Lavandieres De LA Nuit
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Lavandieres De LA Nuit
LES LAVANDIERES DE LA NUIT (= Laundresses of the night) sinister washerwomen of Berry, central France, who launder infant corpses by stagnant pools
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 577417
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10017553
1858 Berry Corpses Folk Lore Infant Nuit Pools Sinister Washerwomen Laundresses Lavandieres Stagnant
EDITORS COMMENTS
This haunting image captures the enigmatic figure of the Lavandières de la Nuit, or the 'Laundresses of the Night,' a group of washerwomen from the rural region of Berry, central France, whose chilling legend has been passed down through generations. Dating back to the late 19th century, this historical photograph, taken in 1858, offers a glimpse into a darker side of French folklore. The Lavandières de la Nuit were believed to be sinister women who washed infants in the stagnant pools at night. The pools, located in secluded areas, were said to possess mystical properties, and the women, clad in traditional white aprons and bonnets, would use herbs and charms to cleanse the corpses of the dead infants, often left in their care. The exact origins of this macabre practice remain uncertain, but it is believed to have been rooted in ancient pagan beliefs and superstitions. Despite the sinister connotations of their work, the Lavandières de la Nuit were an integral part of rural life in Berry. They were often seen as protectors of the community, ensuring that the souls of the deceased were purified and sent on their journey to the afterlife. The legend of the Lavandières de la Nuit continues to intrigue and fascinate, offering a glimpse into the rich and complex history of rural France and its folk traditions. This photograph, from the extensive collection of Mary Evans Picture Library, provides a hauntingly beautiful and evocative portrayal of the Lavandières de la Nuit, their mysterious work, and the enigmatic world they inhabited. With its atmospheric composition and intriguing subject matter, it invites us to explore the depths of the human imagination and the enduring power of folklore.
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