have been real animals but not a unique species; Letiche (Cajun folktale, from descendants of the Acadian expulsion) Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp; Loveland Frog; Ludwig the Bloodsucker; Mãe-do-Ouro; Mami Wata also African; Maryland Goatman; Melon-heads; Michigan Dogman; Milton lizard; Mogollon Monster; Momo the Monster; Mothman; Nain Rouge Detroit, Michigan; New Jersey folktales; North Shore Monster; Onza; Ozark Howler; Pope Lick Monster; Proctor Valley Monster; Railroad Bill; Red Ghost; Red Lady; Reptilian; Resurrection Mary; Sharlie; Sidehill Gouger; Signifying monkey; Skunk Ape; Snallygaster; Snipe Hunt; Snow Snake; Splintercat; Squonk; Tahoe Tessie; Tailypo; Teakettler; The Witch of Saratoga; Tuttle Bottoms Monster; Two-Toed Tom; Walgren Lake Monster; Wampus Cat; White River Monster; Wild Man of the Navidad

Latin American Folklore

Aido Hwedo, Haiti & also in Benin; Alebrije (born from a dream, Mexican paper mache folk art); Baccoo could be based off Abiku of Yoruba lore; Bestial Beast bestial centaur; Boiuna; Boto and Boto_and_Dolphin_Spirits; Bruja; Bumba Meu Boi; Burrokeet; Cadejo; Camahueto; Capelobo; Carbuncle; Carranco; Chasca El Salvador; Chickcharney; Ciguapa Dominica; Cipitio; Damballa; Day of the Dead; Death; Douen; Duende; Duppy; El Sombrerón Guatemala; Folktales of Mexico; Headless Mule; Hombre Gato; Honduran Creatures; Huay Chivo; Ibo loa (also Igbo in West Africa); Jumbee; Kasogonagá (Toba in Argentina); La Bolefuego; La Diablesse; La Llorona; La mula herrada; La Sayona; Lang Bobi Suzi; Madre de aguas; Mama D'Leau; Minhocão; Mono Grande; Monster of Lake Fagua; Monster of Lake Tota; Muan; Muelona; Nahuelito; Obia also a word for a West African mythological creature (see article); Papa Bois; Patagon aka Patagonian Giant; Patasola; Phantome (Trinidad, Tobago, Guyana); Pishtaco; Princess Eréndira; Quimbanda; Romãozinho; Saci; Sayona ; Sihuanaba; Sisimoto; Soucouyant; Succarath; Tapire-iauara; Tata Duende; The Cu Bird; The Silbón; Tulevieja; Tunda; Zombie Bolivia; Abchanchu; Acalica; El Tío Colombia; Colombian Creatures; El Hombre Caimán; Tunda

Please note that some of these beings (those from Latin America or from diasporic African religions like Santeria, Vodun and Candomble) are sacred and be responsible about their use in art (writing etc.).

Notify me of any mistakes or to add disclaimers when something is considered sacred and off-limits.

[everbayou]

Folk Tale: M’su Carencro and Mangeur de Poulet (Mr. Buzzard and the Chicken Hawk)

M’su Carencro, the Buzzard, was sitting in a tree waiting for something to drop dead so he could feast. It had been days since he had a decent meal. Then out of nowhere came flying in Mangeur de Poulet, the Chicken Hawk. Mangeur de Poulet notices M’su Carencro in his tree and calls out “ Ca Va, mon padnat?” (How’s it goin’, friend?)

M’su Carencro cawed back “Ca va mal! (Not good at all!) I am starving! I been here waiting for something to drop dead for the pas’ couple of days. I just want my supper.” 

“And why is that padnat?” says the confident and full of himself Chicken Hawk.”If you are hungry, you just go get it yourself like I do. Why dont’cha just catch you some fresh meat? You have to look out for yourself if you gonna make it in this world, mon ami.” (My friend.)

“Non!“ (No!) said M’su Carencro. “You don’t understand how this works. I have to for somethin’ to drop dead before I can eat it. This is my purpose given to me by le Bon Dieu.” (The Good God) 

“Le Bon Dieu? Non! Don’t bother with the Good God. Even if he does exist, what says you that he cares if you eat? You have to look out fo’ yourself like I do. I’ll show you how to take care of yourself and not depen’ on anyone else!” said Mangeur de Poulet. 

And with that the Chicken Hawk soared in to the air, doing fancy flips and maneuvers. The Buzzard followed along at a safe distance behind watching in amazement at how agile Mangeur de Poulet was. They soon came upon a wide empty field and noticed some movement down below.

A fat, juicy rabbit was darting below; quick and agile trying to avoid the Chicken Hawk. The Chicken Hawk grew closer to the rabbit and thought that he had him for sure. At the last moment Mangeur de Poulet talons graced the rabbits fur as he dropped in to a den hole near a fence post. Before Mangeur de Poulet could realize what had happened, he hit that pole at full speed. 

