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New Orleans' signature second lines sprang from social aid and pleasure clubs whose goal was to send off their departed members in style. The tradition continues, as demonstrated by Ernie K-Doe's flamboyant jazz funeral in July.
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Photo by Sarah Etheridge
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Hey Blake,
Why is a second line called a second line?
Vanessa Borden
Dear Vanessa,
As you already know, New Orleans is a parading kind of town. Think of an occasion, and we celebrate with a parade. The folks in the parade are considered the "first line," and the groups of dancing spectators who follow the procession are the "second line." Now, that's a very simple definition because "second line" also has other meanings. Second lining is also a special kind of street dancing that came from traditional African-American parades.
After the Civil War, it was easier to get musical instruments, so African Americans began to form brass marching bands. Throughout the city there were fraternal groups and burial societies who often competed with each other to see which group could send off a member in the greatest style. When the service was over, and the procession moved from church to cemetery, the band played sad hymns and dirges. On the way back, the music became more joyful. The band played high-spirited tunes such as "Didn't He Ramble," and the second liners danced with wild abandon. The second line, usually sporting umbrellas and handkerchiefs, became traditional at these jazz funerals.
The term also applies to the entire event or the distinctive syncopated rhythm of the music. Second lining is even popular at weddings. A jazz trio leads the couple who are followed by their guests as they strut around the reception hall with decorated parasols and souvenir napkins.
As Satchmo would have said, "It's a gas!"
Hey Blake,
The reason I am writing you is, if I'm not mistaken, I think it was your column that pointed out to me that the French Quarter is a national park and that is why the National Park Service employees (with Smokey the Bear hats) are always seen leading groups of visitors around the Quarter giving them tours. My question is if someone is arrested in the French Quarter, wouldn't it, no matter what the charge is, be considered a federal offense as it is in every other national park across this great country of ours?
Transportation Magnate
Dear T.M.,
You didn't read it here. The French Quarter is not a national park. However, I'm very happy you wrote to me so I can clear up any misconceptions.
Since the French Quarter is not controlled by the National Park Service, you need not be concerned about committing a federal offense if you, say, feed the pigeons.
We in Louisiana are lucky to have the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve which was "established to preserve for present and future generations significant examples of the rich natural and cultural resources of Louisiana's Mississippi Delta Region." But unlike many other national parks, ours has six physically separate locations. There are the Acadian Cultural Centers in Lafayette, Eunice, and Thibodaux, the Barataria Preserve in Marrero, and the Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery in Chalmette. All of these are federal property.
Located in the French Quarter, which is a National Historic Landmark District, is the park's Visitor Center, also federally owned, where the mission is to interpret the history of New Orleans and the diverse cultures of Louisiana's Mississippi Delta region. At 419 Decatur St. you can see exhibits, performances and demonstrations. And the free ranger-guided tours featuring history and culture of the French Quarter are excellent. They also offer an afternoon program with slides, dramatic interpretation, and films that explores the Delta cultures.
Congress decided that it would be a good idea to put a visitor center in the French Quarter and staff it with knowledgeable rangers as a gateway to the rest of Jean Lafitte National Park. Many tourists come to Louisiana and head straight for New Orleans and the French Quarter. While there's nothing wrong with that, our state has so many other interesting and worthwhile attractions. The rangers at the visitor center provide information about the other park sites, facilities, and programs.
So, the next time you feel you need a dose of Louisiana history and culture, head over to the visitor center on Decatur Street and ask for Ranger Danny. He knows everything.
