Ghent (The Brussels Morning newspaper):The Noose Bearers honor Ghent’s history by reenacting a 1540 punishment during the Ghent Festivities with members walking barefoot and wearing nooses to remember the rebels.
During the Ghent Festivities in Belgium there’s a tradition called the Guild of the Noose Bearers. It happens every 2nd Friday of the event. This tradition goes back to 1540 when Emperor Charles V punished the people of Ghent for rebelling against him. He executed 25 revolt leaders and made other rebels walk around with nooses around their necks to shame them and warn others. During the Ghent Festivities there’s a group called the Noose Bearers who honor a historical event. They wear nooses around their necks during a tour to remember a time when rebels were punished in 1540. Ronny a key participant walks barefoot with a noose and a white tabard adding a unique touch. This march is a dramatic way to show their link to the past and the events of 1540.
What does Ronny Van Renterghem’s barefoot march represent in Ghent’s history?
Ronny Van Renterghem a committed member of the Noose Bearers walks barefoot on cobblestones during the annual tour at the Ghent Festivities. This tradition remembers when Emperor Charles V punished the people of Ghent in 1540 by making rebels wear nooses. Walking on cobblestones in historic areas like Ghent can be tough on the feet. Even after they’re cleaned the stones might still be wet or have stuff on them making it harder. For Ronny walking barefoot on these stones right after they’re cleaned is very painful. He does this to show his commitment to the historical reenactment. Ronny’s march demonstrates his dedication and the importance of the Guild’s tradition.
Ronny says the tour is improving because the streets are cleaner now. He mentions being used to walking barefoot since he was young so he can handle it. However there was a incident when the waste collector cleaned the cobblestones too well causing cuts on their feet. Ronny lives in Ertvelde near Evergem but like all Noose Bearers he was born in Ghent a requirement to join. Only men can be members as Emperor Charles punished only men in 1540. The statutes don’t allow women to participate despite a request in 2018.
There’s gonna be a special women’s tour in Ghent on 27 July Saturday at 6 p.m. This tour focuses on women’s contributions to the city’s history sharing stories not often heard. It’s different from the usual tours and aims to show the achievements of women from different times and backgrounds. People joining can expect interesting information and maybe even interactive parts to learn about Ghent’s history from a new angle.
