Agricultural Production in Luxembourg in the light of its Micro-Toponymy

Part Two

Abstract

This analysis offers insights into Luxembourg toponymy and its relevance for the study of rural agricultural history, with a focus on the themes of alcoholic by-products. There are three elements relating to the production of alcoholic beverages, which are represented by the evidence found in place names in Luxembourg. The most prominent is viticulture, which is still an important part of the agricultural economy of the Grand Duchy to this day. However, there is also evidence of beer production, albeit to a much lesser extent. Even evidence of distillation products is even rarer, with only a few specific (and rather modern) examples that provide primary evidence for a distillation industry, while other data is only usable through secondary interpretation. The fact that of these three parts of the agricultural production of alcoholic beverages, only the toponymic evidence for viticulture is so strongly represented seems to be related to the nature of wine production, which requires considerably more land specifically dedicated to the cultivation of the raw materials. In the case of beer and distillates, the raw materials could also be used for other agricultural activities.