Breton and celtic saints
Brittany is indeed a land of saints: a Léonard nursery rhyme even counted as many as “7,777 and seven saints who descended to Kersaint.” A study of medieval Breton hagiographies more reasonably estimates their number at between 800 and 900.
During the Early Middle Ages, these figures of noble lineage, originating from Ireland, Wales, or Cornwall, seemed destined to evangelize Armorican Brittany and the European continent, establishing monasteries in Armorica that would become centers of attraction for the lay communities to come. These saints thus gave their names to numerous towns, villages, hamlets, chapels, fountains, and pardons (religious festivals) throughout Brittany. Often sanctified by popular acclaim, they are still the subject of various legends imbued with a pre-Christian Celtic imagination.
David Balade has attempted to transcribe in this series “Saint Bretons and Celts” this hagiographic legend, presented in the form of cards and reproductions, available at the David Balade Gallery and at our partners in the eponymous municipalities.