Scarves are a peculiarly French obsession. Each women and men in France appear to put on scarves on the drop of a hat.
An American buddy instructed me that she has discovered 57 methods to tie a shawl in an try and be extra Française when she goes for her French citizenship check. I instructed her I’m fairly certain they received’t ask you tie a shawl! I could also be improper although, a fast search on Google for ‘remark nouer une écharpe” – tips on how to tie a shawl in French – brings forth 1000’s of articles, movies and tutorials.
I as soon as requested my mayor why he was carrying a shawl on a scorching spring day and he mentioned “nicely for one – it seems to be good and two it helps be certain that I don’t catch a chilly and get a cat in my throat, I’ve to make a speech later at this time and the headband offers me safety”.
In English we are saying ‘to get a frog in our throat’ – neither selection appeals. However the which means is similar – it’s doubtless the origin of the phrase is the sound you make when you’ve got a sore throat – though there are some that say that in medieval instances in England it was thought of medicinal to actually put a frog in your throat once you had been sick! I don’t assume it’s the similar for France – I’ve by no means learn of anybody making an attempt to swallow a cat. However the level is, the headband gives safety in your voice. Apparently.
One other buddy instructed me that when she visited her physician a few stiff neck from sitting at her desk for too lengthy, he recognized the issue immediately – she wasn’t carrying a shawl!
Why do the French put on scarves a lot?
So scarves in France – what’s all of it about? Properly they’re a style assertion for certain, a basic staple of French type. There are various kinds of scarf – les écharpes – the lengthy ones. Foulards – that are typically light-weight, usually silk, sq. or rectangular formed. An étol, like a stole, a heat scarf, lengthy and extensive. Or a carré that are sq. formed, and châle – a scarf type scarf. Scarves can change an outfit from informal to elegant. A nicely tied scarf can present your type and persona, a reasonably or quirky scarf will get you compliments, and a vibrant scarf can add zing to a darkish outfit. In case you’re French, you’ll have a shawl for nearly each event. Nevertheless it’s about greater than style.
To the French, they’re important in your well being and worn for 3 seasons – spring, fall and winter. Typically once you purchase a shawl, the salesperson will inform you that it’s good for carrying as much as a sure temperature – acceptable for chilly or heat climate! Even in summer time, if the temperature drops – scarves may additionally be whipped out for well being moderately than style causes.
You’re by no means removed from a shawl in France – you may get them in all kinds of retailers together with devoted scarf retailers, department shops, supermarkets and even backyard shops. One in all my favorite locations for scarf looking is museum retailers – assume shades of Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir and trendy artists and virtually at all times actually good high quality and made by specialist firms like Maison Petrusse. Probably the most well-known scarf makers needs to be Hermès whose sq. silk creations designed by artists have been worn by celebrities since 1937 – together with Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and the late Queen Elizabeth II – they’re a collectors merchandise and by no means exit of style (the corporate even provides a shawl restore and pampering service).
So, if you wish to add just a little French type to your life, get a shawl!
Janine Marsh is the writer of a number of books about France. Discover out extra on her web site janinemarsh.com
Need extra France?
Uncover extra fabulous locations in France with our free journal The Good Life France
Love France? Have a take heed to our podcast – every thing you need to find out about France and extra!
All rights reserved. This text is probably not revealed, broadcast, rewritten (together with translated) or redistributed with out written permission
