The History of the Vivandiére INVESTIGATED AND WRITTTEN BY: Elizabeth Allison Atkins (click on Elizabeth's name to visit her site or EMAIL her at VIVANDIERE61@HOTMAIL.COM) The Vivandiére was a staple of the French Imperial Army, who outfitted, as Zouaves after the soldiers of North Africa, were the best fighting force of the mid-nineteenth century. Their military prowess, along with the fancy uniform, made it logical that Civil War soldiers would have copied the style of clothing, and the custom of the Vivandiére. Women have been following men to war, and often fighting themselves, for as long as war has existed. They have served varieties of roles from simple cook or laundress, to soldier; they have been nurses, spies and mascots. Women at war have been both respected and dismissed, accepted and argued in every paternal society; though seldom have they found an equal footing with men on the battlefield. From the Amazons to the Odyssey, tales of female warriors are found in classic literature. Women such as Joan of Arc and the Molly Pitchers of the American Revolution (named so for the pitchers they carried on the battlefield), along with many others, both real and contrived, have found their ways into popular folklore. Wives and daughters have traveled as camp followers in nearly every war of written history, often being slandered and persecuted along the way, particularly so in the Christian armies who's morals tended to teach of sex equaling sin. As early as the Crusades there is evidence of women dressing up as men to go off to war, rather than becoming a "military whore" or camp follower. In modern times, many armies began to see uses for women in the military, if only to boost morale or wash clothing. Over time women have become integrated into the armed forces of most countries and many have managed to gain equal footing by proving themselves strong and determined. Now we shall return to the origin of the Vivandiére in her more strict sense; for which we must go to the French army of the early 17th century. The French Imperial army of the 19th century under Emperor Napoleon III are considered by many the best fighting force of the day. Known for their elaborate uniforms of African style and their precision in drill and battle, the Zouaves were the best of the best. No wonder that both soldiers and officers from both sides chose to copy the style during the American Civil War. The origins of the term Vivandiére are not wholly known. It is thought to be derived from the 12th Century words "Viande," French for "meat" or the Latin root "Vivenda" meaning "food." Throughout the subsequent centuries, Vivandiére would receive a variety of meanings, usually "hospitality giver," "life giver," and later the more sophisticated, "one who sells food and drink to the troops." Vivandiéres first appeared in French armies, they existed before Zouaves but gained the most notoriety from them. As early as the 1650s, Vivandiéres kept troops supplied with food and other necessities and were regulated by the army. Vivandiéres were separated from their counterparts, Cantinieres, by being allowed on the field of battle. Cantiniéres were to remain in camp. One fact that has held true for Vivandiéres through the centuries is that they were almost exclusively the wives of soldiers. By 1800, Vivandiéres had begun carrying their trademark wooden kegs, often painted red, white and blue and containing brandy. In this same period, the Vivandiére first gained her status as a military figure. Clothing was changed to give it a more military look, having the same cut and color of the unit's uniform. Vivandiéres reached the height of European popularity and sophistication under Napoleon III and the Zouaves. The women then wore the uniform of their unit, and often the turban, which was considered elegant, and were armed with a small, often fancy straight or curved sword. In 1854 the term "Vivandiére" was officially replaced by "Cantiniére," although the former term would remain the more popular in America. By the mid 1860s, the Vivandiére was fully assimilated into the French army, receiving pay and decorations along with the men. A French army regulation of 1865 set the number of Vivandiéres at one per Infantry battalion, two per Light Infantry battalion, two per Cavalry squadron, and four per Artillery or Engineer regiment. |
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