Basque ethnography at a glance
Loyola (Gipuzkoa). José Ignacio García Muñoz. Labayru Fundazioa Photographic Archive.
In a previous post we revisited sacred places popular with pilgrims as prevention and cure for sickness. On this occasion we focus on pilgrimage destinations for infertile women and children with disorders. These are old-time practices that have gradually been abandoned over the years.
Infertility was almost considered a disgrace in traditional society, and primarily, if not exclusively, attributed to women. Children were a blessing for the continuity of the family line, while providing a helping hand with domestic chores. Not surprisingly, married women eagerly yearned for a family of their own, and those who could not bear children sought the intercession of the Virgin and the saints. (more…)
Sheep shearing. Carranza (Bizkaia), 1998. Miguel Sabino Díaz.
Once upon a time, not so long ago, a sheep’s wool was a most valuable commodity. Shepherds in the Basque Country used to shear their flocks around St John’s festivities and benefit financially from their coats, adding to profits from the sale of lambs, cheese, and older sheep, later in October, that made up for lack of meat before pig slaughter. Wool was woven to make clothing items, typically socks, also laces for rustic shoes known as abarcas, and manes to protect straps and yokes for oxen, and of course, served as filling for mattresses and pillows in every house. Woollens used to be well appreciated for their warmth and moisture absorbing qualities. (more…)
Day of the geese. Lekeitio (Bizkaia), 1995. José Ignacio García Muñoz.
Saint Roch and Saint Antoninus were the patron saints of the fishing port of Lekeitio, in Bizkaia, up to the 18th century, when the papacy asked for patronal festivals to be reduced and a random drawing finally tipped the balance in favour of the latter. St Antoninus’ Day is celebrated on 2 September, controversial goose pulling, on 5 September, having taken over as the big attraction among visitors who flood in to enjoy the numerous events that take place during the feast days. (more…)
Agintarien mahaia. Table of authorities by José Arrue. Courtesy of Orozkoko Garrafa Kultur Elkartea.
Cannot beat a nice cold drink on a hot summer day!
But, believe it or not, drinking iced beverages was not customary in ancient times. It was not until the 14th century that physicians incorporated ice into their practice, arguing that it cured burning fevers and protected against the plague. (more…)
Bilbo-Abando
Colon de Larreategi 14, 2. esk.48001 Bilbo (Bizkaia)
Tel.: +34 94 443 76 84
labayru@labayru.eus
Derio
Larrauri 1A, 5.a48160 Derio (Bizkaia)
Tel.: +34 94 406 01 71
idazkaritza@labayru.eus
Bilbo-Bolueta
Metroalde eraikinaBilbo-Galdakao errep. 6A
48004 Bilbo (Bizkaia)
Tel.: +34 94 607 72 10
labayru@labayru.eus
