Folk sports

Playing ball

The ball game and more specifically the curved ball game (in all its regional variations) has been played as an entertainment for centuries. Little historical material remains however. The dimensions of the game area greatly depend on the space available, but are typically between 7 and 8.5 metres in length and between 2.2 and 4.2 metres wide. The game is played inside and outside. The chubby curved ball itself measures up to 22.5 cm in diameter and is made of plastic or linen. The flat curved ball (of walnut or hornbeam) measures 19 cm in diameter and is 5 cm thick.
Rounding off the ball on one side gives it its essential curving motion. Scoring and the number of players (2 or 3 and sometimes 4) is a matter of local custom. The game may be played for money, but the usual wager is a beer, or maybe a ham or half a pig. That makes the curved ball game more than worthy of the name folk sport.

Archery

Archery is one of the earliest skills our ancestors learnt. Originally the bow was used in the hunt and later it became a weapon of war too. Archery has its romantic heroes like William Tell and Sherwood Forest's most famous rebel, Robin Hood. Archers united into archers' associations, which were formed around the 13th century. Their task was to defend the towns. Today's archers' associations are more concerned with religious and festive aspects, and tradition and solidarity with the collective's honour are strong values. Each of the many disciplines - a.o. wipschieten - within archery is governed by its own specific rules. Every bird hit represents a fixed score. The annual King's Shoot is a festive event soaked in tradition. Archery has become very technical in recent years. The many disciplines, often exclusively Flemish - freestyle bow, standing bow, bowhunting, and so on - are proof of the rich history of archery as a folk sport.

Pigeon racing

Not without reason, pigeon racing has been honoured with a postage stamp. Belgium is the spiritual home of this folk sport, which continues to be practised by thousands of enthusiasts. Competitions date back to the beginning of the 19th century. The homing pigeon, the result of intensive breeding, has the colossal sense of direction and stamina to ensure it always finds its way back home. The ring borne by the pigeon during its flight is turned in the racing clock the moment the bird arrives back at its coop. The pigeon with the faster average speed wins the race! The family life of the pigeon fancier is determined to a large extent by his feathered friends. Most pigeon fanciers pass their expertise and their love of pigeons down from father to son. Pigeon racing is a folk sport that's become a lifestyle.
Issue: Belgium, 24 February 2003

More information

Postage Stamps 2003
Stamps of Belgium