12 Things Every House In Louisiana Has To Have

Just like folks in any other state, in Louisiana, there are certain things the majority of people will have in their household or use on a daily basis. For example, Mardi Gras beads, huge black cast iron pots, or a generator. Chalk it up to certain types of climates or various cultures; most of the time, people who live in the same area will have many of the same things.

I must admit, a lot of the things on the list below may seem kind of weird to the average person. That's okay because Louisiana is a lot of things…but normal isn't one of them. To prove that point, listed below are a few Things Every House In Louisiana Has To Have. Have some fun! If you're from Louisiana see how many things on this list you have in your possession.

1. Crock Pot

Louisiana folks love to cook and eat. The crock pot is put to good use to cook many Creole dishes like Jambalaya, Crawfish Étouffée, Boudin, Red Beans and Rice, Catfish Courtbouillon, Maque Choux, and more. Not to mention basic American dishes such as stew, brisket, roast, and so on. Another favorite pastime in Louisiana is throwing a party. Nothing works better than the three-dish crock pots to keep the meatballs, cheese, and chili hot.

2. Saints/LSU Football Season Calendar

For Louisianians, only two teams exist the New Orleans Saints and LSU baby! Woo Dat!

3. Cast Iron Pots and Pans

In some families, a pot like this is passed down from generation to generation. This is the pot that folks will cook a sauce pecan or jambalaya in outside, in the middle of a pasture after a hunt, or at a campsite. A cast iron pot like this is in just about every household, it's like a member of the family.  Matter of fact, I know people who've brought their pots with them when evacuating from a hurricane!

4. Off! Bug Spray

Louisiana has a lot of water and along with it, a mosquito problem. These irritating, blood-sucking insects lay eggs and hatch in standing water, and boy can they give you the blues. Especially in the summertime!

No doubt about it, Off! is a hot commodity! I have a bottle or two in all my vehicles.

5. Flashlights

Just like having a generator is a must, flashlights, and batteries are as well. Every hurricane season we go to the store with a checklist of items so we are prepared. We check our flashlights to make sure they are working, if not they are number one on the list.

We make sure we have several throughout the house just in case the lights go out. Since the LED lanterns and flashlights have come out I prefer to use them. They last longer than and shine brighter than the traditional ones.

6. Guns & Hunting Gear

They call Louisiana the Sportsman's Paradise, because there are acres and acres of land that are perfect for outdoor activities. From camping at RV parks to fishing in a beautiful bayou, hunting, or hiking. It's a way of life in the Pelican State.

It's not unusual, to see folks walking around in hunting overalls or at a local outdoors store picking up tackle and snacks for a weekend on the water.

7. Generator

Most people that live in Louisiana, will have one or two of these because the Gulf Coast is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms. Many people have Generac generators wired into their homes to power the whole house or business because the annual storms knock out power lines. In 2020 we went more than three months with no electricity, compliments of Hurricane Laura.

8. Tony Chacheres

This is a seasoning that goes in just about every Louisiana meal and food except cake and ice cream. If something is cooked without Tony's, it's concerned bland and without taste. I know people who take trips or go out to eat and bring a can or individual packs of this seasoning with them.

9. Zatarain's Crab Boil

You'll be hard-pressed to find a home without crab boil unless they just ran out in the state of Louisiana. This is a must-have for cooking a wide variety of seafood and Creole/Cajun delicacies.

10. Tabasco

Much like Tony Chachere's, you are bound to spot someone from Louisiana pulling a bottle of some good ol' Tabasco out of their purse or bag. They even make travel sizes for that very reason! If it doesn't have a kick, it ain't it! I have come to realize Louisiana folks are spoiled. The food is so good here, everywhere else it tastes bland.

11. Fleur De Lis

The Fleur De Lis is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. It came to New Orleans through the French explorer Sieur de la Salle in 1682. Salle shoved a flag covered in Fleur De Lis flowers into the ground in the name of France. He then claimed the Mississippi Valley, which comprises six districts based in New Orleans, Tennessee; Vicksburg, Mississippi; Minnesota, Rock Island, St. Paul, Missouri; and Memphis for King Louis XVI, for whom Louisiana was named.

On 9 July 2008, former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed a bill into law making the fleur-de-lis an official symbol of the state.

12. Crawfish Boiler

Everyone in Louisiana looks forward to crawfish season. Crawfish boilers are a must! The best thing about Louisiana is that they are one of those things that the majority of people will have. So, even if you don't own one, your neighbor does!

Crawfish boilers are essential to the Louisiana lifestyle because they are used to prepare many Creole and Cajun delicacies. Boiling crawfish is a given, but they are also used to fry fish, shrimp, crabs, and even turkey. When folks pull this out of the shed, there's going to be a get-together.

Louisianians don't need much of a reason to party anyway. Plus, you're never in danger of going hungry with one of these things around.