The Chicken Hawk fell straight dead to the ground. M’su Carencro landed next to him and looked up to the sky. “Merci beaucoup, mon Grand Bon Dieu!” (Good God almighty, thank you!) He then grins and says “Suppertime!”

[statecryptids]

ROUGAROU- LOUISIANA

original post here: http://statecryptids.blogspot.com/2022/04/rougarou-louisiana.html

A strange, unearthly cry echoes across the mirrored surface of the Louisiana bayou, echoing off scattered cypress and tupelo dripping with Spanish moss. Is this merely the call of a wading bird? A lone puma? Or is it the shriek of the man-wolf creature known as the Rougarou?

Rougarou is a Cajun variation on “loup garou”, the French word for werewolf. France has a long history of werewolf folklore. In the 16th century these creatures were often blamed for crimes such as disappearances, animal killings, and particularly violent burglaries. In a parallel to the infamous witch hunts also taking place at the time, scared and panicked villagers would usually accuse someone living outside the societal norms of the time- such as a hermit in the woods, or a person with mental illness- as being the beast. Once accusations had been made, the condemned had little ability to defend themselves in court other than to “confess” to being a werewolf and implicate others in their ddeds.

Many legends existed to explain how one became a loup garou. Some men (medieval werewolves were almost always masculine) could change by putting on a wolf’s skin- a possible link to legends of the Norse berserker warriors who would don bear skins to take on the beast’s power. Some people would become werewolves through cannibalism and other debauchery. Catholic priests claimed that a man who didn’t observe Lent for seven straight years would become a werewolf.

Stories of the loup garou came to North America in the 17th century with French settlers in the Acadia region, located in what is now Eastern Canada. In the aftermath of the French and Indian War, the British colonial government took over the region and forcibly deported most of the ethnically French Acadians.  Many of these displaced people settled in Louisiana, originally a colony of France that was ceded to Spain in 1762. The Spanish government was fairly tolerant of the settlers, allowing them to continue their cultural practices- which included tales of the loup garou.

In modern times the rougarou has become more of a boogeyman to frighten children. Parents warn their kids not to misbehave or play in the swamp or else the beast will come for them. These stories usually do not make it clear if the creature is a transformed human or if it is always a humanoid beast akin to the Beast of Bray Road and other dogmen of the Midwest.

Despite- or, more likely, because of- its frightening appearance and behavior, the Rougarou has become a popular part of Louisiana culture. Costumes based on the creature frequently appear in Mardi Gras celebrations, and the city of Houma even has an annual festival themed around the creature.

SOURCES Rougarou Fest in Houma, Louisiana  A page from www.pelicanstateofmind.com about the rougarou A post from www.whereyat.com about the rougarou National Wildlife Federation article on the rougarou Article from Tulane magazine about the rougarou Blog posts from Dr. Kaja Franck about werewolves Monstrum episodes on Werewolves, hosted by Dr. Emily ZarkaPart 1Part 2

[frettchanstudios]

I’m honoured and humbled to have been asked to design this mural “Connections”, then painted by JoLean Barkley. The project was put together by the Consulate General of Canada @connect2canada, the Office of New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell @mayorcantrell @cityofnola, and the Arts Council of New Orleans @artsneworleans. Being able to go down to celebrate the unveiling and see it in person was surreal. Mural Description: This mural uses abstract blue and green tones to depict the reliance of both Canadians and New Orleanians connection with water. The left side of the mural showcases Canadian wildlife in contemporary Northwest coast formline designs and as river flows "downstream" towards the right side transitions to Louisiana-based wildlife, depicting the journey and discovery of new creatures on the Acadians' journey South. The opossum (Canada's only marsupial) is also found in Louisiana and its location within the center of the mural proves a connection between both locations. The opossum's traditional Cajun Mardi Gras hat indicates the sharing of culture and traditions between the two communities. The white creature silhouettes in the background give a sense of history and continuity, as echos of the past drive traditions of the present. The river ends and transitions into the Loup Garou, a creature known in Laurentian French communities but also prominently featured in Cajun Folklore as a symbol of the stories and connections our communities share. Thank you, Mayor Latoya Cantrell, Mayor of New Orleans, Consul General of Canada, Dr. Rachel McCormick, @reynoldsjoycelyn, Executive Director – Arts Council New Orleans, @lindsayglatz, Creative Director - Arts Council New Orleans who coordinated the creation of the mural and liaison with artists, @prosybell1 – Director International Relations, City of New Orleans who had a key role in ensuring the proposal was approved, and Noella De Maina – Consul, Foreign Policy and Public Affairs who came up with the idea and spearheaded the project! Thank you @jolean_barkley for taking on the huge role of painting my design, you killed it! Thank you mom @cherielperry for making the trip with me, it was so special to share this with you.

Photo Credits:

Image 1, 8, 9, 10: @cherielperry

Article Screenshot: https://www.audacy.com/wwl/news/local/n-o-partners-with-the-canadian-government-to-create-a-mural

[themodernsouthernpolytheist]

Hi I'm from eastern Texas, and getting into southern magick, is it okay if I do? And what do you recommend starting?

