Covering America – Louisiana block 18

This week’s block is Louisiana

Here’s some facts about the Pelican state

Entered Union (rank): April 30, 1812 (18)

The world famous “Mardi Gras” is celebrated in New Orleans. Mardi Gras is an ancient custom that originated in southern Europe. It celebrates food and fun just before the 40 days of Lent: a Catholic time of prayer and sacrifice.

Louisiana was named in honor of King Louis XIV.

Louisiana is the only state in the union that does not have counties. Its political subdivisions are called parishes.

Louisiana is the only state that still refers to the Napoleonic Code in its state law.

Breaux Bridge is known as the “Crawfish Capital of the World”.

In Louisiana, biting someone with your natural teeth is considered a simple assault, but biting someone with your false teeth is considered an aggravated assault.

bayou: BUY-you n. a French name for slow-moving “river”

The city of Kaplan is referred to as “The Most Cajun place on earth”.

Bad Bananas
Bananas are healthy for you, but they aren’t a popular fruit in Louisiana. You’ll need a good banana hat to conceal this yellow fruit, since the state makes it illegal to carry in public.
Gargle at Home
It is also against the law to gargle while you are in public. Unfortunately, there is no hat that can hide the swishing inside your mouth.