Dimanche 30 septembre 2012, les Pearly Kings et Queens organisent leur festival annuel au Guildhall Yard de Londres. Les membres de cette association organisent une grande collecte de fonds pour la mission de Whitechapel et défileront au son d’une fanfare jusqu'à l’église de St Mary le Bow.

Credit photo: Pearly Kings

Habillés de leurs fameux costumes traditionnels faits de boutons de nacre, les Pearly Kings et Queens portent jusqu'à 30000 boutons de nacre cousus sur leurs vestes, pantalons et casquettes. Ces costumes peuvent peser jusqu’ a 30 kilos.

Un peu d’histoire

Les Pearlies règnent sur les différents quartiers de Londres. Leur titre se transmet par filiation. Leurs enfants sont reconnus comme étant des princes et princesses. La mission des rois de nacre est de recueillir des fonds pour des organismes de bienfaisance. Ils participent dans Londres à de nombreuses fêtes et manifestations.

La majorité d’entre eux sont des Cockney de pure souche, perpétuant ainsi la tradition et l’histoire, par leurs chants, leur parler, leurs traditions.

Surnommés affectionnément les Pearlies, leurs histoires remontent au 19 eme siècle , en pleine période victorienne. De tradition ouvrière, le premier Pearly King fut Henry Croft. On raconte que ce jeune orphelin, marchand des 4 saisons, ramassait tous les boutons de nacre tombés dans la rue ou deuxième légende, qu’il avait récupéré les boutons d’une cargaison d’un bateau japonais ayant coulé dans la Tamise en 1880. Henry avait la réputation d’être bon et charitable, influencé par les Costmongers qui l’avaient aidé lorsqu’il était dans le besoin. Il imagina que la meilleure façon de récolter de l’argent pour de bonnes œuvres était d’attirer l’attention. Récupérant l’idée des boutons, il décora ses vêtements totalement de boutons de nacre.

Les marchands des quatre saisons (Costmongers) étaient à l’époque très pauvres, il fallait se faire remarquer pour pouvoir vendre, ces derniers portaient sur leurs vêtements le long des coutures des rangées de boutons pour se distinguer des autres corporations de vendeurs. Les Costmongers s’aidaient les uns les autres et se serraient les coudes dans l’adversité et la misère. Si un Costmongers était dans le besoin, les autres lui portaient secours, chaque quartier avait son représentant.

Henri Croft devint alors une attraction et fut sans cesse contacté par de nombreux hôpitaux, orphelinats, églises pour aider à amasser des fonds pour les nécessiteux. Henry travaillait seul, il demanda alors à la corporation des Costermongers de l’aide. C’est ainsi que la monarchie des Pearly King naquit profondément ancrée dans la tradition des familles Cockney.

De nos jours, la famille d’Henry Croft perpétue encore la tradition, son arrière-petite-fille est la Pearly Queen de Somer’s Town.

Infos : The Pearly Kings and Queens Festival, à Guildhall Yard, Gresham Street, EC2V 5AE, Londres. Début des festivités à partir de 13h. Entrée gratuite.

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