LIFE AT THE MAYEN

The mayens are old buildings made of wood and stone, located halfway between the villages and the mountain pastures.

They welcome families and herds in spring and autumn for a few weeks' stay just before the inalpe (the ascent to the mountain pasture) and just after the desalpe. They traditionally consist of a living area, a barn for storing hay and a stable where the animals sleep.

The weeks in the mayen have always been regarded as a holiday for the herding families. Although some of them still make delicious little tommes with the milk from the milking, the main task of the whole family is to look after the herd.

So we have a lot of free time to have fun, build huts or play cards. We also make routhuchió, sticks that we carve ourselves to grill saveloys or melt cheese on bread in front of the fire, the famous rùchia.

We also love to play the same games as our grandparents did back then. The wooden cow game is
our favourite. Do you want to try?

Marie: With my brother, we made two cows out of hazel wood and carved beautiful horns on them. Who wants to play against me in the cow game? I warn you, I've been practising all spring!

RULES OF THE GAME

• The hazelwood cows are made of 2 parts.
• The one with the bark is their back and the other side is their belly.
• The game is played as a duel.
• Each player chooses a cow and throws it on the ground at the same time.
• The player who lands the cow on its belly wins a point, while the player with the cow that lands on its back loses.
• Victory is decided by the best of 3 throws.