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Basque Folklore and Traditions
The Basques converted to Christianity relatively late, but when they did, they did so with fervor. However, their pre-Christian folklore and mythology is as rich as any other culture's. The Basque culture also features a number of traditions that are both familiar to other European cultures and unique to the Basques.
Folklore and Traditions
These articles were taken from "Folklore and Traditions", one of the series of "The Basque Country, Come and then pass the word" promotional items published by the Basque Government in the early 1990s (2nd edition, January 1993 Author: Angel Murua, Published by: Gobierno Vasco, Departamento de Comercio, Consuma, y Turismo. Viceconsejeria de Turismo). They offer a very nice introduction to the Folk customs of the Basque people.
Myths and Legends
While the Basques have a rich tradition of myths and legends, relatively little is published in English. Here are a few stories and articles about Basque mythology in English
This is a small collection of legends that were translated by forum member chris.
These are a series of articles I have translated from Spanish that originally appeared in the Encyclopedia Auñamendi. If others would like to contribute translated articles, please let me know.
A general introduction to Basque Mythology.
The akelarre was the witches' celebration, the Black Sabbath.
Basajaun, the lord of the forest, both antagonizes and helps humans.
A spirit in the form of a snake, the Herensuge inhabits the caves of the Basque Country.
A story common in Europe, the Hunter is forced to hunt eternally.
Thunder, Odei is still used in Euskara to describe the weather.
The sky, Ortzi was probably the chief of the gods at some point.
The Basques have a long association with witchcraft.
Olentzero is the Basque Santa Claus.
A English version of the Olentzero story, translated by Jon Aske.
Jaiak: Holidays and Fiestas
Fiestas are a big part of the Basque experience. Every town has at least one fiesta on its saint's day. Probably the most famous Basque fiesta is the fiesta of San Fermin, also known as the running of the bulls, in Pamplona.
Contributed by John Ysursa
Aberri Eguna is the National Basque Day.
Coincidentally celebrated on my birthday...
The 2010 festival just finished, but 2015 is just around the corner.
A site about fiestas and sporting events in the Basque Country.
Basque Symbols
At any Basque gathering, there are a number of ubiquitous symbols, including the ikurrina (Basque flag) and the lauburu (Basque cross).
The ikurrina is the Basque flag. It was first designed in 1894 by Sabino Arana.
This site also has links to other flags from the Basque Country.
Contributed by John Ysursa
The Eusko Harmarriak are the Basque Coat of Arms, representing the seven historical Basque provinces.
The Makila is a Basque walking stick. It often conceals a blade at one end. Today, it is a very cermonial object, often given to dignitaries that visit the Basque Country.
A site and business which makes Makhilak by hand.
The lauburu is probably the most recognized Basque symbol. Literally meaning "four-heads", it is an ancient four armed symbol found on many pre-historic grave stones.
These are some excerpts from the Basque-L discussion list about the origins of the Lauburu.
Durango Tatu does some amazing things incorporating traditional Basque symbols into very stylish tattoos.
Basque Architecture
Basque architecture ranges from the traditional baserriak or farm houses to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. I don't have any links for this section yet, but hope to fill it in soon.
Basque Traditions
The Basques had their own way of looking at the night sky. It seems they were also at one time a matriarchal society.
These are the names of some common celestial objects in Euskara.
I found this book in the library at the Unversity of Washington and did my best to translate it. Has some interesting information on the Sun and Moon in Euskara.
These are some excerpts from a discussion on Basque-L about the matriarchal society of the ancient Basques.
Kultur eta Dantza Taldeak * Dance and Culture Groups * Grupos de Danzas y Culturales * Groupes Danse et Culturels
Dance is an important part of Basque culture and is one of the principal ways that Basque-Americans express their Basque identity.
This is a collection of dance groups that have a pressence on the web.
This is the Basque Studies Society
The Center for Traditional Culture
The Association for Artisans of Gipuzkoa.
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