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Image Source: “Simone de Beauvoir.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 16 Aug. 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/Simone-de-Beauvoir

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#1. Feminist Philosophy in France: A Study on Simone de Beauvoir

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#1. Feminist Philosophy in France: A Study on Simone de Beauvoir

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Simone de Beauvoir was born in 1908 to an upper-class Catholic family. Throughout her upbringing, she opposed the religious and classist views pushed upon her by her parents; these views continued with Beauvoir into her adulthood (Bergoffen and Burke). At 17, she passed the baccalauréat exams in mathematics and philosophy. A year later, she earned Certificates of Higher Studies in French literature and Latin. She began studying philosophy at the Sorbonne. At 22, Beauvoir became the youngest student to pass the competitive agrégation exam in philosophy in 1929 (Bergoffen and Burke). Beauvoir spent much of the next decade writing and teaching philosophy until she was dismissed from her post in 1941 by the Nazis who had occupied Paris. In the 1940s, Beauvoir wrote some of her most famous works including The Blood of Others (1945), All Men are Mortal (1946), America Day by Day (1948) and The Second Sex (1949) (Bergoffen and Burke). In her younger years, Simone de Beauvoir did not align herself with the feminist movement; however, her book The Second Sex became a pillar of twentieth-century feminism. The book was one of the first of its kind to challenge the historical treatment of women. As The Second Sex questioned the traditional view of women only seen as objects for men, Beauvoir questioned her own intellectual and political stances (Bergoffen and Burke). As a result, Beauvoir declared herself a feminist in a 1972.

I pledge that I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized aid—including from individuals, programs like Google Translate, or Generative Artificial Intelligence tools—to generate any of the language in this work or in any draft versions of this work.

Sources:

Bergoffen, Debra, and Megan Burke. “Simone de Beauvoir.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 11 Jan. 2023, plato.stanford.edu/entries/beauvoir/

Image Source: “Simone de Beauvoir.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 16 Aug. 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/Simone-de-Beauvoir

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The Ommegang of Brussels is an annual procession/festival that takes place over two nights in July every year (unesco.com). The festival takes place in the center of Brussels. It begins with a crossbow shooting competition and a ceremony in Sablon Church. This ceremony recognizes the origins of the tradition, which is a celebration of the Virgin Mary (patrimoine.com). Then, a historical reenactment of Charles V is welcomed into the church. He heads towards the Grand Place and is followed by a parade of archers, fencers, and other members of the town. At the same time, a presentation takes place at the Grand Palace displaying the tribune of the Magistrate of Brussels and the imperial court. Later, performances begin, including animals, stilt walkers, etc. At 11 p.m., a fireworks display takes place (patrimoine.com). The entire event began as a religious tradition in 1348, but stopped in the 1700s. It was reignited in 1930 based on the recorded procession in 1549. The current performance celebrates the first official visit from Charles V and his son Philip in 1549 (patrimoine.com). Currently, the tradition is seen as an event to celebrate local heritage. Many groups meet up before the shows begin to prepare together. Many participants are involved in the performance for decades. Socially, it is common for families to attend together.

I pledge that I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized aid—including from individuals, programs like Google Translate, or Generative Artificial Intelligence tools—to generate any of the language in this work or in any draft versions of this work.

Sources:

https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/ommegang-of-brussels-an-annual-historical-procession-and-popular-festival-01366

https://patrimoine.brussels/decouvrir/inventaires-du-patrimoine-bruxellois/inventaire-du-patrimoine-culturel-immateriel/lommegang

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#3. 10/17 Cultural Celebrations During the Congo Season

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#3. 10/17 Cultural Celebrations During the Congo Season

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The Congo season takes place from January 20th (known as San Sebastian Day) to Ash Wednesday. Each person has a role to fill during the celebration. It takes place around a palisade with a Queen reigning over it. She has a court with her as well. Other participants protect the Queen and the palisade from devils (unesco.org). Participants wear outfits to symbolize their role and stay in character as they walk around. It often involves performances of singing, dancing, and music. At the end of the season, the devils remove their masks and are baptized (unesco.org). Next season, the cycle begins again.

