10 September 2012

Fête de la Saint-Barthélemy - the Chickens


If you see a chicken strung up in a string bag on the end of a Medieval pole axe, then you know we are in Gorbio village for the Fête Patronale de la Saint-Barthélemy - the patron saint of Gorbio. The chickens (there are always two of them) represent an offering to God and in olden times, of course, the village priest would have been given them. Nowadays they return to their owners, and doubtless get an extra handful of grain for their dinner. Don't worry... they were fine.

More tomorrow ...

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Si vous voyez un poulet  dans un sac en filet suspendu à l'extrémité d'une perche médiévale, alors vous savez que vous êtes à la Fête Patronale de la Saint-Barthélemy au village de Gorbio - le saint patron de Gorbio. Les poulets (il y en a toujours deux) représentent une offrande à Dieu et dans les temps anciens, bien sûr, c'est le curé du village qui les aurait reçus. Aujourd'hui, ils reviennent à leurs propriétaires, et sans doute obtiennent une poignée supplémentaire de céréales pour leur dîner. Ne vous inquiétez pas, ils étaient bien traités ...

Demain, la suite ...



4 comments:

  1. So strange these customs look today.
    The boy's look says so much, as does the chicken's!

    SOME of the very religious here in Jerusalem have a pre-Yom Kippur ritual involving live chickens, but then it gets bloody and I don't have the heart to show the pictures. It is tres bizarre.

    I much prefer your custom in Gorbio.

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  2. Gosh!!
    Good to read that they are ok....

    Great documentary/ images!

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  3. They look a bit dubious about it. I'm glad to hear they get treats.

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  4. I'm sure the chickens were grateful there wasn't a chopping block awaiting them!!!

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