Villa Bizani is the most ancient name by which our village has been known. It probably originated from a plot of land given to a veteran of the Roman Army called Bisus, around the second century B.C., the time of the founding of Narbonne and the romanisation of the Narbonnaise. This name has been subject to variation throughout the ages until the spelling was fixed in the 16^th century. Earlier, at least since the 12th century, the village was also frequently called Bissan les Allières (or similar phrases). The meaning of this name has two hypotheses: one of them, the importance of the garlic cultivation. The other, the presence of numerous water springs around the village explained by the word, “Ayero” (sinks or wash house in occitan).

The coat of arms of Bize on the right, comprises of 3 silver garlic bulbs arranged on a red field. Although approved by a meeting of the local council in 1790, this coat of arms has, however, been replaced by a much older one of the Cardinal Bonzi, of Milanese origin, Archbishop of Narbonne in 1673 and because of this title, the first of four noble lords of Bize. The snakes on the coat of arms are also present on the emblem of a famous make of cars in Milan.

Traditionally the Bizois are called ‘Lous Monstres” (the monsters) by the inhabitants of neighbouring villages. This was founded on a tradition that took place on the night of St. Sylvestre (New Years Eve) . All public lights were extinguished on the last stroke of midnight and out came “the monsters”, with metal saucepans and iron bars making an infernal racket, frightening all the children. A certain mystery was preserved on the origin of these monsters, in order to make threats sometimes to the children to behave!

Special thanks to our translator, Patricia Hale.

Last Updated (Monday, 19 January 2009 21:03)