Here’s a Halloween Treat: We Share the Story of the Rougarou, the “Cajun ”

Coastal (October 22, 2019) – Happy Halloween from coastal Louisiana! This part of the country doesn’t experience fall like destinations further north do: Leaves stay on the trees and “cooler daytime temperatures” translates to “highs in the 70s.” Kids here don’t have to fuss with the extra bulk of winter jackets under their Halloween costumes, but they do have to deal with something their counterparts in other parts of the country will never have to worry about … a creature they want to avoid at all costs. Part of what we love about working with destinations along the coast of Louisiana is that we get to talk about the unique culture of this area, much of it tied to Cajun traditions and customs. So this month, when thoughts are turning to things that go bump in the night, we want to tell you about the beast that Cajun kids fear … the Rougarou.

WHO’S THE ROUGAROU? The “Rougarou” is a creature who’s half man and half wolf. His face and upper body look like a wolf, but he walks upright like a man. Oh, and he’s really hairy. And mean. His name comes from the phrase “loup-garou,” which combines the French words for “wolf” and “man who transforms into an animal.” These days, most people call him Rougarou, but you’ll still hear the term “loup- garou” within more French-speaking Cajun communities. The terms are interchangeable, but we like the way “Rougarou” just rolls off your tongue.

WHAT’S HE DOING? Most legends say that the Rougarou is under a spell; some report that it lasts for 101 days, others say it’s for a year and a day. Either way, during this time he’s out to get others and suck their blood, curing himself but turning his victims into along the way.

WHEN DOES HE APPEAR? By day the Rougarou looks just like any other man, though he probably appears sickly and isn’t inclined to give you a straight answer if you ask him what’s wrong. Being a Rougarou is something you’re supposed to keep secret. But at night, all bets are off: that weird wolf head emerges and he goes out looking for trouble.

WHERE MIGHT YOU FIND HIM? Cajun legend tells us that the Rougarou is most often found wandering in the swamps of southeastern Louisiana or lurking in the region’s many sugar cane fields, which are being harvested at this time of year. It’s probably no coincidence that the two places that are most dangerous for kids growing up in this region are, in fact, swamps and sugar fields.

WHY IS HE OUT THERE? The Cajun culture is one with tight ties to the Catholic church; in past centuries it was said that the Rougarou was searching for people who didn’t observe Lent. Cajun families have also told their kids about the Rougarou for generations, using his presence to make children behave and keep them away from dangerous areas near their homes.

HOW DO YOU AVOID HIM? Fun fact: The Rougarou can only count to 12. So will tell you to leave 13 shiny pennies or little stones on your doorstep, windowsill or other entrance to your home. When the Rougarou comes to get you, he’ll start counting and will be confounded by that thirteenth object. He’ll have to start his count over and over again, until eventually the sun comes up and he must slink back to the swamps without claiming another victim. And you wondered when those math skills you learned in school would pay off. If the Rougarou isn’t positive proof that a STEM education has endless benefits, we don’t know what is.

Over the years the Rougarou has been referenced on television shows, its hair is used in a wand in one of the Harry Potter books, and an amusement park in Ohio even renamed a roller coaster after him. But we think the Rougarou properly belongs here in southeastern Louisiana, as part of the region’s unique heritage and culture. On the last weekend of each October, the Louisiana town of Houma hosts a “Rougarou Fest,” which features a parade, costume contests (for adults, kids and pets), live music and plenty of street vendors. The event is held to raise awareness about and money for coastal protection and restoration, ensuring that the Rougarou and all residents of the region can continue to enjoy Louisiana’s rich natural resources. To learn more about the culture of coastal Louisiana and all that makes this place special, please check out www.visitlouisianacoast.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT Mindy Bianca [email protected] 919-200-6060