Thanks for the question! It can be a little tough starting out. I recommend reading about local folklore and local herbalism as a place to start. Read about (or learn directly from if possible) the indigenous peoples’ use of local plants and animals. Learn about related species and how they’re used. Spend time with the plants (and spirits) in whatever way possible.

In East Texas, I’d also recommend reading about Cajun and Acadian folks practices because they’ve heavily included the region as a whole.

I also recommend Zoe’s Neale Hurston’s work in the Journal of American Folklore, Mules and Men, and really anything she wrote whether fiction or anthropology because her fiction is so influenced by her fieldwork. Note that these are specifically on the Black Southern experience and I’m not advocating whole cloth taking of the practices found in them, but they can be really helpful in steering what you’re interested in. Also, try reading about the history of the South broadly. The South, in many ways, has far more in common with the Caribbean than much of the US, especially in our past.

I hope that’s helpful, but feel free to ask me anything else!

[tenofmuses]

Hello! i just discovered your account. I read the same chapter in the North American Folk Magic book and felt connected to it through my french canadian ancestors. I’m having trouble locating books or really anything about these folk traditions. Do you have any to recommend? thank you so much <3

Hello! :)

I’m so sorry this has taken me months to reply to—I’ve had a reply half-written in my drafts for ages, but the end of the year was crazy so I wasn’t able to finish writing it until now. Hopefully this is still helpful!

I’m going to start off by saying that I’m by no means an expert on this topic (I’m fairly new to reconnecting to these practices), so I’m probably missing some key sources. My French is very poor, so I’m unable to read a lot of the sources that are out there—especially Quebec-specific sources, which are often written in French.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any French Canadian folk magic 101 books (at least not that I know of!) out there, so we have to get a bit creative when it comes to sources.

First, I highly recommend checking out the website Courir le loup-garou (link)! They have a lot of articles about different aspects of Acadian and French Canadian witchcraft (sorcellerie). All of their articles are bilingual, and it’s an excellent, accessible resource to get you started. They also have a page on there with sources they’ve used (books, articles, etc.), so it might be helpful to take a look at those.

I’ll also direct you to @lesorciercanadien, who is a practitioner with excellent informational posts, as well as sources cited that you can comb through.

There is a podcast episode of Three Witches and a Druid, interviewing Laurence Cote, who is a French Canadian folk practitioner, about the subject. Link (goes to the Apple podcast app) here.

Another thing to do is to look at the living culture of your family members or people you know. Personally, my Acadian side of the family are very Christian and have no ties to any sort of magic or animistic beliefs—they don’t even pray to saints, which is a common aspect of French folk practices. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing for me to work with! Just means I have to be creative. For example, my Acadian family members use summer savoury in a lot of traditional recipes (meat pies, chicken fricot, stuffing on Christmas), so that’s an herb that I incorporate into my craft a lot of the time.

Food is an excellent and accessible form of culture that you can utilize in your own practice. By looking at common ingredients and working with the spirits of those plants and herbs, for example, or by practicing kitchen witchcraft as you try different recipes. I’ve found this a great way of connecting with my ancestors—following family recipes or even looking up Acadian recipes online and devoting that time spent cooking to those ancestors. It always makes me feel closer to them.

Similarly, I find that listening to traditional music is a great way of connecting to these ancestors. I’m unsure if it’s the same for general French Canadians, but I grew up listening to my Acadian family from New Brunswick playing folk music—specifically fiddles and mandolins and banjos. Sometimes I listen to this music as a way of reconnecting to that side of the family.

Another way to find sources is academic journals, and these will usually be articles about folklore, history, or religion. Use Google Scholar/JSTOR/etc. and search terms like the following ones: "province name"/"quebec"/“acadian”/“french canadian”/"city name" AND "witchcraft"/"folklore"/"magic"/"folk healer." Etc. These aren't always exciting reads, and sometimes the research goes nowhere, but I've found some amazing info this way.

Another type of source to look out for is folklore books—specifically ones related to French Canadian folklore. I was going to insert the name of an old one I read a while ago here, but unfortunately I’ve misplaced the name. I’ll include it here if I find it.

The story of Evangeline is one that is incredibly important in Acadian folklore, and the epic poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is worth a read. Evangeline is a folk hero to many, and is honoured by some folk practitioners.

I’ll also note that there tend to be a lot of awful racist stereotypes related to Indigenous people in some of the older articles and books about witchcraft in Canada, so that’s something to keep in mind as you do research.

Many of the mentions of Indigenous peoples within the particular papers I have read are due to the close ties some Acadian and Mi’kmaq peoples had with each other historically, which led to cross-cultural communication, trade, kinship, and the sharing of beliefs and knowledge. For example, the northern lights have shared folkloric beliefs for both cultures, which shows the cross-cultural communication that took place between them.

