THE WORSHIP OF STONES IN FRANCE

Abstract

If archeologists who, for half a century, have with so much zeal drawn up the catalogue of megalithic monuments in France, who have described, measured, and even at times made drawings of them, had with the same care made inquiries concerning the views to which they have given rise among the country folk, we would be much better informed than we now are concerning this particular folklore. Some investigators have shown carelessness; others, after making certain inquiries which brought forth only obscure or evasive replies, have become discouraged; yet others, more persevering and skilful in obtaining the confidence of the peasants, have been more fortunate. But even to these latter everything has not been told. There are ceremonies of which the people do not willingly speak, either because of their sacred character, which should not be divulged, or because of the ridicule which might be made of them, by the inhabitants of the towns, concerning the traditional services of a strange and grotesque character which are not related to Christianity and which are remote from existing customs. This is probably the reason why it is that, in the center and south of France, or in the Ardiche and Aveyron, rough stone monuments are so numerous, yet have developed so few facts. Owing to the life led by the inhabitants and the relative isolation of this region, the old customs and ancient beliefs are better preserved than they are in those places which are more thickly populated and more open. Up to the present time the geographic distribution of observations made concerning the survival of the worship of stones 76