8 Things to Know About a New Orleans Second Line Parade

Are you ready to second line strut?

Dancing in the Street - By now we’re sure you’ve read, seen or heard about Solange’s wedding weekend extravaganza. In true New Orlean’s fashion, one of the most talked about highlights from the celebration was the second line parade, a traditional event full of significant value in New Orleans culture. In case you need a brief history lesson about the ins and outs behind the parade, here are eight things we think you should know about second linin’. By Dontaira Terrell  (Photo: Josh Brasted/WireImage)

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Dancing in the Street - By now we’re sure you’ve read, seen or heard about Solange’s wedding weekend extravaganza. In true New Orlean’s fashion, one of the most talked about highlights from the celebration was the second line parade, a traditional event full of significant value in New Orleans culture. In case you need a brief history lesson about the ins and outs behind the parade, here are eight things we think you should know about second linin’. By Dontaira Terrell  (Photo: Josh Brasted/WireImage)

A Look Back - Second lines are said to have originated from the styles of traditional West African dance circles. Slaves brought to the United States incorporated these rituals into brass band processionals come to be known as jazz funerals. As part of the modern-day cultural heritage of the Crescent City, this historic custom isn’t just limited to take place during burials, but also weddings, births, grand openings and other celebratory moments.  (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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A Look Back - Second lines are said to have originated from the styles of traditional West African dance circles. Slaves brought to the United States incorporated these rituals into brass band processionals come to be known as jazz funerals. As part of the modern-day cultural heritage of the Crescent City, this historic custom isn’t just limited to take place during burials, but also weddings, births, grand openings and other celebratory moments.  (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Brass Band - Obviously, you can’t have a second line without a band! Full of zest, high energy and the signature New Orleans rhythm, the brass band plays a quintessential part in getting the party started.  (Photo: Skip Bolen/EPA/Landov)

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Brass Band - Obviously, you can’t have a second line without a band! Full of zest, high energy and the signature New Orleans rhythm, the brass band plays a quintessential part in getting the party started.  (Photo: Skip Bolen/EPA/Landov)

The Main Section - New Orleans’s brass band tradition generally has two parts: the “first line” or the “main line” consists of the brass band, the ones being honored and/or whoever purchased the parade permit.  During a wedding, the bride and groom, bridal party and band will lead the way with decorated umbrellas as the first line. Guests and others who join in the celebration with handkerchiefs or cocktail napkins are commonly referred to as the “second line." As they cheer, a rhythmic dance or "second line strut" is also customary. (Photo: Skip bolen/EPA/Landov)

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The Main Section - New Orleans’s brass band tradition generally has two parts: the “first line” or the “main line” consists of the brass band, the ones being honored and/or whoever purchased the parade permit.  During a wedding, the bride and groom, bridal party and band will lead the way with decorated umbrellas as the first line. Guests and others who join in the celebration with handkerchiefs or cocktail napkins are commonly referred to as the “second line." As they cheer, a rhythmic dance or "second line strut" is also customary. (Photo: Skip bolen/EPA/Landov)

Second Line Significance - During a wedding, it signifies the beginning of a joint union and a celebration of a new life. Second linin’ was also incorporated as a way to maneuver from the official ceremony to the reception site.  (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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Second Line Significance - During a wedding, it signifies the beginning of a joint union and a celebration of a new life. Second linin’ was also incorporated as a way to maneuver from the official ceremony to the reception site.  (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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It's All About the Props - The primary purpose of the parade is to have a good time and get as many people as possible to join in the fun. Normally, participants whirl parasols, whip handkerchiefs, dance to the beat of the horns and sometimes wear festive masquerade masks. (Photo: Melanie Stetson Freeman/The Christian Science Monitor via Getty Images)

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It's All About the Props - The primary purpose of the parade is to have a good time and get as many people as possible to join in the fun. Normally, participants whirl parasols, whip handkerchiefs, dance to the beat of the horns and sometimes wear festive masquerade masks. (Photo: Melanie Stetson Freeman/The Christian Science Monitor via Getty Images)

The Umbrella - In celebration of marriage, the newlywed’s custom parasols are generally considered as one of the most important elements. Normally, the groom holds a black oversized umbrella and the bride holds a white version that’s decked out with feathers to add an extra dose of spunk.  (Photo: Skip Bolen/Getty Images for Maxim)

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The Umbrella - In celebration of marriage, the newlywed’s custom parasols are generally considered as one of the most important elements. Normally, the groom holds a black oversized umbrella and the bride holds a white version that’s decked out with feathers to add an extra dose of spunk.  (Photo: Skip Bolen/Getty Images for Maxim)

History of the Handkerchief - Back in the day, those who didn’t have an umbrella would instead celebrate with a white handkerchief, and the tradition is still around today. Waving a white handkerchief or any type of cloth napkin is an easy way to take part in the parade procession.  (Photo: Lee Ceelano/Reuters/Corbis)

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History of the Handkerchief - Back in the day, those who didn’t have an umbrella would instead celebrate with a white handkerchief, and the tradition is still around today. Waving a white handkerchief or any type of cloth napkin is an easy way to take part in the parade procession.  (Photo: Lee Ceelano/Reuters/Corbis)

Join the Fun - For NOLA natives, it’s very rare for one not to come across a second line parade because every day is a day of celebration. Now that you’ve received a crash course into the cultural significance, it’s time to laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)! (Photo: Rusty Costanza/Getty Images)

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Join the Fun - For NOLA natives, it’s very rare for one not to come across a second line parade because every day is a day of celebration. Now that you’ve received a crash course into the cultural significance, it’s time to laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)! (Photo: Rusty Costanza/Getty Images)