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Traditional symbolism of the roof tile

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Posted on 2019-01-18 in
Red roof tiling. Photograph by Xabi Otero taken from Euskaldunak [The Basques], 4

Red roof tiling. Xabi Otero. Euskaldunak [The Basques], 4.

Beyond its practical function, the roof tile (teila) is charged with symbolism in Basque folklore and ethnography, representing primarily the house (etxea), understood in a wider sense than merely a building.

The roof tile represented likewise private property as opposed to communal property. Thus, the roofs of shepherds’ huts and livestock housing built on communal land could not be tiled, since the tile was reserved for immovables. (more…)

Maypole and ringing of church bells in San Vicente de Arana (Álava), hail-protection rites

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Posted on 2018-04-27 in
Preparing the Maypole

Preparing the Maypole, 2017. José Ángel Chasco.

Peasants today rely on commercial or mutual insurance for compensation of losses caused by hailstorms. However, ancient rites and charms are still practised to provide protection against the hazard of damage to crops, animals and people. On 3 May, the Finding of the Holy Cross, a Maypole (Mayo, in Spanish) is erected in San Vicente de Arana (Álava) to guard cultivated fields and harvests from the ravages of storms and remains in place throughout the summer until it is taken down on 14 September, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. (more…)

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