Celtic symbols
GWENN HA DU (black and white colours)
The flag of Brittany has 5 black stripes that symbolise the five former countries or dioceses of Upper Brittany: Dol, Nantes, Rennes, St Brieuc and St Malo, while the four white stripes represent the four ancient bishoprics or countries of Lower Britany: Cornouailles, Léon, Trégor and Vannes. The area of white ermine recalls the ancient coat of arms of the Dukes of Brittany.
The TRISKELL
An ancient greek name which means "three legged". There are several interpretations of this symbol, most common is the representation of Water, Earth and Fire. Some say that the branches symbolize sleep, dreaming and waking... past, present and future or that it is the cycle of life: childhood, adulthood, old age. The curvature of the branches is a symbol of vitality and life, as opposed to the fixed cross. The direction of the triskell is also important - turning from left to right is the opposite of the sign of war or conflict.
The ERMINE
It is said that the choice of ermine goes back to a legend where a white ermine was seen in the forest, pursued by a predator. When faced with crossing a mud pit to escape, it preferred to die rather than sully its perfect white coat... hence the motto of Brittany: "Kentoc'h Mervel eget Beza-saotret" = "rather dead than defiled." In reality, ermine appeared first in the 1240s and Duke Jean IV established the Order of the Ermine in 1381.
BZH
These three letters are a contraction of Breizh (Brittany in Breton) and represent another breton symbol. Just a few decades ago as Bretons proudly displayed this symbol on the back of their car, the French government declared the practice illegal, claiming that only the country of origin could be displayed. They had not reckoned with the tenacity of the Breton people who won their case in the Rennes tribunal.
breton Games
Bretons have always competed in games and sports intended to affirm strength, power, force and skill of the competitors. Different parishes and trades would compete against each other. The games were an opportunity to shine and attracted competitors from all over Brittany. Bowling, tug of war, or Breton wrestling, quoits - many games still arouse friendly and fun rivalry between locals and visitors.
breton Music
Beyond religious music or music for special occasions (songs, marches and sea shanties), Breton music goes especially well today with parties and festivals, accompanying dances, especially during festou-noz (night parties). Sonneurs and bagads in lively clothes also proudly entertain Breton festival goers while the echo of bagpipes and bombards proudly parade the colours of Brittany.
Your first breton dictionary
Bihan, vihan: Small
Braz, vraz: Big, large
Beg: Point, Headland
Coat: Wood, forest
Enes, enez: Island
Coz: Old, ancient
Iliz: Church
Degemer Mad: Welcome
Kenavo: Goodbye
Ker: Village, hamlet, dwelling
Krampouez: Crêpes, pancakes
Menez: Hill
Men: Stone
Mes, mez: Country, fields
Mor, vor: Sea
Milin: Mill
Plou: Parish
Penn, pen: Extremity, head
Ti, ty: House
Porz, pors: Shelter, opening, harbour
Along the Côte des Legends, many places show off their celtic roots such as the pub "Chez Tom" in Lesneven, with Brittany drinks, blizig (dishes of local products), Breton games, Irish music evenings from 10pm to 1 am the third Friday of every month (except July and August) and improvisational theater evenings from 8.30 to 10:30pm, the first Friday of the month (except July and August).