Second Lining is a common tradition in South Louisiana and a great article on the history is HERE. To sum it up, a 'First Line' is composed of the band and the family and a 'Second Line' is made up of everyone else. This dates back to New Orleans Jazz Funerals in the early 1800's when family members would come to pay their respect and celebrate the life of the deceased. It's celebration that includes props such as fans, handkerchiefs and umbrellas while a dancing line forms and moves throughout reception rooms and even streets!
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Picture via TheKnot.
Pic of my friends Nicole and Ben's wedding in the French Quarter!
A combination of two different numbers—"Picou's Blues" and "Whuppin' Blues"—"Second Line," parts 1 and 2, have become some of the most widely played songs. Find those songs HERE. The umbrella has become a dominant symbal (HERE is a great site on umbrellas, brides typically carry white and grooms carry black umbrellas) and today the celebration is used to celebrate just about anything from weddings, graduations, showers, parties, etc. We've even organized second lines at the airport for arriving guests! Happy Monday! xoxo, Julie