Until someone writes a comprehensive French Canadian or Acadian folk magic book, this is what we’ve got—unless there is a wonderful source out there that I haven’t come across yet! It’s a lot of work to dig through all of these sources to piece together your own folk practice, but I find it very rewarding. Putting in all that work just makes you feel all the more connected to the practices you’re doing, and it’s very worthwhile, at least to me!

Again, sorry this took so long, and I hope it helps! Happy new year :)

[judyconda]

"Thus passed a few swift years, and they no longer were children. He was a valiant youth, and his face, like the face of the morning, Gladdened the earth with its light, and ripened thought into action. She was a woman now, with the heart and hopes of a woman. "Sunshine of Saint Eulalie" was she called; for that was the sunshine Which, as the farmers believed, would load their orchards with apples She, too, would bring to her husband's house delight and abundance, Filling it full of love and the ruddy faces of children. Now had the season returned, when the nights grow colder and longer, And the retreating sun the sign of the Scorpion enters. Birds of passage sailed through the leaden air, from the ice-bound, Desolate northern bays to the shores of tropical islands, Harvests were gathered in; and wild with the winds of September Wrestled the trees of the forest, as Jacob of old with the angel. All the signs foretold a winter long and inclement. Bees, with prophetic instinct of want, had hoarded their honey Till the hives overflowed; and the Indian bunters asserted Cold would the winter be, for thick was the fur of the foxes. Such was the advent of autumn. Then followed that beautiful season, Called by the pious Acadian peasants the Summer of All-Saints! Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape Lay as if new-created in all the freshness of childhood. Peace seemed to reign upon earth, and the restless heart of the ocean Was for a moment consoled. All sounds were in harmony blended." *poetry story is taken part from Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow : #fairytaletuesday #fairytale #poetry #poet #poetic #poets #poetsofinstagram #poetryofinstagram #darkacademia #darkaesthetic #darkacademiaaesthetic #bloodandwine #worldgothday #Spiritique #mindfulness #Spiritual #Spirituality #mystical #mystique #mystic #mysticisim #renaissance #renaissanceart #folk #folklore #folkspirits #folkmystic #fantasy #goth #gothic https://www.instagram.com/p/CfV1eCiOJIA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[lesorciercanadien]

French Canadian and Acadian culture resources, music, retailers and media

I want to share where I usually find resources regarding my culture, what I tend to trust, and what music, movies and literature informs my spiritual practice! Many of them are in French, with options to switch to English within the website parameters.

Cultural, historical societies and archive centres

Centre Marius Barbeau: The Center specializes in the area of immaterial culture. Its mission is to preserve, promote and encourage recognition, conservation, passing on and spreading of Quebec folk arts and traditions including those of the First Nations and the ethnic communities. The centre owns more than 10,000 documentary pieces of which a very large part is already catalogued and indexed! Costumes, songs, recordings, visual art, and so so much more! https://www.cdmb.ca

Centre de recherche Père Clarence d'Entremont, Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos, Société Historique Acadienne de Pubnico-Ouest: The Archives « Centre de recherche Père Clarence-J. d’Entremont» is located on the second floor of the Museum and Centre de recherche annex. The archives house many collections including the private collection of historian Father Clarence-J. d’Entremont. Amongst the collections found in the research center are over 5000 library books and periodicals (historical and genealogical), genealogies, land grants, deeds, microfilms, photos, maps, photographs, church records, etc. https://www.museeacadien.ca/research-center

Acadian Research Center of Prince Edward Island: Part of the Acadian Museum in PEI. They have more than 4,000 Acadian family records, including information on birth, marriage and death dates, as well as various censuses. This is in addition to the 30,000 genealogical records that their volunteers have transcribed over the years, as well as the 160 Acadian family files, binders and booklets given to them by independent researchers. They also have 340 thematic files covering various topics related to Acadian history and a library of more than 1,500 books on Acadian history as well as rare books. The Acadian Research Center of Prince Edward Island has more than 230 fonds in its collection, belonging to individuals or organizations.To view some archival fonds and photos, please visit: http://acadieipe.ca The Acadian Research Center follows the same opening hours as the Acadian Museum. To view the documents mentioned above or for more information, please contact the Acadian Museum at (902) 432-2880.

Centre d'études acadiennes Anselme-Chiasson, University of Moncton, New Brunswick: The Centre d'études acadiennes Anselme-Chiasson, established in 1968, collects and preserves all relevant documentary material concerning the Acadians and Acadian Society in various fields (history, genealogy, ethnology, sociology, archeology, folklore, demography, geography, economics, language) and offers inventories and tools to facilitate access to this material to interested researchers and members of the public. It has the largest collection of private and institutional records on Acadia in the world. It is located next to the Acadian Museum, which features a permanent exhibition and temporary exhibits, as well as guided tours and screenings of historical films and documentaries. https://www.umoncton.ca/umcm-ceaac/

Scholars and authors

Georges Arsenault (1952- still alive): historian and folklorist, born in Abram's Village, Prince Edward Island. He has published extensively on the folklore and history of the Acadians of his home island, many of these books I have in my collection for the traditions and holiday celebrations of my culture. Favorite book: Contes, légendes et chansons de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard. Grande Marée. 2018.

