The Corsican lucky charm: expression of a well-anchored regionalism
The Isle of Beauty is fiercely spiritual and independent. The Corsican lucky charm too.
Raids by the barbarians of North Africa, domination of Italian states then of the French Republic: Corsica survived all that. This observation reflects a natural strength and ardor very present in the hearts of these people.
Always quick to revolt to defend their culture and values, the strong character of the Corsicans makes them one of the peoples most attached to their homeland of all time. Eye of Saint Lucia, Corsican flag (A bandera Corsa, in regional language): the Corsican lucky charm always testifies to the history and soul of the island.
Another thing that characterizes Corsica well is the importance of ecology. A good part (unfortunately too small for our taste) of the Isle of Beauty has in fact been declared a natural park in order to be able to protect it.
Very touristy, the face of Corsica changes radically during the summer period. While the maquis remains relatively untouched, the island's magnificent beaches see an impressive influx of tourists.
Bonifacio, Ajaccio, Calvi, Bastia: the towns of Corsica are known for their military fortifications, their churches and their ancient monuments.
Besides this, the inhabitants of the island are also known for their fervent Catholicism which results in a practice that is still very widespread. Often, the Corsican lucky charm reflects this reality.
Rich and fascinating, the culture of this little part of the world deserves that we give it a little of our attention. You do not think ?
An island of beauty that lives up to its name
For the most part, the territory of Corsica is covered in hills, mountains and valleys.
In fact, about two thirds of the island is made up of an ancient massif which divides the island on a sort of major north-south axis.
Known for its famous maquis, the vegetation of Corsica is of rare richness. Despite its fairly small area, we can find some unique species there, whether we are talking about plants or animals.
It’s clear: Corsica has exceptional assets with its pleasant climate, the richness of its landscapes and its exceptional coastline. All this is of course found in the Corsican lucky charm which, very often, alludes to the nature of the island.
For example, we can think of the eye of Saint Lucy, a small shell that has served as a good luck charm for centuries.
Ancient origins
The first traces of Corsican inhabitants date from around 3000 BC. These cultures, without us really knowing more about them, left impressive standing stones which, even today, shape the landscape of certain regions of Corsica.
Certain Corsican lucky charms are very old and can carry within them messages that have guided humanity for a very long time.
In any case, it was much later, during the Middle Ages, the island of beauty suffered numerous raids, attacks and invasion attempts, notably from pirates from the Maghreb.
From the 5th century to the 10th century, the Ostrogoths, the Vandals and the Moors successively plundered Corsica and reduced its people to slavery. Despite terrible human losses, they were unable to put these proud and courageous people to bed.
It was in fact from the 11th century that things began to calm down with the protection provided by the city-states of Pisa, then Genoa.
Italian traders built forts and towers all around the island, transforming it into a veritable bastion impregnable by any invaders.
Despite the peace established for centuries, the Corsicans have not forgotten the oppression that pirates from the South made them suffer. This can be seen for example with their regional flag, darkly titled “Moor-headed flag”.
Corsican pride and desire for revolution
We spoke to you about peace, but in fact it was not quite the case.
In 1729, a popular revolt broke out aimed at the independence of the island from the Genoese. In 1755, after several decades of struggle, the Republic of Corsica was officially established by the famous Pasquale Paoli.
A few years later, in 1769 this time, this climate of revolution, courage and independence saw the birth of a man who would become famous: Napoleon Bonaparte.
His arrival to power in France logically brought Corsica closer to France, launching the premises of the incorporation which would follow a few years later.
In our search for information on Corsican culture, it may therefore be interesting to look at French lucky charms and symbols.
Yes, Corsican lucky charms are often tinged with a little French culture but, it must be said, with a lot of that of Corsica.
