Recently, in the old village hall of Pessan, the Tir du Roy took place, always in compliance with health rules, which thus gave the company of Pessannais Archers a King Eric and a runner-up Marie-Rose. Congratulations to our host Jean for this initiative and thank you to all the participants.
The Tir du Roy, also called bird shooting or bird shooting, is a festive moment when archers meet to share a friendly moment around the bow. The archers shoot a wooden bird measuring 2.5 by 5 cm, called Papegay or Papegault (old name of the parrot), a target located at a distance of 50 meters, a reduced distance for the youngest. Whoever touches and shoots the bird first will be named King of his company. An archer who touches the bird for three consecutive years will be crowned Emperor for life. The Tir du Roy is a custom that dates back to the Middle Ages, encouraged by royalty. Thus in the 14th century, an emperor was exempt, for his life, from all taxes and other taxes. Nowadays, alas! he only enjoys the great respect of the other members of the company, but he is quite happy with it! We therefore extend our congratulations to our King of Archers and his runner-up and count on them for the organization of the next edition of the Tir du Roy, hoping that next year, if the sanitary conditions allow it, this event will end. by good and great feasts.
