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L’année française
Janvier
1 Everyone is sleeping after the
long night of “réveillon”. A “réveillon”
is when you stay awake all night eating, drinking and dancing.
Can you see the link with the army wake up called “reveille”
?
6 La fête des Rois. The Three Kings
arrived at Bethlehem and brought presents to the Baby. In
France a special cake is baked called “galette des rois”
with a “fève” (a bean). Nowadays it is
often a small plastic token in the shape of something connected
to Christmas, like a baby or a crown, or even a cartoon character.
The person who gets it is allowed to wear a golden or silver
paper crown and be king or queen for the meal.
Février
14 This is Valentine’s Day.
French restaurants are booked up that evening, for men or
women to invite their love.
Mars
1st Sunday in March is Grandma's day.
Easter
Easter is the same in France as in much of the world.
Mardi Gras is the day before Lent (Carême) and people
traditionally make pancakes to use up all the ingredients
before the “fasting” time, ie eating very simply.
In the past food was beginning to be in short supply at this
time of year so they made a virtue out of not eating very
much. “Vendredi saint”, Good Friday, was the day
Jesus was crucified and no church bells ring. Children are
told the bells have all flown to Rome to get filled with chocolate
goodies and that they will be back on Saturday night before
Easter Sunday (Pâques). When they go into the garden
on Easter Sunday there are chocolate eggs, chickens, rabbits
- even bells! - in the garden. The explanation is that the
bells have tipped up and dropped them as they fly back to
the bell towers. Who’s going to argue with a garden
full of goodies to collect?
Avril
1 “Poisson d’Avril”
- people cut out paper fish and put them on the backs of unsuspecting
victims. You’re an April fish, not an April fool in
France!
Mai
1 People give each other “un
brin de muguet” (Lily of the Valley) for luck. This
is a big industry - the manufacture of attractive presents
and cards provides full-time jobs for some people.
“Fête du travail” - workers’ day.
There are big parades, especially in Paris, with different
trades parading in different places.
Ascension is a holiday. It’s when Jesus ascended to
Heaven. It always takes place on a Thursday.
Mother's day is often in May, whereas Father's day in June.
Juin
21 “La fête de la musique”
is celebrated in almost every town in France. This was initiated
by Jack Lang who was minister for culture.
Juillet
14 “La Fête National”.
In 1789 the storming of the Bastille prison marked the beginning
of the French Revolution. France is a Republic; that means
they do not have a King or Queen, and they are very proud
of the fact. They executed their Royal family and today they
have a president as Head of State who is elected every five
years. “Bastille” day, as it is also known, is
a holiday and celebrated with fireworks in the evening and
dancing in the streets.
“Les grandes vacances”. The summer holidays last
for two months, usually from the end of June to the beginning
of September. In the past children were needed at home and
on the farms, to help their parents to bring in the harvest.
Août
Nearly everybody goes away on holiday, so many of
the factories and workplaces are closed. French people like
to stay in France for their holidays. Many go to the Mediterranean
coast, for the sun and the sea, although there are many other
seaside places in the north and the west. They can also holiday
in the country or the mountains.
Septembre
“La rentrée” - when all the children
go back to school. The shops have a massive campaign through
the summer starting in August to encourage everyone to stock
up for the school year.
Octobre
31 “Joyeux Halloween”.
This is new in France, but it is very popular. French people
love to enjoy themselves and to party.
Novembre
1 “Le Toussaint” -
All Saints Day. Traditionally, people visit their relatives’
graves to put chrysanthemums on them. Because chrysanthemums
are the flowers that you put on graves, they are never used
as a gift when visiting people.
Décembre
6 “St Nicolas” is celebrated
in the East of France in the regions bordering Germany, with
parades in the streets. In the north, young boys get postcards
from their relatives or friends.
24 “La veille de Noël” -
Christmas Eve. Everyone gets together to eat a large meal
on Christmas Eve - another “réveillon”.
This is a family celebration and children get presents to
open. Some people go to "la messe de minuit" which
used to be at midnight but now takes place at 10pm. Some families
spend the evening with one part of the family and Christmas
day with the other part of the family.
25 “Noël” - Christmas. Midday
is very important, when children have their presents.
31 “La Sainte Sylvestre” - New
Year’s Eve. Everyone stays awake all night to party.
Usually there is serious eating to be done too, usually with
friends rather than relatives.
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| Decorated
chocolate eggs |
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| Easter
bunnies |
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