Editorial

The Free Republic of Outre-Meuse

Nestled in Liege, « D’jus d’là Moûse » (Outre-Meuse) is a heart-shaped island and looks as if embraced by the arms of the river. It stretches from the Kennedy Bridge till the Atlas Bridge and from the “Quai de Tanneurs” till the “Dérivation”. For a pedestrian from the left bank, the prettiest way to go to « D’jus d’là Moûse » is by crossing the footbridge Saucy, whose metal arches from the 19th century are spanning over the Meuse, prohibiting all traffic.

Its origins probably go back to the tenth century, when the Prince-Bishop Notger decided to populate this rustic, yet marshy part of Liege.
Its population proudly retains without ostentation, its spirit of freedom, its playful tone and somehow ‘bohemian’ individuality.
Without Outre-Meuse, Liege would lose much of its poetry and humor.

Birth and recognition of a Republic.

On a trip to Paris in 1927, journalists and personalities from Outre-Meuse discovered the achievements of the Free Commune of Montmartre, giving way to a meeting of various groups from Outre-Meuse by trying to create a similar association, with a primarily folk and philanthropic goal.

The Free Republic of ’Outre-Meuse (R.L.O.M.) was born !

During that year for the first time, the "Hymn of the Republic”, "Djus d'là-Mouse-inch tot” was played, with lyrics by Joseph VRINDTS and music by Joseph DUYSENX.

Did you know that….

• During the Second World War, as a member of the resistance, and afterwards, the RLOM helped out its citizens by distributing food parcels and toys to needy families and their children. Often members of the RLOM emptied their own pockets in order to do so ...
• The Free Republic of Outre-Meuse made lots of efforts to set up important cultural projects, such as the creation and maintenance of the Gretry School of Music, the Tchantchès Museum and Theatre, as well as several other cultural centers ...
• The Free Republic of Outre-Meuse is at the origin of monuments such as of General Bertrand and Tchantchès.
• Outre-Meuse used to be known for its numerous small businesses and street traders.
• King Baudouin, Pope John Paul II, Georges Simenon, Lyne Renaud, Annie Cordy and many others ... all came to honor Tchantchès!
• The decorated flowered pole, called “Bouquet” which is carried around during the August 15 festivities, has the same significance as the famous battle of St. George against the dragon in Mons as a significance of the Sun’s victory over winter. The “Bouquet” is the equivalent of the "Maypole" in France, "Meiboom" in Brussels, "Maypole" in English and the procession of the “Queen of May”, the fair spring bride betrothed to the Sun.
• In Outre-Meuse, August 15 exceeds by far the Christian Assumption celebration, bringing annually together tens of thousands of visitors from all corners...
• The city of Liege has over two hundred shrines, out of which those of Outre-Meuse are particularly dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Lady Nostru-Dame d’èmé à l’awous (Our Lady of the mid- August). Traditionally, each shrine has its guardian, responsible for its maintenance. Originally, this guardian used to beg on Saturdays for a "ine sans" (a penny) from local residents in order to maintain the shrine properly..
• On August 16, “Mathy l’Ohe” is buried. This ceremony takes place “privately’, amongst the local population, far from the crowd. It’s a sort of pendant of the Maria feast, where religion is being parodied, the priest being mocked at and bawdy songs are being sung...