Location: The Walloon is a culture located in the southern half of Belgium called Wallonia. France, Germany and Holland surround the 17,000 square kilometers of plateaus and woodlands that comprise Wallonia (Encyclopedia of World Cultures). The Meuse and Escaut rivers flow throughout the land. Rain and cool weather also characterize the region.
History: The first tribes in Belgium were Celtic. The Romans inhabited the majority of these areas during the first three centuries of Belgium’s existence (Encyclopedia of World Cultures). Soon, the Franks began to invade northern Belgium. Very few people settled in Wallonia, which made it easy for the Catholic religion to stay prominent throughout the south. Belgium then became an international area of learning. Eventually, France took over the region and Belgium joined the Republic of France. In 1815, William I of Holland took over. Then in 1830, Belgium revolted and won independence.
Daily Life: The Walloons are a very modern culture. They speak the French language and have numerous dialects including Picard and Gaumais (Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life). All dialects in Wallonia are referred to as “Walloon.”
Catholicism is the traditional religion in Wallonia, however, the Walloons are less religious than their Flemish neighbors. Even the elderly are not common church-goers. Other religions practiced by the Walloons include Protestants, Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox and Jewish. The Walloons celebrate New Years Day, Easter Monday, Labor Day, Independence Day, All Saints Day, and Christmas. Baptisms, first communions, marriages and rites of passage are often celebrated as days of joyfulness.
Most of the Walloons live in the city. Their homes, often made of brick, usually include an area for the family business. Very few Walloons are farmers. Belgium consumes one of the highest daily calorie rates per person throughout the world. Chocolate is a favorite of almost every Walloon. Coffee is the drink of choice with the exception of celebrated occasions, where straight gin or beer is chosen instead. Pork is popular because it is so cheap. Other favorite foods include mussels, cheese, bread and french-fried potatoes.
The divorce rate throughout Wallonia is steadily increasing. This increase in split marriages is blamed on religion becoming less important throughout the culture. Education is highly emphasized to all Walloons. Most of the upper-class receives some sort of secondary education. Those who do not attend college get jobs early to support themselves and sometimes their family.
Belgium is a democratic government. Political organizations include the Socialist Party, Liberals, Communists, and Ecologist. The police force has complete control over any controversial topics that may arise.
Soccer, bicycling, and pigeon racing include some of the Walloons favorite sports. Other hobbies include reading, card playing, stamp collecting, and watching television.
Resources:
Marshall Cavendish Corporation, ed., The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Mankind, vol. 2 (1990).
G.K. Hall and Co., Encyclopedia of World Cultures; Australia, vol. 4 (1995).
Eastwood Publications Development Inc., Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life, vol. 4 (1997).
Author: Jamie Ahlers