Père Anselme Chiasson (1911-2004): a Catholic priest, educator and writer, born in Chéticamp, Nova Scotia. He has made significant contributions to the recording of Acadian history and folklore and folktales. He also published several volumes of Chansons d'Acadie, collections of Acadian songs. Favorite book: Chéticamp : Histoire et Traditions acadiennes. Préface de Luc Lacourcière. 3e édition. Moncton : Éditions des Aboiteaux, 1972.

Marius Barbeau (1883-1969): A monumental figure in folklore studies in Canada, he was born in Ste-Marie-de-Beauce, Quebec. Ethnographer, folklorist, a founder of Canadian anthropology. He is known for his early championing of Quebecois folk culture and his exhaustive cataloguing of the social organization, narrative and musical traditions and plastic arts of Quebecois and many First Nations oral traditions for a mass audience. He worked from 1916 to 1950 as editor on the Journal of American Folklore, in that time focusing a lot on Canadian folklore. TW: this researcher may present biases towards First Nations people and their cultures, using terms that are not considered okay today. So please, support more recent scholars and preferably First Nations authors to know more. Favorite book: Ceinture Flechée. Montréal: Paysana. 1945.

Pierre DesRuisseaux (1945-2016): Born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, he was a novelist, essayist, poet, and journalist. He wrote many works on the expressions, proverbs, sayings, and folkloric tales of Quebec. Favorite book: Croyances et pratiques populaires au Canada français, Montréal, Éditions du Jour, 1973.

Jean-Claude Dupont (1934-2016): Born in Saint-Antonin, Quebec, he was an ethnographer and researcher at University of Laval. His ethnological thesis, Héritage d'Acadie, documented the spiritual traditions of Acadians, and I use it heavily in my practice. He was a pioneer of material cultures research, using this in his ethnological research. Favorite book: Heritage d’Acadie. Collection Connaissance, éditions Lemeac. 1977. 

Carolyn Podruchny (still active in academia!): PhD, is a Professor of History at York University. Her research focuses on the relationships forged between Indigenous peoples and French colonists in northern North America. Her first monograph, Making the Voyageur World: Travelers and Traders in the North American Fur Trade (2006), examines French Canadian voyageurs who worked in the North American fur trade based out of Montreal, and ranging to the Great Lakes, the Great Plains, northern woodlands, and the subarctic. She focuses a lot on Indigenous Peoples , History, The meeting of Europeans and Indigenous peoples in the North American fur trade. The cultural, social, gender, labour, and environmental questions, Early Canadian history, Metis history, fur trade history, colonialism. She is an amazing resource! Favorite book: Making the Voyageur World: Travelers and Traders in the North American Fur Trade. Lincoln, Neb.: University of Nebraska Press. 2006.

Benoît Lacroix (1915-2016): Born in Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse, Quebec. A Quebec theologian, philosopher, Dominican priest, professor of medieval studies and historian of the Medieval period, and author of almost 50 works and a great number of articles. His collection is extensive in terms of religious life in Quebec, and a high recommendation for spiritual inspiration! Even just the list of publications on Wikipedia is a wealth of possibility, I recommend it! Favorite book: Folklore de la mer et religion. Editions Lemeac, 1980.

Antonine Maillet (1929- still alive): This lesbian queen of the letters in Acadie! She is an Acadian novelist, playwright and scholar. She was born in Bouctouche, New Brunswick. It's impossible to note down which of her books are the best, they're all such authentic works! For my favorite book, it's for my research into the folklore of course! I first read her for her novel, Pélagie-la-Charette, published in 1974. It's about an Acadian woman who guides her fellow Acadians out of Georgia back to their homeland, enmeshing folklore and history together in her narrative. Favorite book: Rabelais et les traditions populaires en Acadie. Les Archives de Folklore, 13. Les Presses de l’Université Laval, Québec, 1971.

Fred Pellerin (1976- still alive): a legend of traditional Quebec storytelling, Fred is from Saint-Élie-de-Caxton. He is a storyteller, author, and screenwriter. He's especially known for his double-entendre turns of phrases, clever verbal acrobatics, rhythm of speaking, and his amazing imagination of the Quebecois landscape and villages of the 19th century into the 20th. He has many books with accompanying CDs with his many stories of his village and the colourful characters inhabiting it. He also collaborated on the film adaptations of his folktales Babine (2008), Ésimésac (2012), and L'arracheuse de temps (2021). Favorite book: Dans mon village, il y a belle Lurette…, livre et CD, Planète rebelle, collection « Paroles », 2001, 142 p. (ISBN 2-9225-2855-3)

Musical heritage and modern bands

Le Vent du Nord: Favorite album: Territoires (2019) a mainstay in the Canadian folk landscape, Le Vent du Nord specializes in traditional French-Canadian folk music. Fiddle, mandolin, accordion, guitar, bouzouki, hurdy-gurdy, and rich vocal harmonies and podorythmie beats. Their Shrewsbury music festival shows on Youtube are absolutely riveting to watch! One of my all-time favorite bands for my magical musical needs! "La Turlutte a bassinette" is one of my main grounding songs.

