Ceinture fléchée

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The ceinture fléchée (French for "arrowed belt") is a type of colorful belt, a traditional folkloric garment of the Quebec people's ancestors of the 19th century (of the Lower Canada, Canada East and early confederation eras). The Métis also made arrowed belts. In some ways, the ceinture fléchée is to Quebec as the kilt is to Scotland.

It is adorned by an arrowed pattern and was worn around the winter coats of the time. It is also a symbol of the Lower Canada Rebellion, and the Quebec City Winter Carnival, as it is worn by the festival mascot, Bonhomme Carnaval. Imitations are sold and seen throughout the carnival. The belt is represented in a number of artistic creations, like the illustration Le Vieux de '37 by Henri Julien, the painting L'Assemblée des six-comtés by Charles Alexander Smith and the song Mon Pays, suivi du Reel des Aristocrates from néo-trad musical band Les Cowboys Fringants.

[edit] See also

• National costume
• Culture of Quebec
• Lower Canada Rebellion
• Quebec City Winter Carnival