Idea #51 – Watching the ceremony of “passation du drapeau” at l’Ecole polytechnique
The Ecole polytechnique’s traditions were born during the militarization of the School by Napoleon Ier, in 1804. These various traditions structure the Ecole polytechnique, and shape its representation in the collective imagination in France.
To the Ecole polytechnique, the flag is a part of the military tradition. The flag says “about Napoleon”, fac-similé or original of that put back in 1804, is kept in the room of the Councils of the Ecole, in very poor condition and under glass. It is in front of him that every Polytechnique graduate young person signs in his incorporation his military contract, including the commitment to serve the State during 10 years. In October, is a few months after the arrival of the new promotion to Palaiseau, takes place the ceremony of presentation in the flag. Then the next year, in April, takes place the ceremony of signing of the flag. Generally, the signing is made in the presence of the Ministry of Defence and continues by a garden-party at the Ecole.
Where is it?
Ecole polytechnique, Palaiseau, France
