Cajun vs Creole
Cajun and Creole are words that refer to a particular sect of people belonging to Southern Louisiana. Though the words are familiar, people have rarely looked at the differences between the two.
One of the main differences that is said is that Cajuns have rural origins, while the Creole have urban origins. When compared to Creole, Cajuns are known to be people who are more religious, clannish and live private lives.
The Creole world has been traced back to the Spanish word ‘criollo’, which means ‘local or native’. The word was used to portray things that were part of the New World during the time the French and the Spaniards controlled Louisiana. Later the word was used to describe the people from this region.
In contrary to Creole, Cajuns are of Acadian descent. The Acadians were actually French settlers of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. When the English threw the Acadians out of Canada in 1755, they had to move to Louisiana. In Louisiana, the Acadians mixed with French-Creoles, Spanish, Germans, Anglo-Americans and Native-Americans. This led to the formation of the new ethnic group ‘“ Cajuns.
Another major difference that can be seen between Cajun and Creole is in their foods. The food of Creole is Afro-European with some French flair. On the other hand, Cajun foods have a French influence.
One can also see that the two sects of people practise and love different music. However, one can come across many similarities in music between Creole and Cajun music. Where Cajun music is more jazz-oriented and blues-based, Creole music has a more Caribbean and West African feel to it.
Summary
1. Cajuns have rural origins, while the Creole have urban origins.
2. When compared to Creole, Cajuns are known to be people who are more religious, clannish and live private lives.
3. The Creole world has been traced back to the Spanish word ‘criollo’, which means ‘local or native’. The word was used to portray things that were part of the New World during the time the French and the Spaniards controlled Louisiana
4. In contrary to Creole, Cajun is an Acadian descendant. In Louisiana, the Acadians mixed with French-Creoles, Spanish, Germans, Anglo-Americans and Native-Americans. This led to the formation of the new ethnic group ‘“ Cajuns.
5. The food of Creole is Afro-European with some French flair. On the other hand, Cajun foods have a French influence.
6. Where Cajun music is more jazz-oriented and blues-based, Creole music has a more Caribbean and West African feel to it.