The Suit of Accordions in the Louisiana Cajun & Creole Tarot reimagines the traditional Suit of Cups through the lens of the poignant love story of Evangeline and Gabriel from Longfellow’s famous poem. This suit captures the emotional depth, trials, and triumphs of their journey, blending themes of love, loss, resilience, and reunion with the musical heart of Cajun culture—the accordion.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Evangeline, published in 1847, is a poignant epic poem that tells the story of star-crossed lovers torn apart by the harsh realities of historical events—the expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia during the Great Upheaval.

The poem begins with the idyllic life of the Acadian village of Grand-Pré, where Evangeline, the beautiful daughter of Father Basil, and Gabriel Lajeunesse, a strong and gentle youth, share a deep bond rooted in love and shared cultural heritage. Their simple, harmonious life is interrupted when British forces, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Winslow, forcibly remove the Acadians from their homeland. Families are separated, and homes are left in disarray as the people are scattered across the colonies.

Evangeline’s journey begins when she searches for Gabriel, having been separated during the expulsion. Her quest spans years, crossing through the wilderness and enduring countless hardships as she seeks to be reunited with her one true love. Along the way, she encounters other displaced Acadians, sharing their stories of suffering and resilience. Despite her many trials, Evangeline remains steadfast in her pursuit of Gabriel, embodying the themes of hope, faith, and the enduring power of love.

The poem captures not only the personal tragedy of Evangeline and Gabriel but also the broader historical context of the Acadian diaspora. Longfellow portrays their love as a symbol of the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity, making Evangeline a timeless story of lost love and the struggle for identity amidst displacement and suffering.

In the final scenes, Evangeline and Gabriel are finally reunited, yet their happiness is short-lived as Gabriel succumbs to illness. In his final moments, he and Evangeline share a tender farewell, their love eternal even in death. The poem closes with Evangeline continuing her life’s work—caring for the poor and preserving the memory of her lost homeland—symbolizing her undying dedication to both Gabriel and her Acadian heritage.

Each card in the Suit of Accordions follows the narrative arc of Evangeline and Gabriel’s love, from its blossoming in the idyllic fields of Acadie to their eventual separation during the Acadian expulsion and the heart-wrenching years of Evangeline’s search for Gabriel. It concludes with their bittersweet reunion, a testament to the enduring power of love and perseverance.

This suit draws upon the traditional meanings of the Rider-Waite-Smith Cups while weaving in Louisiana’s cultural heritage, showcasing scenes of village life, music, and the struggles and hopes of the Acadian people. The accordion, a symbol of emotional expression and community, serves as a unifying motif, resonating with the themes of joy, sorrow, and connection that define this story.

Through the Suit of Accordions, querents are invited to explore the depths of their own emotional journeys, finding inspiration in Evangeline’s unwavering faith and the universal truths of love and resilience that transcend time.