‘La Transhumance’ Sheep Drive
The word ‘transhumance’ comes from Latin. Trans (the other side) and humance (county/country.)
In 1990 archeologists in the French Alps discovered sheepfolds dating as far back as the Iron age. Roman philosopher, naturalist and military commander, Pliny the Elder noted in his diaries that in the Provincia Narbonensis, sheep were brought from far and wide, to the area’s rocky plains, before beginning their long journey to the high pastures of the Alps, where they would remain for the summer before being brought back down again in late autumn.
The tradition, strongly emblematic of Provence, seems already to have been well re-established around 1390, as is shown by the many community notarial deeds. It is estimated that by 1450, there were approximately 40 to 50,000 sheep being driven to the high pastures from Aix-en-Provence alone.
Over the centuries, this tradition of walking, or ‘driving' the flocks up to the mountains has somewhat declined, particularly in recent years due to road haulage and the numbers of sheep being imported for their wool types from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. However, in Provence the transhumance continues, with celebrations to see the flocks on their way, such as the Fête de la Transhumance at St. Remy-de-Provence, usually held around the end of May and beginning of June. Enthusiasts are allowed to participate in these drives, that can take anything up to a week to complete.
Edited by Denise Goss
Flower of the Month: Dandelion
Nobody really knows exactly where the Dandelion originated. It grows all over the world, generally in sunny and rough soil. Every part of the Dandelion can be used but the leaf in particular is wonderful for poor digestion, water retention, skin rashes like acne or eczema, supporting a healthy liver function and in some parts of the world is traditionally used to support the health of people with cancer. In France the leaves are harvested in spring so as to make a delicious salad. However be sure to have a knowledgeable person with you to point out Dandelion when collecting the plant as there are a few Dandelion look-alikes about!
