202 THEISLAND ACADIANS 
     
    
   
   
    
     The religious customs, beliefs and practices that we have de- 
     
     scribed give a general idea of the religious life of the Acadians until 
     
     the middle of the twentieth century. Religion played a very important 
     
     role both in everyday life and throughout the main stages of life, thus 
     
     providing a constant focus for all Acadians. It permeated their character 
     
     and directed their daily existence. 
     
    

    
     Seeing the innumerable rituals and duties interspersed through- 
     
     out the Acadians’ life, one might have the impression that there was 
     
     very little room left for joy and pleasure. In fact, while their religious 
     
     ties were strong and they were generally faithful to the precepts of 
     
     the Church, the Acadians also liked to enjoy themselves very much. 
     
     Their folklore provides eloquent proof of this: a rich and extensive 
     
     repertoire of music, songs, dances, tales and legends has survived to 
     
     this day. One should not be surprised to discover in this legacy of 
     
     oral traditions an abundance of songs and stories that are somewhat 
     
     risqué! What is more, when the priest prohibited dancing some parents 
     
     even dared challenge his authority by holding dances in their own 
     
     homes. In their opinion there was nothing sinful in supervised enter- 
     
     tainment of this kind. They preferred to be able to see their children 
     
     having fun rather than have them out of sight and perhaps 
     
     misbehaving. 
     
    
   
   
    
     POLITICAL ISSUES 
     
    
   
   
    
     The publication of L’Impartial by the Buote family added a new 
     
     dimension to Acadian political life. Contrary to the newspapers of 
     
     the time that declared their party affiliation, the new Acadian paper 
     
     announced from the beginning that it would be “impartial”. Defending 
     
     the rights of the Acadians was considered more important than polit- 
     
     ical allegiance and partisanship. The Buotes described their position 
     
     in the following terms: 
     
    
   
   
    
     With regard to politics, L’Impartial is strictly independent. We respect equally 
     
     the two major parties which divide public opinion concerning the affairs of 
     
     our country; consequently, our columns are open to both of them without 
     
     any differentiation. However, should one of our own canvass for votes with 
     
     the view of serving the State, then L’Impartial, will, in accordance with its 
     
     motto, side with the nationality and will leave no stone unturned to promote 
     
     our rights.(TR)”?