The purpose of this festival is to celebrate the black rebel descendants from the colonial period of Congo. They recognize their past enslavement and celebrate their current freedom. Further, this celebration allows for the community to join together and express themselves (unesco.org). The Congo people are often barefoot during this celebration as a way of connecting with the Earth. Specific performances are also included to connect with the Earth spiritually. Recently, Congo performances have been held in schools, universities have taught about the tradition, and weekend workshops take place (unesco.org).

I pledge that I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized aid—including from individuals, programs like Google Translate, or Generative Artificial Intelligence tools—to generate any of the language in this work or in any draft versions of this work.

Sources:

https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/ritual-and-festive-expressions-of-the-congo-culture-01383

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#5 Traditional Haitian Storytelling 11/18

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#5 Traditional Haitian Storytelling 11/18

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Krik-krak, or tire kont, is the Haitian tradition of folk storytelling. It functions similarly to modern charades. The leader begins by saying “Krik!”. The group responds with “Krak!”. The leader then tells the audience a prompt. Members of the audience respond with possible answers. If no one knows the correct answer, they say “Mwen bwè pwa”. After this, the leader tells them the answer. This tradition is a way to keep their language alive within the younger community. Some of the prompts follow a fable-like path, giving children a moral at the end. Some of the prompts, like “Tezin” and “Ti Soufri”, are found across Haiti. As an oral tradition, many are worried about it dying out. In 2009, the Krik-krak festival was created. The festival, called Kont Anba Tonèl, is held on March 20th. Tourists are welcome at Kont Anba Tonèl; many are sharing this tradition as a way to celebrate this tradition. This festival was created as a way to keep this oral tradition alive within the community and it has shown results. Some Haitians have become “professional tale-collectors”. Radio stations have also begun collecting and playing recovered audio files of the stories. An example of a Krik-krak is: “Krik? What gets dressed to the nines to stay at home?”
“Krak! The bed, of course…”

I pledge that I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized aid—including from individuals, programs like Google Translate, or Generative Artificial Intelligence tools—to generate any of the language in this work or in any draft versions of this work.

Sources: https://visithaiti.com/art-culture/krik-krak/

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#6. 12/2 French Influence and Tradition in New Orleans

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#6. 12/2 French Influence and Tradition in New Orleans

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The settlement was created by France in 1718. Due to the French’s heavy involvement in Catholicism, New Orleans reflected these traditions; this directly contrasted the other settlements of the time that were primarily Protestant. Because New Orleans had such a strong Catholic influence, its community reflected similar values. Many immigrant groups merged with New Orleans culture to create a variety of traditions and festivals.

Even after the Louisiana Purchase transferred its ownership to the United States, French culture remained embedded in New Orleans. A well-known example of one of these traditions is Mardi Gras. It began as a French catholic holiday celebrating the time before Lent. Although current participants celebrate with a more modern twist, Mardi Gras remains a pillar of French tradition. The season begins on January 6th and lasts until Ash Wednesday. The celebration period is made up of art, music, and parades.

French culture remained within New Orleans though daily life as well. Newspapers continued to include French events and stories. Schools taught French as a language and within history classes. Even French words are still ingrained in modern-day New Orleans. For example, “laissez les bon temps rouer” is a common phrase heard in New Orleans even though its origins are French. French cooking is also a major influence in New Orleans. New Orleans places a great focus on cooking in general so, as a result, the French-influenced dishes are often highlighted.

I pledge that I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized aid—including from individuals, programs like Google Translate, or Generative Artificial Intelligence tools—to generate any of the language in this work or in any draft versions of this work.

Sources:

https://www.neworleans.com/things-to-do/multicultural/cultures/french/

https://www.neworleans.com/events/holidays-seasonal/mardi-gras/

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French culture has always influenced New Orleans traditions; the French Catholics brought Mardi Gras, Catholic schools and jazz funerals. Learn about other French influence, here!