Monegaski

Monegasque is a dialect of the Ligurian language , close to the Genoese dialect. He was heavily influenced by the Nice dialect (Niçard) of the Occitan language , which is, among other things, the original native language in some areas of the principality.

The first settlers in the territory of the future principality of Monaco, mentioned in history, were the Phoenicians , who built fortifications here in the X century BC. e. Five centuries later, they were replaced by the Greeks , who founded the colony of Port Hercules and built a temple on a secluded rock. The cult of Hercules was superimposed on the Greek name of the local locus - "μόνοικος", ("farm", "detached building" etc.) from "μόνος" ( monos ) "separate, lonely, single" + "οἶκος" ( oikos ) "house, building, construction, location. " As a result, a local cult of Hercules (Hercules Monoikos) arose, which was dedicated to a separate temple in the castle, located on the coastal rock of La Roche .

A little further from the coast there lived a hostile tribe of the Turbiaskas, who chose a woman as their leaders and worshiped the great mother goddess. During the clashes, the Turbiaski captured only the young men and young men of the Monegasques, delivered them to the temple of the great mother goddess and subjected them to torture. The feud between the representatives of these tribes lasted until the end of the 13th century AD. e.

By the end of the XIII century, representatives of the genus of the Genoese feudal lords of Grimaldi settled on this strip of the Ligurian coast, leading the Italians. So finally formed Monegasques with their own language and traditions.

The national colors of the Monegasques are white, red, and black.

White color - the most sacred - symbolizes the funeral shroud of Holy Devot - the patroness of the Principality; expresses nobility, honor, purity; is “masculine”: men wear it as a symbol of masculinity and dignity.

Red color is a symbol of the blood of the holy martyr, as well as the color of courage, unity, blood brotherhood of Monegasques.

Black color - “special” for Monegasques - a symbol of wisdom, intuition, magic power; considered "female".

As native citizens of the principality, Monegasques have many privileges: they are the only ones who have the right to elect parliament - the National Council ; completely exempt from taxes, etc.

Monegasque Holidays

January 26 - 27 - Day of the Holy Virgin (Jour de Sainte-Devotte), the heavenly patroness of the Principality and the family Grimaldi (Grimaldi). Celebrated from 304 g n. e.

June 23 - 25 - Day of St. Jean (Jour de Saint-Jean). Celebrated from the V century. n e. It begins with an evening carnival procession in the old city of Sciaratu: everyone who wants to dress up in carnival costumes and go to the music from Palace Square to Casino Square. Torches are lit on the square, they drink wine and dance all evening.

November 19 - Day of the Prince (Jour du Prince), National Day of Monaco . On this day, a military parade is held, as well as a solemn Mass in Monegasque at the Cathedral of Monaco , which is attended by the entire Princely family and other officials. After the Mass, the Princely Family visits the Monte Carlo Opera.

Monegasques in World Culture

• Louis Brea (1443-1520) - artist, author of two panels currently in the Cathedral of Monaco .
• Horazio Ferrari (XVI century) - Renaissance artist, author of murals and frescoes in the Princely Palace and one panel in the Cathedral.
• Domenique-Joseph Bressan (XVIII century) - landscape painter of the era of classicism . His works are exhibited in the Princely Palace.
• Francois-Joseph Bosio (late XVIII - early XIX centuries) - court sculptor of Napoleon I. Bosio's works are exhibited in the Louvre .
• Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687) - composer, one of the founders of the French opera school. Creator of the classical types of lyrical tragedy (Alcesta (1674), Theseus (1675)) and the French opera overture. The author of the music for comedy-ballets J.-B. Moliere .
• Lucchini - composer, author of music for the national anthem of Monaco (1867).
• Theophile Bellando is the author of the words of the first anthem of Monaco (1848).
• Louis Notari (1879-1961) - writer and sole Monegasque poet, member of the Committee on Traditions, author of the words of the second anthem of Monaco (1931).
• Luis Cannis is a historical writer, author of the book of historical and cultural sketches about Monaco “Notre passe” (1963).