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LAVANDIERES DE LA NUIT
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LAVANDIERES DE LA NUIT
LES LAVANDIERES DE LA NUIT (= Laundresses of the night) sinister washerwomen of Berry, central France, who launder infant corpses by stagnant pools. Date: 1851
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Media ID 20142175
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1851 Berry Corpses Folklore Infant Nuit Pools Sinister Washerwomen Launder Laundresses Lavandieres Stagnant
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This haunting image, titled 'Les Lavandières de la Nuit' or 'The Night Laundresses of Berry,' captures the sinister allure of an age-old French folktale. Dating back to the early 19th century, these washerwomen of central France, specifically in the region of Berry, were believed to launder the infant corpses of unwanted newborns in the stagnant pools. The legend holds that the pools were enchanted, and the infants would be transformed into beautiful, ethereal children who would grow up to become fairies or other magical beings. The reality, however, was far from enchanting. The Lavandières de la Nuit were in fact real women, often poor and desperate, who would take advantage of the seclusion of the night to dispose of the bodies of unwanted infants. They would wash the corpses in the pools, hoping to hide any evidence of their crimes. The pools, which were often located in remote areas, were also believed to be cursed, and the legend grew that the infants' spirits would haunt the women who dared to disturb their resting place. This photograph, taken in 1851, captures the eerie and mysterious atmosphere surrounding these washerwomen. The women are seen huddled around the pool, their faces obscured by their hooded cloaks, as they go about their grisly work. The pool itself is shrouded in mist, adding to the sense of mystery and foreboding. The image has long intrigued historians, folklorists, and those with an interest in the macabre, and continues to be a fascinating glimpse into the darker side of French folklore.
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