Wednesday 17 September 2014

Une Célébration



Ritual is important to us as human beings. It ties us to our traditions and our histories. Miller Williams

The faint sound of car horns constantly tooting is unfamiliar. Perhaps the gendarmes or pompiers alerting the traffic to make way? The cacophony grows louder before its source is revealed.  

Unexpectedly, a Citroen 2CV cabriolet, festooned in bows, appears around the 
corner of la grande rue. Its windows open and roof folded down, defying the intermittent rain. The female passenger is frantically waving to the empty street, while her male driver has his right hand simultaneously on the steering wheel and horn while making large circular motions with his left arm. Following closely behind the Citroen is a long procession of horn blowing vehicles, each with a bow and occupants who are whooping, cheering or waving. Obviously a celebration.  



The motorcade winds through the village, past the church then down Rue Jean Brugnon while, from our vantage point in the boulangerie, Mr R estimates its length - at least 1.5 kilometres. The noise trails off into the distance long after the last car disappears, leaving us to guess the reason for ces festivités. "C'est une célébration de mariage, bien sûr," explains our neighbour a few days later.


This is the France we want to experience - away from the tourist hot-spots, hotels and charms of Paris. The reason for buying My French Folly. It's the people and rhythm of daily life in les petites villages and countryside that we find truly enchanting.


Marriage brings one into fatal connection with custom and tradition, and traditions and customs are like the wind and the weather, altogether incalculable. Soren Kierkegaard

10 comments:

martinealison said...

Bonjour,

La tradition des cortèges pour les mariages... à la campagne, cette pratique est plus remarquée et appréciée qu'en ville.

Le mythe de la 2cv en plus !... Je ne souhaite que du bonheur à ces jeunes mariés...

Merci pour ces belles photos et ce joli billet.

❁ Gros bisous ❁

http://tintacirera.blogspot.com/ said...

Amusant!

LaPouyette said...

My heart sinks seeing this lovely 2CV, just like the one we've had 20 years ago....long time.
Yes, this is French country side, off the beaten truck, and still remains a certain authenticity.
Charming post, dear Elizabeth, merci for it, merci for the "touching-me" images!
A bientôt,
karin

Lynne said...

So true dear Elizabeth.
Thank you for taking us to the roads less traveled.
Your images fill the walls of "a French folly" in my dreams!
~Lynne
w/L

Unknown said...

I love this tradition. We hear the horns regularly in our village in France as we have a large church which is very popular for weddings especially in the summer season. I often go and watch the well dressed often Parisians as the enter and exit the church. Great people watching.

Burlap Luxe said...

Hi Elizabeth,
Oh my dear, it's been awhile in late visits to you, I hope your days are healthy.
As for traditions of France many her in the U.S as well, as to live in France away from the popular tourist areas and business of what one may think this is what France is all about? Well, I rather visit the rural villages as yours and taking in the rustic village traditions as yours. Ones like the bridal party traveling about, adorned cars, and blowing of the horns in celebration of a new journey as husband and wife.

The village, sites, brocnate, the local artist cafés, are where I would much rather be enjoying its authentic history.

Thank you dear friend for taking the time to visit, always encouraging my passions with a beautiful comment left behind on your way back to France.
Beauty and grace in your days inspired by all things French.

Xx
Bisous

Doré

Decor To Adore said...

Perfectly brilliant. What a wonderful occasion to witness. Love the festooned French car.

Have a beautiful weekend.

Vagabonde said...

It’s always nice to see a wedding go by, in car, or on foot. Did you ever ride in the back of a 2CV? My father had one and I hated to ride in it, in the back – it certainly was not smooth, and made me car sick every time. I was pleased when he sold it, of course now they are sought after…

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Elizabeth,
Bonjour I am visiting by way of Doré at Burlap Luxe. I am now following your blog and enjoy it very much. My husband and I are vintage French car enthusiasts. We own a 1972 Citroën DS Pallas which we have lovingly restored. On Saturday we were at a party with our friends who also collect Citroëns. Present were 2 Deux Chevauxs (one dolly) a Dyane and our DS. You would of smiled at the beauty and automotive brilliance of our French motor babies,
Vera

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hi Elizabeth Love tradition and this car. I have now safely arrived back from 6 weeks away so have LOTS of editing to do!! Thanks for looking in on my posts while I was away and commenting. I appreciate that very much.