Les très riches heures du Duc de Berry (1/4)
January
The month of giving gifts (a custom which seems
to have died out now). Jean de Berry himself can be seen
on the right, wearing the brilliant blue robe.
Dans certaines familles, on ne celebrait guere Noel, bien que certains
soient catholiques: on donnait un cadeau chaque annee qu'on appelait
les etrennes. Ce mot remonte a l'usage Romain de par lequel le patron
devait offrir une subside annuelle a ses clients. Il est possible
que la television ait donne le dessus a la fete de Noel sur l'epiphanie.
(comment from mmurphy@ernsty.co.uk)
February
Winter in a peasant village. The inhabitants of a farm are
shown warming themselves by the fire, while in the background
daily life - cutting wood, taking cattle to the market - goes
on as normal.
March
The year's first farm work, sowing and ploughing and suchlike.
The chateau in the background is that of Lusignan, one of
the Duc's favourites.