Sainte-Catherine

So - the latest in the student-teaching adventures. Today I started making a display for the front display case at the school. The topic? The St.Catherine's day parade. Here is the story: Catherine was a young girl, well educated and faithful. Her father, a noble, promised her to an emperor. However, the problem lies in the fact that the emperor persecuted Christians. Catherine refused to marry him, and was beheaded. She died as a martyr and is considered the patron saint of young virgin girls. In France, to celebrate the day of her death (Nov. 25) a tradition came about where the young unmarried girls who worked as dressmakers and in boutiques, they would make these incredible hats. They would parade around town with these hats on, and by displaying pins, they would let the bachelors of the town know their age. One pin meant 25, two meant 30, and three meant 35. The men were free to ogle! Now- this tradition still occurs, if not only in the famous design houses in France. But, on the 25th, tradition comes alive again as my school puts on their very own St.Catherine's hat day parade! This time, boys and girls are involved, but the goal isn't to get them married off! Should be fun! I've seen some of the examples from last year!!