Figure 1.--This is the crest that the Douai choristers wear on their green sweaters.

The choir's coat of arms or crest is very important. It is an integral par of the uniform. At the top are the three colors of France and the white cross which signifies the religious foundation. It also reminds the choristers of the origins of their town in the middle ages. the town of Douai was known in the 12th century. This explains why the choristers wear the crest on their chests

Color

The green uniform apparently refers to the Germanian roots of Douai. The blue uniform worn by many other French choirs is taken from the main color of France. The Petits Chanteurs de Douai has a lot of exchanges with German choirs and sing about 60 concerts a year in Germany. This is the reason for this uncommon color which honors a neighbor country.

The Crest

The choir crest has three parts.

Top

On the top, the French flag with the three colors of France.

The field

Then the field is crossed in four green parts by the white cross. The white cross refers to the Federation of Pueri Cantores the federation to which many French chirs belong. The Federation was founded by Mgr. MAILLET former President and Musical Director of Les Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois. The four green parts refers to the color green choosen by the choir referring to its German roots.

Overlay

Above these fields is a krone, a ducal krone with the stylistic "D", these parts belonging to the arms of Douai.

Importance

The crest is an important part of the Petits Chanteurs de Douai uniform. The crest is pinned on their greensweater worn for concerts in front of the heart. The crest is not only worn on the chest during concerts and on the civil clothes as minimum part of the uniform when travelling during holidays for concerts. It's an obligation for the boys and their proud to be member of this famous choir.