In past centuries, the ties among the inhabitants of a same village were woven as tightly as the fabric of the country. Villagers would help one another and would stand together, as if they were members of one large family. When facing death, disasters or the needs of daily life, they could count on the support of their neighbours.  Several of the feast days included in the calendar, such as St. Catherine’s Day or Mardi gras, were times for celebrating but also provided opportunities for gossiping.

Before the development of the local newspaper or television, information circulated mostly by word of mouth. From household to household, various facts were reported as people came and went. They would also inquire about upcoming marriages, new babies and disputes among neighbours.  As a result of this  practice—it should come as no surprise—the information transmitted occasionally got weighted down with prejudices and certain people served as sources of gossip.

Thus, while certain family names from the time identified people by their occupations (Boulanger [Baker], Meunier [Miller], Boucher [Butcher]), other names more commonly served to designate a distinct character or personality who was also occasionally marginal: the rural priest, the beggar or even the old maid.

Despite people’s good manners, judging the lives of others is often part of daily life and many hours would be spent talking about the neighbours.

This series of chronicles invites you to learn about some of the people who set tongues wagging.