Luc Arbogast: Favorite album: Oreflam (2014). This man. Where to begin with this amazing individual!? He's from Larochelle, France, and was a contestant on season 2 of the Voice. He is a troubadour who plays traditional instruments like the Irish bouzouki, lute, bells. He is known for his unique countertenor voice and medieval songs inspired by artists like Hildegard of Bingen, Walther von der Vogelweide, and Guillaume de Machaut. He sings in old dialects, French and English. If I ever cross his path on the streets of Strasbourg one day, I will fanboy scream.

Vishtèn: Favorite album: Terre Rouge (2015). They are a folk music group from Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands, whose style is rooted in Acadian music. They performed for the Library of Congress, available on Youtube "Vishtèn: Acadian music from Prince Edward Island". They fuse French, Acadian and Irish tunes. Quite beautiful harmonies too!

Les Tireux d'Roches: Favorite album: Tapiskwan sipi (2021). They're from St-Élie-de-Caxton, Mauricie, Quebec. They are considered storytellers-musicians-troubadours of Quebecois folklore and music. Using the cello, bouzouki, guitar, banjo, saxophone, clarinet, accordion, flute, harmonica. Folklorist and storyteller Fred Pellerin used to play with them!

La Bottine Souriante: favorite album: La mistrine (1994). From the Lanaudière region of Québec, La Bottine Souriante formed in 1976 during the Québec renaissance of traditional music. They use accordion, fiddle, guitar, piano, double-bass, which gives them a jazzier sound. They are known far and wide in Québec for their New Year's Eve anthems resounding in our homes, and they really go deep into the old tunes of the logging camps and voyageur trails, with some new compositions guaranteed for foot-tapping.

Les Charbonniers de L'enfer: Favorite album: La traverse miraculeuse (2008). Hailing from Quebec, they concentrate especially on vocal harmonies and acapellas, the jaw harp, and foot rhythm. They focus especially on traditional songs from the archival repertoire of French music imported with the settlers into New France, and voyageur call and response songs.

La Croisée d'Antan: Favorite album: L'antre Des Loups (2017). A trio of multi-talented musicians, La Croisée d'Antan features the violin, banjo, podorythmie, harmonica, accordion, guitar, and beautiful vocal harmonies. They have lots of traditional tunes, and new compositions with inspirations from yesteryear.

Le Diable a Cinq: favorite album: Sorti de l'enfer (2017). Five instrumentalists from the Ripon region of Outaouais, they aim to bring back the kitchen parties so fondly remembered in French Canadian households with their music. They're all from the same family: three brothers, one cousin and a friend. They use guitar, piano, vocal harmonies, accordion, podorythmie, violin, mandolin.

Movies (this list is always in progress as I discover more!)

Babine (2008): Adapted from Fred Pellerin's book Il faut prendre le taureau par les contes, the film stars Vincent-Guillaume Otis as Babine, the village idiot of Saint-Élie-de-Caxton, Quebec. A lifelong outcast because his mother (Isabel Richer) was believed to be the town witch, he becomes the immediate suspect when the town's church catches fire, killing the parish priest (Julien Poulin). However, he will receive the support of the village's merchant, Toussaint Brodeur (Luc Picard), as he attempts to prove his innocence.

Ésimésac (2012): Although an unofficial sequel to the 2008 film Babine, unlike the earlier film Ésimésac was not directly based on Fred Pellerin's previously published stories; instead, the film's screenplay placed some of Pellerin's established characters in a new original story. The film stars Nicola-Frank Vachon as Ésimésac Gélinas, a young but physically strong man whose distinguishing trait is that he does not cast a shadow. He convinces the village of Saint-Élie-de-Caxton to plant and maintain a community garden after an economic crisis has left many of the townspeople hungry, but finds himself in conflict with village blacksmith Riopel's (Gildor Roy) plan to focus on building tracks for a railroad.

L'arracheuse de Temps (2021): Based on the 2009 story by Fred Pellerin of the same name. It stars Jade Charbonneau, Marc Messier, Céline Bonnier, Guillaume Cyr, Émile Proulx-Cloutier, Marie-Ève Beauregard, Pier-Luc Funk, Sonia Cordeau, and Geneviève Schmidt. An illness-worn grandmother tries to convince her 11-year-old grandson that death does not exist. She tells him about the adventures of her youth in Saint-Élie-de-Caxton, in 1927, when she had tried to eliminate death in the village.

