Touche pas à la Blanche Hermine

In 'Touche pas à la Blanche Hermine,' Servat Gilles passionately addresses the misuse of the Breton symbol, the white ermine, by far-right political groups. The song opens with Gilles expressing disbelief and anger at the appropriation of the 'Blanche Hermine' by these groups, who chant it under their tricolor flag. He criticizes their selective understanding of the song, suggesting that they either ignore or are deaf to its full meaning. Gilles points out that the ermine is white, but not blue or red, making it an unsuitable emblem for their ideologies.

Gilles delves deeper into the symbolism of the ermine, noting that its fur changes with the seasons, becoming brown in the summer—a metaphor for diversity and change. He recounts a Breton legend where an ermine, pursued by dogs, chose death over soiling itself in mud, symbolizing purity and integrity. Gilles uses this story to highlight the irony of far-right groups, who claim to uphold purity, yet sully the true meaning of the 'Blanche Hermine' by associating it with their cause.

The song also addresses the misconception that the far-right leader represents the true voice of Brittany. Gilles vehemently denies this, pointing out that the leader's education and upbringing were far removed from authentic Breton culture. He emphasizes that Brittany has a history of inclusivity, as evidenced by the election of a black mayor in St Coulitz. Through this song, Gilles reclaims the 'Blanche Hermine' as a symbol of Breton pride and resistance against the misappropriation of cultural symbols by those who do not understand or respect their true meaning.