The origin of our State motto — Apres Bon Die c’est la ter -can be traced back to December 1945 when a common labourer composed a song which was recorded by historian Fr. R. Proesmans.
Raphael Vauclean, then in his fifties, performed a simple song and dance entitled “La Terre” unknowingly, copying the world-wide theme of the binding relationships between man, nature and Mother Earth.
Adapting, too, to the patois proverb of Apres Bon Dieu C’est Maman-ou’ “After God, your Mother”. Vauclena built his song around just how much the earth gave in the way of food, clothing and shelter.
“pour l’idee-,moin Vis-avis de moi “ferme” Apres Bon Dieu C’est La Ter.”
The words lay hidden until Fr. Proesmans was officially approached in the early 1960’s for suggestions for the motto, the phrase came immediately to mind.
He offered it and found ready acceptance by Chief Minister F.A. Baron and by British Administrator Alec Lovelace, who was then engaged developing a crest and motto for the colony.
The Song – LA TERRE (ASSISE) C’est la Ter qui ban moin manger-moin C’est la ter qui ba moin hadds-moin C’est la ter qui ba moin tout ca moin ni besoin pou case-moin (DEBOUT) C’est pas la Ter qui fait moin Mais c’est la Ter (re) qui ka porter moin et c’est couchee assous la Ter moin ka (re) poser.
(A GENOUX) Si moin pas ka respe ter la Ter Si Moin pas ka netoyer la Ter) Si moin pas ka carresser-i Si moin pas ka beau-i Moin pas kai respe ter mounes Moin pas kai aimer mounes. (ASSISE) Pour l’idee-moin Vis-avis de moin “then” APRES BON DIE C’EST LA TER.