DECAPITATION OF THE GOOSE

This ancient tradition of the Hussars of Harchies commemorates an old legend. A quarrel between two lords of the region was ended in favour of the Lord of Harchies. Lord Pommeroeul was ordered to pay him an annual allowance by way of compensation. The goose symbolises this allowance. Every year the grand finale of this commemoration is the decapitation of the goose. Here the King of the Hussars is blindfolded and must attempt to cut off the head of the goose (which is already dead) with a single stroke of his sabre. He usually misses and it is then up to the Mayor and then the Captain to try, followed by the other Hussars in order of seniority, until eventually one of them succeeds.

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