I discovered the pétanque gentlemen for the first time at Luxembourg Gardens, the summer of 2009. That day I pulled up a chair and got friendly with a group of men, some of whom I see over and over when I return. They were a mix of nationalities and only one spoke any English at all. They were very friendly and tried as best they could to explain the game. One thing I've noticed, is that a cloth to wipe the dust off the metal balls seems to be obligatory. I have never seen one quite this worn and tattered. I'm thinking it might bring bonne chance!
Update: Merci to my blog friend Herm who has kindly written a little poem explaining the tradition of La Fanny in pétanque right here!
Ah les joueurs de pétanques !...
ReplyDeleteIci dans ma région lyonnaise, le jeu a son importance. Lorsque je vivais dans le sud de la France à Port-Grimaud, tout près de Saint-Tropez, la pétanque était aussi à l'ordre du jour. La Fanny aussi!...
Une très belle photo.
Gros bisous
Like the black and white and the depth of field. I hope the worn out duster brought him good luck.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot. I suspect you are correct and it is his good luck charm. I have seen "loveys" in almost the same shape!
ReplyDeletelove this peek into the game
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting game. I believe that rag might be his "lucky charm"! HA
ReplyDeleteIt’s sure an interesting tradition “La Fanny” for the Boules player that don’t score any points in a game
ReplyDeletehttp://www.laboulebleue.fr/la-fanny-s36
Herm
Excellent capture!
ReplyDeleteHerm, thanks for the explanation. I was going to email Martine and ask for a little more help on that one! :)
ReplyDeleteV
Was going to say what Janey said—we had a "blankie" that looked almost that ragged before its owner was finally talked into tossing it. :~}
ReplyDeleteHope it brought him luck!
Great pic V...I used to play it very badly when I lived there and never really got to grips with rules.
ReplyDeleteThe light along his backside, the blurring of the background, and the man on the right checking out the action all make this a fine image. Nice one, Virginia.
ReplyDeleteworn like that, it must bring bonne chance ..
ReplyDeletereminds me of baby blankets, worn to the thread ! same principle.. or maybe not?
Yes, lucky charm I'd say!! Love petanque, we got a set and usually bring them out every Summer - it's good fun with a little 'vin'!!
ReplyDeleteSharon
xxxx
Stunning composition in B&W Virginia, j'adore!
ReplyDeleteV, adore the photo and yes, I've never seen a cleaning rag as old as this. I suspect it's a supersttion - it brings him luck. This is the sort of photo I wanted to get yesterday and it rained!
ReplyDeleteYou are right the men are all from all nationalities. I noticed that also. Did you ever see the rack for their coats? Only in Paris.
ReplyDelete