Thursday, July 22, 2010

Fete de Genet


Our village recently celebrated the 'Fete de Genet' - the fete of broom for English speakers.


There are many traditions associated with broom across Europe, and a little research has led me to some interesting history and folk tales, although I cannot vouch for their integrity!

Broom is a plant with stiff branches and bright yellow flowers. I'm wondering whether our word for "broom" is based on the notion that in medieval Europe, the typical housewife used the twigs and branches of the broom as domestic tool for sweeping the floors? I suspect it is still in use in some places today - with perhaps greater application in the garden than in the house, but used nonetheless.

According to several sources, it was also a common belief in the Middle Ages that the herb repelled witches.

Broom is additionally linked to a long heraldic history. One tradition states that Count Geoffrey, who was the count of Anjou from 1129 to 1149, adopted the broom as a symbolic badge and fixed it to his helmet - he may have done this to help his troops could follow him into battle with ease of identification! Broom was again selected as a symbol a century later, when a new order of knighthood was founded by Louis IX of France - he chose the broom as an emblem of humility.

Herbalists also prepared medications using the broom and the herb was believed to be of great value as a medicine. For example, in the 16th century broom was often given as a diuretic and as a purgative herb to patients. The liquor of flowers was reportedly drunk as a remedy for illness. The beneficial properties attributed to the broom plant are not supported by modern research, and though some herbalists still use it, it has gone out of favour as the tops of the plant contain toxins which may be harmful.


The fete in our village is based on an ancient folkloric festival but very significantly it marks the beginning of summer, and the tourist season.

Broom grows wild all over the hills and mountains of this area, and it colours the countryside bright yellow at this time of year. Swathes of it in full flower are cut and used to decorate the Place de la Republic, normally our village car park, for the festivities of the weekend - a ball (dance) on Saturday night and celebrations throughout the day on Sunday.

(This fete also marks the first of many closures of our car park for dances and festivities over the summer - its a great space to party but its use is a pain the neck for both residents and visitors who have cars and have to find somewhere else to park! We become very strategic about when we travel and it certainly goes some way to explain why scooters and motor bikes are so popular!)

The Ball was both well patronised and well enjoyed (if the noise of the revellers is any indication!!) and the celebrations the next day were especially colourful - here we have our local Mayor giving a speech, attended by dancers in traditional costume. Later children participated in a competition exhibiting many creative and decorative uses of broom flowers.



Great fun - and wonderful to look forward to more bright and warm days after what has been a long and very cold winter!

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