Figure 1.--This class photograph is from Grand Lycée during the 1969-70 school year. Following French practice, the school required the children to wear smocks. This was class 7b. There was considerable difference in the styles of the smocks.

Lebanon is the Middle-Eastern country wedged between larger Syria and the Mediterrean Sea. Since the dawn of civilization, Lebanon has been a battleground for the larger more powerful nations which surround it. This began with the rise of powerful cultures in Mesopotamia and the Nile Valley. Lebanon was after World War I a French protectorate and French culture was of some importance for many years, including boys wear. We note smocks being extensive worn in Lebanese schools. I am not sure if this is the case. We have begun to do some work on Lebanese schools. We also notice First Communion services. The calm depicted in these images is little in evidence in the chaotic current situation. Lebanon was once prosperous and known as the Switzerland of the Middle East. It has since degenerated into fractional fighting and dominated by Fundamentalist Islamic groups and Syria.

Created: April 21, 2004
Last updated: April 21, 2004