Page 45 - Book-TradiAliCulture-Belgium
P. 45
The « Billets des Rois », a tradition in tradition
It is a page of sixteen images republished in 1910 by Casterman from wooden engravings.
Quelles sont les règles ?
From the beginning of the meal, the images are cut out and placed in a hat. If your table has
less than sixteen guests, always use the King, King's Fool and the jug ... The oldest person
shoots first, and so on until the youngest of the table...
The King takes his glass and drinks in the sight of everybody. If the King drinks, everyone
drinks. The court jester shall ensure that each guest "respects" and complies his King and
does not disturb with gossips or useless entertainments…
If it was the case, the king’s fool blackens the face of the tactless person with cork
beforehand crossed in the candle! The Pourer ensures the glasses of his King and the other
guests are filled...
The song "J’ai du Mirliton" (“I’ve kazoo”) accompanies this tradition.
Que représentent les billets ?
They represent: The King, the Councilor, the Secretary, the Valet, the Lackey, the Doctor,
the Pourer, the Sharp Squire, the Confessor, the Swiss, the Doorman, the Messenger, the
Musician, the Fiddler, the Cook and the Court Jester.
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