Who are Monegasque
In fact, Monaco are called, not all residents of Monaco. This is a special people, true, so to speak, the citizens of this country. According to the census of 2008, in Monaco, there are about 7634 people of the tribe of Monaco, it is about 20% of the total population of the country. The rest of the population is French, Italians, Spaniards.
The language of Monaco is also special. It is a dialect of the Ligurian language, which, although close to the dialect of the Genoese, but still came under the influence of the nice dialect of the Occitan language, spoken by some residents of Monaco.
The history of Monaco
According to historical records, on site and then still non-existent Principality of Monaco was first settled by the Phoenicians. It happened approximately in the X century BC, Then came the Greeks, professing a special religious cult. They worshipped the God of fertility and male power, which, according to legend, was the name Mono Okos. It is from this word later was formed the name of the tribe.
Monaco is the famous ocean Museum, founded by Prince albert the First. It is from here that Cousteau began his great expedition.
Legends that neighboring Monegasques tribe worshiped the power of women's fertility, the great mother-goddess. This disagreement often led to combat clashes.
Later the Italians from Liguria, mingling with Monaco, gave them their language. Over time, formed the national identity of the Monegasques, their special traditions. The dialect of Monaco underwent some changes under the influence of the nearest neighbors, but then finally settled. A Monegasque prefer to speak in their language.
The traditions and privileges of Monaco
Today the patron of the tribe of Monegasques Devata is considered Holy and therefore sacred to the inhabitants of the Principality is white, symbolizing purity and nobility, as the Holy shroud. White clothes are mostly men. Red is another important color, signifying the blood of the Martyr. But black is considered a sign of intuition and wisdom, it is in the Principality considered feminine color.
It is believed that the name Monaco is derived from the word "monk", which in Italian is pronounced as monaco.
In Monaco, the monégasques, as native subjects, have a number of privileges. For example, they can choose the Parliament. Also Monaco are exempt from taxes. They also have other benefits. If you were not born Monegasque, they become impossible. Even if you marry a representative of this nationality, in case of divorce, "not a native" partner immediately loses all privileges of Monegasques.