The origins of the term Flea Market seem to be torn between two different theories.
1. The original flea market is likely to be the Marché aux puces (literally, "market of the fleas"). It was a popular French shopping venue. It's guessed it was called that because the goods you bought there were most likely to be infested with fleas.
2. The Flea market has been an American expression as far back as Dutch colonial days when there was a very real Vallie (Valley) Market at the valley, or foot, of Maiden Lane in Downtown Manhattan. The Vallie Market came to be abbreviated to 'Vlie Market' and this was soon being pronounced 'Flea Market.'"
From "Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins" by Robert Hendrickson (Facts on File, New York, 1997).
Merriam-Webster's online dictionary define it as;
"A usually open-air market for secondhand articles and antiques."
While the goods have improved and the fleas have moved on, the flea market tradition continues all over the world. People make, gather, find or buy a vast range of goods. Varying in price and quality, it's a way to provide goods, make extra income or recycle treasures that have lost their appeal.
But flea markets are more than that,
They are apart of the community.
To quote The Ottawa Sun, Monday December 20th, 2004.
"It was a frigid day at the Stittsville Flea Market yesterday as the Sunday institution closed its doors to bargain hunters after three decades. Hundreds of vendors packed up beer nuts to fine antiques ---- and exchanged warm handshakes, hugs and memories."
Taking a walk through the market on Sundays you notice it's not the average shopping experience. There's a lot of talking, laughing... You see families and pets, people of every single type. Bartering is common place, as is handmade goods made with care and quality.
In a time of fast food and express checkouts it's nice to find something a little more personable.