Visual Artists

Clarence Alphonse Gagnon (1881-1942): One of my all-time favourite artists, and a really distant relative of mine! He was born in Montréal, Quebec. a painter, draughtsman, engraver and illustrator. He is known for his landscape paintings of the Laurentians and the Charlevoix region of eastern Quebec, where my family lived. It enchants me to no end, seeing my familiar landscapes with his brushstrokes! Favorite painting: Dans la clairière, Charlevoix. Huile sur panneau de bois, 1915. 15.7 x 22.8cm. no. 1988.113. 

Claude Langevin (1942-2024): A quick painter of landscapes, self-taught! His use of the brush is reminiscent of the Impressionists. He wished to express his affection for his people and his land. His depiction of the Laurentian landscape allows the viewer to feel a strong unfailing connection between the artist and the region he calls home. His use of light in his works reminds me so much of how the sun illuminates the Saguenay region, much to my fond memories. Favorite painting: Au but de champs.

Tom Roberts (1909-1998): Born in Toronto Ontario. He drew inspiration from the Group of Seven and French Impressionism. His paintings, characterized by vivid colours and dynamic compositions, captured the diverse landscapes of Canada, from Northern Ontario to the Maritime provinces. His use of both watercolours and oils brings versatility and an array of variety! Favorite Painting: Quebec Landscape, 1950. Oil on masonite 24 x 30” in. 

Books and Witchy Tools and Where to Get Them

Most mainstream anglophone shops like Chapters Indigo don’t have much. There are other options within Québec and in local regions for our books, and some of them ship elsewhere!

Archambault: this retailer has a lot of Quebec authors, music. Many books in their collections have folklore, regional histories, folk tales and more! Simply type the region you want, for example, Charlevoix or Saguenay, with any key words like “contes” and “folklore” and you’re bound to find a few good reads. https://www.archambault.ca

Septentrion: a bookstore specializing in historical monographs and scholarly works, especially those of France, Québec and any other region where we settled. https://www.septentrion.qc.ca

Bookmark Halifax: https://halifax.bookmarkreads.ca/. A local independent bookshop in our maritime province specializing in local interest authors and titles. Many features books include local history, graveyards, notable people, local plants, and so much more!

Carrefour Atlantic Emporium and Puffin Gallery: https://www.carrefouratlanticemporium.com. An eclectic paradise of local handicrafts, books, art from all over the maritimes! There’s a location on 1869 Upper Water Street, Halifax. I go there for most of my witchy tools like hand-carved spoons, woven tapestries, jewelry, statuettes, and lots of books on Acadian and Scots plants, folklore, history and culture books, as well and Indigenous titles. Sadly I don't think they ship, but always worth asking!

Honorable mention to Jennifer's of Nova Scotia! They're a local shop in Downtown Halifax where a multitude of local craftspeople and artisans sell their works! I get my pottery, tea, candles, art, jewelry, and trinkets from them! They only deliver within 20km of the store.

For those who garden or who are interested in Quebec-grown plants and seeds to incorporate into your spiritual path, here's a website to have a list of all available growers and seed providers! https://notreheritage.ca/semences/semenciers/#:~:text=Situé%20sur%20la%20Rive%2DSud,plein%20potentiel%20de%20chaque%20cultivar.

There's also the Pépinière Ancestrale, based in Saint-Julien, QC. a regional nursery for fruit trees, shrubs and plants! They ship to Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes! https://www.pepiniereancestrale.com

That's all I can think of for now! There's certainly more, but here is plenty to get any of you started! Feel free to reach out and ask any questions!

[jackhkeynes]

Linguistic Exam Questions

from the 1990 edition of collected sample scitation papers for the University of Lester's Faculty of Domain History, an academic group who, due to the university's well-funded Faculty of Language, has a strong leaning towards language-related studies, including palaeography and comparative mythology.

…which presaged the collapse of the First Drengotian Empire [1]. Discuss: (i) the role of fourteenth-century compendium The Tales of Enfield Wood in codifying the divergent folklore interpretations of the Farmer Duke and his Masked Band, (ii) the growing separation between the Markish and Kentish tongues as evidenced by the vocabulary attested in this compendium, and (iii) the extent to which the traditional identification of this work's author with John of Yare (most known for having written historical account The Great Dying) can be justified.

Question 5 (thirty minutes) Argue either in favour of or in opposition to any two of the following theses.

(i) The word for 'silver' is of uncertain origin—words referring to the substance having been borrowed between languages for millennia via extensive trade networks. The most likely origin of the word (cf. Lithuan sudrabs, Hausan 'asrvae, Vask zirar) as a trade-word is in ancient Acadian 𒀫𒁍𒌝 (surpum). (ii) Usage of Sinic runes soundwise, a practice in certain names and other words of foreign origin since antiquity and seen in neighbouring polities (cf. early maniocan script) from the seventh century N, gains currency in Cathay during…

---

[1] A polity of the eleventh and twelfth centuries formed from the protacted union of several states, to wit Normandy, France, Burgundy, Kent, Greater Devon, Markland and York.

[nonhoration]

I wanted to create a quick list of my favourite media this year, but couldn't get the post to format nicely! So I'm just going to make lists and then link to my 2020 rating sheet which has all the reviews and nice pictures.

