Why do you have one dollar bills all over your chest? That was a familiar question from out of towners unfamiliar with the birthday ritual of locals, where you pin a dollar to your shirt and everyone comes up and pins a dollar and wishes you a happy birthday. One guy said, Happy Birthday and my friend said, at least he knows why and the guy answered, “Hey, I went to public school in New Orleans.”
Here is me leaving the house – notice the starter bill pinned nicely (and the front doors still not on the LaLa, grrr):
Here are some people who wished me happy birthday with a dollar bill:
A stranger just learning the culture:
My friend Paul who was in town for the fest:
Locals:
Real locals:
Friends:
By the end of the day I had $85 in one dollar bills pinned to my blouse and I had been told Happy Birthday at least 100 times. Not a bad way to turn 50.
Not a bad tradition! Maybe I could start it here? I’m thinking. I’m thinking.
You could call yours the supplement plan.