Caedes

  Zeeland Folklore 21  

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Uploaded: 10/29/07 10:00 AM GMT
Zeeland Folklore 21
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I'll try to explain what's going on in this image. Zeeland is a province of The Netherlands. In the past Belgian draught horses were used by Zeeland farmers to work at their fields (e.g. to plough). When the work was done some Zeeland farmers practised a sport with use of those horses. This sport is called, in Dutch, 'ringrijden' (tilting at the ring). 'Ringrijden' means that a farmer was sitting on his, relative huge, horse without use of saddle and stirrups. While the horse was galloping at full speed, the farmer had to catch a ring with a lance. The ring was placed in a holder and hang, by means of a rope between two poles, in the air. The farmer who caught the biggest number of rings in a certain number of rounds is the winner. This sport is 'big fun' for the horses, participating farmers and spectators as well. Later the wifes or partners of the farmers started to practice this sport as well. The only difference is that the women are not sitting on a horse but, in accompany of the husband or partner, in a, with flowers decorated, gig. The gig can be drawn by either a draught horse or a 'normal' horse. The woman (instead of the farmer) has to catch the ring with the lance now while the farmer has 'control' over the at full speed moving gig and galloping horse. Nowadays 'ringrijden' (on a horse or with use of a gig) is mostly a folklore sport, primary to show the tourists in Zeeland some traditions of the past. This picture is taken in Zoutelande, a small village at the peninsula Walcheren. The couple in the gig and the horse are patiently waiting for their turn. This image may give you any idea of 'ringrijden' with draught horses.

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::LynEve
10/29/07 10:17 AM GMT
This is a fine photo Cornelius and a most interesting narrative which really brings it to life.
Excellent work :)
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The question is not what you look at, but what you see ~ Marcel Proust
.rozem061
10/29/07 2:31 PM GMT
Mooie traditie, en een mooie foto, Cornelius!
John
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MY PHOTOGRAFIC VISION... I am not an artist, I only let you see with my eyes...!
::JQ
10/29/07 2:52 PM GMT
heheh that looks like fun!!
that horse is gorgeous also! such a deep black !
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.spunkymunky711
10/29/07 2:54 PM GMT
What wonderful culture! Great capture =o)
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I want to sail away into the night sky.
::cynlee
10/29/07 2:56 PM GMT
Fantastic photo, Cornelius! The colors are bright and wonderful. I wonder if that is where the practice of grabbing for a golden ring while riding a horse on a carousel or merry-go-round came from as they used to have in the states. I remember doing just that.
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You will be led to the knowledge of the internal things which are invisible to you, by the external things which you see before you. . . . Even so then, we can represent to ourselves in thought the Author of all that is, by contemplating and admiring the (visible) things which He has made, and ever brings into being. - Hermes
.0930_23
10/29/07 4:21 PM GMT
Great shot Cornelius and interesting question from Cindy. It makes sense. The folks in the gig look like they're really deep in thought. Horse appears ready for action. Great information and thanks for sharing a custom. To me that is what Caedes is all about.

Tick
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I'll meet you at the edge of the sunlight, just behind the shadows. The Ghost
::DigiCamMan
10/29/07 4:30 PM GMT
A fine looking shot and a quite majestic looking horse.
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I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is. Albert Camus ........ My Gallery
.Magicpic
10/29/07 4:44 PM GMT
Alweer presenteer jij ons een schitterend beeld van een oude Zeeuwse traditie,Cornelius.Fraaie kleuren en een uitstekend kader.Ook de informatie was boeiend.
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Today will be the first day of a new future.
.89037
10/29/07 7:28 PM GMT
Wonderful post,Cornelius!...You did a great job, so beautifully capturing this custom !...and adding this interesting narrative !Thanks for sharing it with us!
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Adriana....:)
.Blumie
10/29/07 8:04 PM GMT
Wow, this is at least one of the bests of that series. Eveything fits that perfect together. The horse is posing perfect and the colors are amazing. Real good job!
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I would be happy, seeing you in my galerie. Today I've posted No Go Day
::fogz
10/29/07 11:32 PM GMT
It is very interesting to read all about the folklore Cornelius - thanks for taking the time to explain it to us! This is an excellent capture, especially of the horse, which is really beautiful!
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"Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile" .... mygallery
::gerryp
10/30/07 7:44 AM GMT
This is a very good capture Cornelius...and more interesting history behind this sport...horses were so much a part of our life before mechanination...gerry
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"The more we come in contact with animals, and observe their behaviour, the more we love them, for we see how great is their care for their young." - philosopher Immanuel Kant
::snapdragonk
11/12/07 10:55 AM GMT
Great image and fantastic narrative, thanks for sharing Cornelius.
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.icedancer
08/08/16 2:40 PM GMT
Your narrative was magnificent and now that sport I would love to try it out, looks fun. Magnificent looking rig and horse alike - outstanding shot.
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VIEWED IN FULL

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