A Rich Culture
The epic story of the Acadians began when the Europeans of French descent, attracted to the riches of the sea and of the land, began colonizing the ‘New World’ in the 1600s. Because the Acadian people enjoyed good relations with the Native population, they learned to survive in this new land by hunting, fishing and farming. Dikes were constructed, turning once barren marshlands into productive farmlands. Fish were caught, salted and dried for preservation. Over time, the hard-working Acadians established their own customs, songs and culture.
Eventually conflicts between Britain and France uprooted them, and they dispersed throughout North America and Europe. As the wars drew to a close, the Acadians returned to their beloved land, and over the ensuing years, a culture developed, survived and currently thrives in areas now inhabited by Acadians.
The Acadian people have a great sense of pride and a deep appreciation for their heritage. This pride and appreciation is palpable in their stories, celebrated with their national anthem and feast day, symbolized by the Acadian flag, and resonates throughout the Acadian culture.
National Acadian Day
Communities all over Canada celebrate National Acadian Day in each their own style. The blue white and red colors are found, not only in the many flags but on faces, clothing, food and decorations.
The Acadian Flag
The Acadian flag was proposed by Abbot Marcel- François Richard in 1884, and his presentation is translated as follows:
“The tri-coloured flag is the flag of France, the country from which all Acadians are descended. This flag only tells Acadians that they are French and that France is their motherland. However, I also want Acadia to have a flag which reminds the children of Acadia that they are not only French, but they are also Acadians…..
The yellow star located in the blue section represents the star of Mary, Stella Maris, Patron Saint of the Acadians, and serves as a crest in the Acadian flag…”