I must be in love with this woman because I keep mentioning
her. I like folklore and I find it interesting
that this folk story and custom has not been researched. I googled her once again and saw some
references to the character, including my posts where I’m having fun with it. I read a new article that was written and read
the interview done with Amanda Lafleur. Both
are interesting but they don’t go further into the origins of the story
and how it developed. I drive a truck
and deliver beer all day so I’m unable to do any research except quick internet
searches. But if I had the time I would
start with reading old newspapers from the Acadiana region around January 1st.
That’s when she’s active nowadays and maybe a fun editorial or commentary was
written. Acadiana regions would maybe
have different versions of her. You
could possibly see her character change through the years up until now. Another way to search, especially if you know
French, would be to email reference librarians in France or Quebec. Visit French websites that deal with folklore
or history and contact someone. I’m sure
her origins are from France. Maybe she
came from Quebec or Acadia. She came
from somewhere and she’s still around in 2012.
Questions:
Where did Madame Grand Doigts come from and what’s her real
story?
Who brought her to Louisiana?
When did she marry Santa Claus and become, by some, Mrs.
Santa Claus?
Is she bipolar?
Why does she visit on New Year’s Day and did she always come
on that day?
Why are her gifts “simple” compared to gifts from Santa Claus?
How did she become disfigured?
I’m sure someone will find the answers and I could then quit
talking about her.