Accordion Revolution (for Animaterra)

Subject: With a bit of folklore added...
From: CarolC
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 02:10 PM

Here's a better picture of the t-shirt design:

http://community.webshots.com/photo/105475126/254875267dSMFUI

And here's where to buy them:

http://www.shopdownhomer.com/pgi-ProductSpec?29529

Here's the bit of folklore, or at least some Newfoundland history and culture...

Some interesting history about that flag:

"The 'Pink, White and Green' flag originated in 1843 in St. John's, Newfoundland. It is the oldest flag in continuous use of any of the former jurisdictions of what was British North America, preceding in date of origin the Canada Flag (1967), those of all the other Canadians provinces, and preceded only in date of origin by the Union Flag of Britain (1801). The Newfoundland tricolour is the only flag in the world to include the colour pink."

"The tricolour flag of Ireland, created in 1848 by Thomas Francis Meagher, was most likely directly modeled on the Newfoundland tricolour, for Meagher's father was a large fish merchant operating between St. John's and Waterford, Ireland during the early 19th century and the family owned an extensive premises at the foot of Prescott Street in St. John's near the present Fortis Building."

--a bit of history that came with my own Newfoundland Tricolor flag

"The story is that during annual wood hauls for the Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals, which took place while sealers were in town in the spring, considerable rivalry developed between the two groups involved. The Protestant English marked their wood piles with the pink flag of the Natives' Society, while the Catholic Irish used green banners. The threat of violence was such that Bishop Michael Fleming intervened, and persuaded the sealers to adopt a common flag, on which the pink and green would be separated by a white stripe to symbolize peace, taken from the banner of Scotland."

http://www.heritage.nf.ca/facts3.html (scroll down a bit)

What's interesting about this t-shirt design is the mixed imagery reminiscent of Communist/Socialist revolutionary art in the early part of 20th century Europe, and the presence of the Newfoundland Tricolor (combined with the subversive nature of the accordion itself ;-)

The presence of the Newfoundland Tricolor is interesting in this context for several reasons, not the least of which being that there is still some controversy surrounding Confederation (when Newfoundland joined Canada). Many Newfoundlanders who were born before Confederation consider themselves Newfoundlanders and not Canadians. And there are some who would like Newfoundland to become independent from Canada again (and some who want Nfld to join the US). Note the number 49 in the little star just above the "ON" in "ACCORDION". That was the year when Newfoundland joined Canada.

So the meaning in the picture on this t-shirt can be interpreted in any of several ways. And that's one of the reasons I love it. Some of the other reasons are the distinct look of the picture as it captures the spirit of Newfoundlanders and Newfoundland generally... strong and independent (both men and women), intelligent, industrious, musical, practical and courageous. And the look of the house and fence are very evocative of the look of Newfoundland. And of course the fact that it promotes accordion playing as a revolutionary act (a bit tongue-in-cheek, but not entirely).

Of course, one of the other things that is wonderful about Newfoundland is that in Nfld, accordions are a much beloved instrument.

Subject: RE: Accordion Revolution (for Animaterra)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 06:33 PM

COOL, Carol! Thanks! Just in time for a certain young lady's birthday, too (snicker).

You're the best, Carol!

Allison

Subject: RE: Accordion Revolution (for Animaterra)
From: CarolC
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 09:09 PM

You're welcome, Allison. Please convey my birthday greetings to your young accordionista.

;-)

Subject: RE: Accordion Revolution (for Animaterra)
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 11:43 PM

The reversed "N"'s give it a slight Russin flavour.