Swans have long held a particular fascination for me, possibly because of an early presentation of the ballet performance, Swan Lake. The production that most stands out for me appeared in Montreal, Canada, during my trip to a land of paternal ancestors. Quebec does not first spark thoughts of stage musicals, but more likely of fur trapping or the latest DiCaprio movie, The Revenant. Yet, for me, thoughts of Quebec conjure up feelings of gracefulness and peace represented by swans. Whether white or black, swans cast a beautiful shadow.
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| rivercenter.org photo |
Why swans?
The city legend was born because swans have long necks and the Dutch word for “long necks” is “lange hals” or “lanckhals”.
ChocoladevanBrugge - The Swans of Chocolade van Brugge
While visiting relatives in Boston, you can imagine my excitement at seeing two beautiful swans in the Public Gardens lagoon at Boston Common. Two swans, always only two swans, and always named Romeo and Juliet. Naturally, it became necessary to include them in my latest novel at that time, much of which is set in the Boston area. While the novel is entitled Blood Red Homicide, no swans were harmed during the writing of this story!
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Swans are so beautiful, but believe it or not I've never seen one in person!
ReplyDeleteYes, hard to believe you haven't seen swans. But I've just been blessed. Hope you do have the opportunity some day, Martha.
DeleteThey are such graceful birds ... In Indian mythology it is shown with Saraswati the goddess of learning
ReplyDeletehttps://pagesfromjayashree.blogspot.com/2021/04/s-for-snake.html
The Indian mythology about the swan is something I never heard about before this, Jayashree. Thanks for sharing this information with us.
DeleteMartha, I've never seen a swan in person either.
ReplyDeleteHope you get the opportunity someday, Jamie. Their gracefulness is soothing to watch.
DeleteI'm not really really a ballet buff, but I did once enjoy a performance of Swan Lake.
ReplyDeleteFor me, Bruges is close enough for a day trip. It's a wonderful place to enjoy beer, moulles, waffles and chocolate! Hopefully I'll be popping across for this year's Christmas market!
Yes, Keith, Belgian waffles and "French" fries. And, ohh, the chocolate!
DeleteSwans are pretty birds
ReplyDeleteI agree, Mike. And charming in their elegance.
DeleteI'm glad the swans are okay in Boston, and happy memories of visiting Bruges.
ReplyDeletehttps://iainkellywriting.com/2021/04/22/the-state-trilogy-a-z-guide-s/
Happy endings all around, Iain.
DeleteSuch a beautiful bird compared to how dark "In Bruges" was...love the contrast, especially with how dark and hard Bruges can feel. The idea of contrasting it with swans, usually seen as being so elegant...so cool!
ReplyDelete-Amren from Operation Awesome
I must admit to loving "In Bruges" however, Amren. One of the first lines sets the stage: "It's in Belgium."
DeleteThere are swans on the pond near my house so that I see them quite frequently. They are absolutely beautiful, but you definitely want to stay far away... they are quite ornery! And big and strong, too. I would think it might be a punishment to have to keep them!
ReplyDeleteBlack and White: S for Shangri-La
Yes, punishment, Anne. That was the plan when they were ordered to do so. Although, watching them glide along you would never know at first glance that they were anything other than cordial.
DeleteI really like the film, “In Bruges.” Both of those actors (and Fiennes) are all good. Interesting about only 2 swans and always the same name. We have swans around here and always think of good luck when I see them.
ReplyDeleteMy “S” Jethro Tull song for the day:
http://tao-talk.com/2021/04/22/a2z-2021-jethro-tull-songs-day-19-steel-monkey-from-crest-of-a-knave-1987/
I like that, Jade, thinking of swans as good luck. Sort of like my first post about 'aumakua as a guiding spirit.
DeleteSuch lovely and graceful birds. I love to watch them on a river close to my little city.
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky to have them so close, Frederique. They can be mesmerizing to watch.
DeleteSwans are so beautiful! I love their simple elegance.That's an interesting legend of the swans of Bruges!. Your book sounds intriguing... I like the juxtaposition of "Blood Red" Homicide with an image of two white swans.
ReplyDeleteAlso a reason why I tend to say that no swans were hurt during the writing of the novel! Thanks for visiting, Trudy.
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