Here you see the Golden Apple. But first - on the left - meet the Committee of the Association for Festivals and Animations in Gorbio - responsible for organising the Fête Patronale de Saint Barthélemy. You can see the two chickens held aloft which are the offering to the curé - and note the man in the pale blue suit - he's holding the Pomme d'or.The tradition of the Golden Apple goes back to Medieval times when the nobles made an offering to the church. The crucifix, which you saw entering the church the other day, and the sword represent the two social orders.
I didn't photograph the ceremony itself or follow the procession through the little streets of the village. There is much we have missed - next year, I promise.
Tomorrow - on to other joys of the Village Fête - how about a game of boules?
Bonjour Jilly! I knew the words "pomme d'or" but I have never seen one, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure to learn many things about la pétanque from you, inhabitant of the South!
That's a pretty way to make an offering.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the boules..
Are those really gold coins or are they chocolate wrapped in gold foil?
ReplyDeleteThey are just normal everyday Euros, Jim! Looks like some are 2 euros and some, slightly smaller, are 1 euro coins.
ReplyDeleteOh well, chocolate would have been nice. I added a link on my post for the non meat eaters.
ReplyDeleteLove this close up of the Pomme d'or. I have a boule photo from a French restaurant here. Maybe I will run it tomorrow. I'll have to dig it up.
ReplyDeleteVery nice photo of the pomme, Jilly. I had never heard of that. We have blessing of the animals here, too. . .usually on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
ReplyDeletePlease say a prayer for my wonderful Decker. He's at the vet today being tested for a heart problem. I am just sick to death with worry.
It has been such fun following the festival activities...can't wait till tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jilly for the information and interesting photo.
ReplyDeleteUnusual photo. Love the traditions that are still maintained in so many different ways in many countries.
ReplyDeleteHi Jilly
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed looking thorough these fete pics....and am very relieved that the roosters are no longer put to the chop! As well, I think you have succeeded really well on the church interior pic - I know you've been practicing for ages! The light coming in directly above the altar ensured mine were no good at all. So congratulations!!
Jilly, extremely enjoyable. Merci.
ReplyDelete