Carnival Chaos and Lenten Sacrifice

Although perhaps not as closely observed here as in the past, the approach of the period known to Christians as Lent was long marked with festivities and licence; a storm before the calm of six weeks solemn observance marked by self-discipline, abstinence and spiritual reflection that conclude with the celebration of Easter.  

Harvest Rituals and Superstitions

The lives of those who inhabited the rural Brittany of yesteryear were guided by the seasons and the precious hours of daylight. For them, the unpredictable year was punctuated by the key dates of the agrarian and liturgical calendar. With harvest well underway here in today’s Brittany, a look at some of the old rituals, beliefs and superstitions once associated with the agricultural cycle here might be timely.

Prayers, Pancakes and Paintings

In Brittany, Candlemas is celebrated on the second day of February. Announcing the end of winter, the festival was, for centuries, closely associated with traditions related to purification, fertility, prosperity and light and is popularly known here as le jour des crêpes or Pancake Day.

Brittany’s Milk Snatching Sorcerers

Considerable importance was once attached to milk in Brittany; it played a vital role in the people’s diet and livelihood. A number of once popular superstitious beliefs surrounded it; including practices to preserve cows from the evil spells cast by witches.

The Bee Whisperers of Brittany

The humble bee has, from the earliest annals of recorded time, had a close, symbiotic relationship with humanity. Brittany possesses a rich tradition of beliefs and superstitions surrounding bees and beekeeping.

Tastes of Brittany

Some distinctive local delicacies from Brittany, France. Food that will give you a culinary taste of Brittany.

Cheese and Wine of Brittany

Although not a region of France traditionally associated with cheese and wine, Brittany’s offerings are sure to surprise and delight.

Bed and Breakfast in Brittany

Once, the main item of furniture found in the dwellings of rural Brittany was the closed bed or lit clos. The multi-function statement piece of its day.

Bread and Butter in Brittany

A feast for the senses – the breads and butter of Brittany.