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French Symbols: Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité

Writer's picture: Parisian NicheParisian Niche
https://www.etsy.com/il-en/listing/865838780/
https://www.etsy.com/il-en/listing/865838780/

When we first started this blog project, we had no idea how many symbols of Paris and France there would be to share! It started with the fleur de lys, and we traveled through time to visit the Galois rooster, noting that Paris can never be sunk (Fluctuat Nec Mergitur). We've recently experienced the Olympic games to learn all about the embodiment of France, Marianne, the Revolutionary Phrygian Cap , the laurel wreath, and le Tricolore.   


Today, let's take a P'Niche peek to learn more about France's national motto: Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité...




While most people attest the motto to the French Revolution, and even state that Robespierre was the first to utter the phrase, it was in fact invented by Camille Desmoulins in No 35 - Révolutions de France et de Brabant, published in July 1790.



That said, Maximilien Robespierre (a French lawyer, statesman, and one of the most influential - and controversial - people of the French Revolution) did adopt and popularize the phrase during his popular speech "On the Organization of the National Guard."


He stated that on the uniforms of the National Guard would be engraved the following (along with the colors of le Tricolore):


THE FRENCH PEOPLE

LIBERTY, EQUALITY, FRATERNITY


This riveting speech was held (with printed transcripts then distributed) in December 1790.


image: en.wikipedia.org
image: en.wikipedia.org

Speaking of printing, it seems everyone wanted in on this good thing as credit for the famous phrase has also been attributed to Parisian printer, one Monsieur Antoine-François Momoro.


Momoro did modify it slightly to "Liberty, equality, brotherhood, or death."


In fact, in 1793, the Paris Commune heavily suggested that this modified motto be etched onto people's store fronts and home fronts, with neighboring cities soon following suit.


Soon after, however, people began to remove the last part of the motto (regarding death) as it seemed to harken to many memories of Robespierre and the Reign of Terror, whose bloody aftermath affected so many after the French Revolution.




image: en.wikipedia.org
image: en.wikipedia.org

That said, not all of the French population was entirely enthralled with the motto.


Olympe de Gouges, the fantastic female journalist was less than enchanted by the motto, which she found to focus solely on the men of French society, while overlooking the women - half of the entirety of the French people.


This slight led her to write and publish "The Declaration of Woman and of the Female Citizen" as a stinging response.


Such a fascinating creature is Olympe de Gouges that we will certainly share more of her life and we hope that you will subscribe to join us back here in the Parisian Niche to learn more...



image: challenges.fr
image: challenges.fr

While the slogan had several changes over the years (and subsequent revolutions), it was reinstated as we know it today in the constitution of the Second Republic.


The Third Republic saw the motto definitively adopted and inscribed onto public buildings in 1880 and the motto was written (at last) into the 1958 Constitution, finalizing nearly two hundred years work into the motto we recite and live by today.



The final motto appears on coins, monuments, town halls, primary schools, etc. and is seen at protests and press conferences.


But what does each ideal encompass?

Let's check it out!



image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EtP40OKlC4
image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EtP40OKlC4

Liberté (freedom), represents the inherent right of every individual to express themselves and make choices without constraint.


Liberté as a fundamental principle encompasses political freedom and also extends to personal autonomy and self-determination. In a society where liberty is valued, individuals can pursue their dreams, voice their opinions, and engage in activities that resonate with their beliefs.



image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLIbhqHuBvw
image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLIbhqHuBvw

Égalité (equality), serves as a cornerstone in the pursuit of a just and fair society. Égalité embodies the principle that all individuals should be treated with dignity and have access to the same rights and opportunities.


Equality strives to bridge disparities, by promoting inclusivity, be it in wealth, status, or opportunities, ensuring that no one is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control.


image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtLLR9BXjK0
image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtLLR9BXjK0

Fraternité (brotherhood), embodies the spirit of solidarity and communal support. This ideal emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals and the importance of compassion, empathy, and mutual assistance.


In a world marked by ongoing division and conflict, fraternité calls for understanding, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the well-being of all.



image: en.wikipedia.org
image: en.wikipedia.org

Is this most French motto merely a string of nice words put together to sound cool when researching through history books and preparing for adventures in the Parisian Niche Time Travel Machine? Not at all.


Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité encompass true guiding principles that resonate across time and space.


They remind us of the enduring quest for freedom, equality, and brotherhood that unites all humanity in its shared aspirations for a better tomorrow.


They remind us of the privilege we have to speak our mind, chase our dreams, and uplift others so that we can all do the same.


Those who truly live in Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité strive to create a society where all individuals are valued, respected, and empowered to fulfill their true potential.


As you plan for your next (or first, or even 100th) adventure to France, how will you carry these ideals in your heart to enhance your understanding of the wonderful French people? Without adding political views or commentary, (we're simply exhausted by politics, and ongoing division serves no one) do let us know in the comments below et à bientôt!


image: en.wikipedia.org
image: en.wikipedia.org
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