In red, blue or white costume under a grey sky,
the whole of Brittany joined in the procession through the streets of Quimper.
The long ribbon coloured and rang out along the edge of the river Odet before
borrowing the old paved streetsof the old quartier of Quimper. More than
2000 inhabitants and 500 singers turnrd up for this annual
« disguised » meeting. Shy smiles from the children impressed
witht the procession. The singers give the real rhythmn.
Not so long ago, perhaps fifty or sixty years, all these clothes and embroideries would have spoken for the diversity and wealth of Brittany. The creativity of a rural people that have almost disappeared.
Just by taking a look at the headdresses, we would know where the people
came from. Equally, we could then have a closer look at the participants
and tell which ones were married. Long dresses to the floor, hair hidden,
severe fashion from the 16th century has become more and more a fantasy.
Either a blonde or brown lock of hair hangs down, or sometimes you notice a leg. Slightly different to the way the women from Ouessant island would have dressed, with their hair more slack.
Short trousers and belts pulled tightly holding together the reigns for
working in the fields. Large big hats : the men have to work too!!
In this closed world, with material and embroidery accompany you from birth to death. Flowers act as a symbol of the course of life. Today, these costums are only worn as marks of tradition, and not every day. They are covered with a sense of nostalgia and often inspire contemporary designers.
Patrice MOYON,
Ouest-France
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| Smiles in the wings as the dancers wait to perform on stage at the Festival of Cornouaille. |  Ko |
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Right : Seen in detail, a headdress from the area of Forêt-Fouesnant. |
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Copyright © 1996
