The Hags of Le Mistral

Did you see the movie, "Chocolat"? Set in France, the characters Vianne Rocher and her young daughter move to a small Provencal town and open a chocolate shop. Do you remember when she is walking, wearing a red cape sheltering herself from the very strong winds? That is "le mistral", a very strong cold wind which blows from the north through Provence and the Rhone Valley.

The mistral, though harsh, also blows away the dust and makes the air particularly clear and that combination of air and light, inspired many impressionistic painters to the South of France. In France, they say the mistral brings with it good health and has played an important part in the life and culture of Provence from the beginning. The farmhouses there face south with their back to the mistral and the bell towers are usually open ironworks so that the wind can blow through them.  There are also "santons" or little saints which craftsman have sculpted for generations which depict these winds.

During my visit to Provence several years ago, we were fortunate enough to tour the studio of a very prominant santonnier. The craft is handed down from generation to generation. The figurines, comprised from Provencal village life, are placed in a creche, or nativity scene as we refer to them.

Inspired by these charming figurines, gave me the idea to sculpt some hags and witches from the old country, after all witches do indeed exist in France and are celebrated at the Bonnu en Sorcellerie every year. And being French myself, and loving Halloween as I do, it seemed so appropriate n'est-ce pas? Soon I will be presenting hags and witches of the Mistral!

Festival of the Witch - Bonnu, France

While doing some research on my own Halloween Hags, I came across a fascinating article about Halloween and witches in France. I found it so interesting because I just love going to France, I myself am French, I still have relatives over there, and I plan to go there many more times in the future and this village for sure will be on my "must visit" list! So...did you know that in many small villages there, witchcraft is very much alive? Mais oui!

The fete or festival, takes place in a small village called Bonnu. It's part of a larger village named Cuzion also known as Berry. Now, Bonnu itself is usually a very quiet place except for the 3rd Sunday in October when the Fete de la Sorcellerie takes place! And although it's in October, it has nothing to do with Halloween. It takes place because witchcraft is practiced in Berry. It is seen at the festival and in everyday life with the residents who live here.

The festival starts in the morning with a religious service offered to Saint Luc. The service is then followed by a procession of a wooden image of Saint Luc accompanied by a chorale. The festival goes on to last the whole day and the main theme of course is witchcraft and black magic. Fireworks are then held at the Chateau de Bonnu.

Besides witches, there are all sorts of devils and strange creatures parading along the streets. The "Gargouilles" are especially realistic and scary. And then of course you will find a gypsy or two in the streets reading tarot cards. In The House of the Witch you will find a beautiful exhibition about wolves, fairies, and other little magical creatures that live in the woods.

Sounds like a fantastical event to attend don't you think? Bien Sur!!!