Is the beret a symbol of the Basque Country? | History and meaning

Is the beret a symbol of the Basque Country?

When we think of the beret, an image immediately comes to mind: that of a man proudly wearing this woolen headgear, often associated with the Basque Country.

But is the beret really an exclusively Basque symbol?

Or is its history more extensive and nuanced?

Let's decipher together this question that fascinates both fashion enthusiasts and history buffs.

An origin older than one might think

Contrary to popular belief, the beret does not find its origin exclusively in the Basque Country. It is said to have been born in Béarn, the neighboring region of the Basque Country, where shepherds wore it as early as the Middle Ages to protect themselves from cold and rain. Made of sheep's wool, it offered excellent thermal insulation.

From the 19th century, its use spread throughout southwestern France, particularly among peasants and workers. Gradually, it became an emblematic accessory, notably thanks to the beret factories that were established in the Pyrenees, between Béarn and the Basque Country.

Why is the beret so associated with the Basque Country?

If the beret originates from Béarn, why is it so closely linked to the Basque Country in the collective imagination? Several reasons explain this association.

First, it was in the Basque Country that the beret became widely popular and was adopted as a daily accessory by the inhabitants. Fishermen, farmers, and even Basque pelota players made it an essential element of their attire.

Then, some of the largest beret factories were established in the Basque Country, particularly in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, a town on the border of Béarn and the Basque Country, which helped spread the image of the "Basque beret".

Finally, Basque culture, strongly attached to its clothing traditions and strong regional identity, adopted the beret as a symbol of pride, which reinforced its anchoring in the collective mind.

An emblem beyond the Basque Country

While the beret is often associated with the Basque Country, it has actually transcended the borders of the region and even France. It has been adopted by numerous historical figures and cultural movements.

In the army, for example, it became a military headgear in the 20th century, worn by French alpine hunters and numerous armies around the world.

In the world of art and culture, it is associated with painters like Picasso, but also with intellectuals and revolutionaries, like Che Guevara, who helped transform it into a symbol of resistance.

A timeless fashion accessory

Today, the Basque beret remains a wardrobe essential, both for fashion enthusiasts and those who want to perpetuate a regional tradition. It is revisited by numerous fashion houses and designers, adapting to modern trends while maintaining its authenticity.

So, is the beret a symbol of the Basque Country?

Partly, yes. It is culturally and historically rooted there. However, it would be reductive to confine it to this region alone. It's a true emblem of southwestern France, but also a universal symbol that transcends eras and borders.