Books

I read a lot of books in 2020, so this is the hardest list to make. I made a New Year's resolution to read for an hour every day, and then I got pandemic unemployed... So this is the hardest to narrow down top 10.

10. Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice

Now, I read this pre-pandemic (my sister read it in April and it really hits differently now lol) and thought it was an interesting isolated post-apocalyptic story.

9. Penance by Kanae Minato

A group of children witness their friend’s murder and the friend’s mother orders them to name the killer before the statute of limitations is up. Girlboss the novel.

8. Where the Wild Ladies Are by Matsuda Aoko

This is a short story collection of modernized retellings of Japanese myths and I thought they were really fun. One is from the POV of a tree who has been assigned folkloric powers, and one is the story of a bald woman ghost who becomes a punk and is obsessed with Mad Max Fury Road.

7. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

The haunted house segment in this absolutely slaps and this book also has the best final girl sequence I have ever read.

6. The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins

Trigger warning for literally everything but this book was amazing. I can't believe how many times you would get to a new part and find out "oh, that other part is worse now".

5. Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand

This is basically Buffy the Vampire Slayer but good. It takes a little while to get going but the ending was worth it.

4. Archivist Wasp by Nicole Kornher-Stace

I read this because it was hyped up on Tumblr and wasn't really expecting much, but this is absolutely worth the hype. Great story and world building.

3. A Mind Spread Out On The Ground by Alicia Elliott

This essay collection is by a Haudenosaunee woman about her experiences in both Canada and the United States. The way these essays are put together and the ideas woven together were sometimes really unexpected.

2. The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis

This is kind of a sci-fi western about a group of girls who escape a "welcome house" after one of them accidentally kills a client. The world is imaginative, the characters are great (and treated sympathetically when you wouldn't expect it).

1. This Is How You Lose The Time War by Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar

This is definitely not for everyone (epistolary f/f enemies to lovers sci-fi co-written by a poet) but I absolutely loved it.

Games

I didn't play quite as many games as I read books, but still a decent amount. I played all of these on either PC or PS4.

10. 11.45 A Vivid Life (PC)

This is a very short game where you dig out parts of your own body and decide the story about them. Gross sounds and sad stories, but I thought the idea was really neat.

9. Who Killed My Father Academy! (PC)

This game is kind of silly but I loved the concept (a character contacts you-the-player to explore all paths and get her to one where she can identify her father’s killer and survive) and the writing was punchy and fun.

8. Clarevoyance (PC)

This game was made to depict the myths and legends of the Acadian municipality of Clare in Nova Scotia. It was absolutely surreal to hear Acadian French in a game, and you could tell how much love went into making it.

7. Beyond Blue (PS4)

A game where you play as a diver and swim around scanning fish. Has some informative videos and an environmental message. Exploring the main character's sub as it changes over the course of the game was cool.

6. Assassin's Creed III (PS4)

This game is suffering from ridiculous amounts of feature creep and the modern-day story is stupid but Connor is my favourite assassin so far and I was really surprised at the relative nuance that it used to look at the American Revolution. The ending to Connor's story punched me in the face.

5. Buried Stars (PS4)

I was expecting this to be a murdergame a la Zero Escape, but it was more of a whodunit about Kpop stars. I was really surprised how much I liked this one.

4. Pendula Swing (PC)

This is a point and click game about a retired adventurer who has to venture off her isolated island and into the city when her magical axe is stolen. 1920s fantasy creature fusion.

3. Unavowed (PC)

An urban fantasy point and click from the dev of the Blackwell series. This is an extremely ambitious game and it didn't always hit the mark, but when it does, it's so good. Fun stories and characters, and multiple ways to solve the puzzles.

2. Gravity Rush 2 (PS4)

Improvement in every way over the first game - bigger area to explore, cool new powers, fun characters. Hurtling all over the place is so much fun.

1. Donut County (PS4)

This is a cute, stylish, reverse-Katamari game about gentrification. Simple and fun to play.

Movies

I watched 3 movies this year apparently and rated them all 4 stars lol, so Birds of Prey, Ready or Not and Happy Death Day were good.

TV

I watched a few shows, but then I got caught up in The Princess Weiyoung and it is very long so I watched a lot of TV but not many shows.

5. Firefly

I loved this show in University but it gets worse every time I watch it. Astoundingly tone-deaf about literally every issue.

4. Galavant

A lot of the jokes especially in the first season are a bit cringy now but the music still slaps.

3. Re:Mind

This show is very slow, absolutely baffling as a girl band vehicle and occasionally insulting in its themes but it is also NUTS at the end and I wish everyone would watch it so I can scream incoherently at them about the finale.

2. The Good Place

I am watching the second season now but I really enjoyed the first despite basically having already seen the entire show in gif format.

1. Miss Sherlock

Is the Stella Maris plotline stupid? Yes. Am I suing HBO Asia for emotional damage after the scene on the rooftop? Also yes.