What is the origin of the term raising Cain?

Answer 1

Because Cain was the first murderer in The Bible, having killed his brother Abel, people use the expression "raising Cain" to describe acts of violence, criminal activity, or other mischievous acts. "Raising Cain" is also used as another way of saying "raising hell."

Also:

Joe Cain revived the revelry of Mardi Gras celebrations in America by dressing in a Native American war chief costume and parading through the streets of Mobile Alabama shortly after the Civil War. The Union occupation of the city at the time had brought an end to the traditional carnival celebrations. Joe Cain's portrayal of a fictional Chickasaw war chief "Slacabamorinico" and his wagon named "ole hickory" were backhanded attacks on the Union's occupation; the first because the Chickasaw tribe was undefeated by foreign forces, and the second giving reverence to Andrew Jackson a hero of the confederacy. Each year in Mobile, Joe Cain is symbolically resurrected from his grave at the start of the Joe Cain day parade. Thus resurrecting Joe or "Raising Cain" in this context takes on essentially the same meaning for Mobilians; creating mischief, or causing an uproar.