Remarkable places : the «Gorsedd Digor» in Brittany (Brasparts, 17 July 2022)

Updated: Jan 17, 2023

For those who think that the Druids are only characters from Asterix and Obelix comics, who lived in distant times, coming in Brittany they will discover that Druids still exist and that it is possible to meet them in real life.

They do not make magic potions, but are the guardians and guarantors of an ancient culture which, in the era of globalisation, claims its specificity and individuality in a remote region, on the far border of the European continent.

The Druids of Brittany are part of a lay association called "Gorsedd de Bretagne", which aims to promote Breton literature and musical culture, as well as the study, conservation and development of Celtic arts and traditions.

The "Gorsedd Digor" (Druidic ceremony), is an annual celebration, born at the end of the 19th century, open to the public and celebrated exclusively in the Breton language.

At this occasion, the Grand Druid gives speeches intended to raise public awareness of current issues related to Breton culture, welcomes new members and highlights people or associations who have distinguished themselves in projects that are particularly important for the diffusion and preservation of Breton culture, human rights defence and environment protection.

The speeches and rites from ancient tradition (such as the distribution of branches of mistletoe) are accompanied by traditional music played on the harp, the bombarde and the "biniou" (an instrument of the bagpipe family).

In 2022, the “Gorsedd Digor” took place at the stone circle of Saint Caduan, near the town of Brasparts in Brittany (Finistère).

The ceremony began with a procession of people and flags towards the field where the stone circle is located.

Surrounded by characters who seemed to have come out of a fairy tale, the visitor who discovers this tradition for the first time is immediately immersed in the sounds of the harp, the bombarde and the "biniou", with all around people who speak a language with Celtic sounds, which sometimes recall the Germanic languages and Latin.

Completely immersed in this surreal atmosphere, I started taking photos, trying to capture the fascinating atmosphere of places and people.

Once there, the public must settle outside the circle of stones, while the Druids (who can be recognised by their white tunic), the Bards (in blue tunic) and the Ovates (in green tunic) settle down inside. Who, because of ignorance, does not respect this rule is quickly and strongly reminded of !

The ceremony was led by the Grand Druid of Brittany (Per Vari Kerloc'h), president of the association, in the presence of delegates from the Archdruid of Wales and the British Grand Bard of Cornwall in person.

Opening

After the offering of flowers by a young woman in traditional costume from Brasparts, a symbol of Breton youth, the horn is blown at the four cardinal points of the circle of stones, thus opening the ceremony.

Rituals and speeches

During the ceremony, the reproduction of the spear of Lug - one of the most important gods of Celtic mythology, incarnation of the sun and the light - and other ritual objects, called the treasure of the Gorsedd, are presented to the public.

After the wishes for peace, the Grand Druid, speaking strictly in Breton, gives a strong speech against the delays of the French State in the constitutional recognition of the Breton language.

During the ceremony, prizes are then awarded to personalities and associations who have distinguished themselves in the promotion of projects linked to Breton culture and the protection of the Breton environment.

Were mentioned: the musical group Alvan hag Ahez, which participated in Eurovision 2022; the project of the Maisnie Tyvarlen association, based in the picturesque town of Pont Croix, which aims, through historical and archaeological research, to reconstruct the civil and military reality of the Breton population in the middle of the 14th century; the missions of the Breton navigator Anne Quémeré, in the service of knowledge and protection of natural environments.

Conclusion

The reception of new Druids, Bards and Ovates and the calling of new disciples herald the end of the ceremony. To be part of the "Gorsedd de Bretagne" association, it is necessary to know enough Breton to follow the ceremonies, the rituals being translated during the preparation.

The ceremony ends with the distribution of branches of mistletoe, a ritual and propitiatory plant according to various ancient traditions, to the sound of the "biniou" and the bombarde.

See you in 2023 for the next "Gorsedd Digor"!