We continue our journey around the world to learn New Year's traditions and rituals of different cultures and peoples. Like all Europeans, the French pay more attention to celebrating Christmas than New Year. On December 31, all of Europe not only sees off the old one and welcomes New Year, but also celebrates St. Sylvester's Day. In some parts of France, Christmas holidays begin on December 6 - St. Nicholas Day. What other traditions do the people of France adhere to? Let's find out :)
Crash
On New Year's Eve, it is difficult to find a Christmas tree or pine tree in French houses. The most important attribute for the inhabitants of France is the crèche - a Christmas manger - a model depicting the scene of the birth of Christ. Usually the creche is filled with figures of saints - santos. Previously, these figurines were made by artisans throughout the year; they were bright and colorful. Just like in the old days, santos figurines are sold throughout December at the annual Christmas markets.
Christmas log
The most famous French New Year's tradition is the lighting of the Christmas log. This tradition appeared in the 12th century. All family members make a log of fresh wood, usually cherry wood, in the yard of the house. From Christmas to New Year, the log is in the house, and then the head of the family pours cognac and oil on it, and the children set it on fire. The coals from the log are carefully collected and stored throughout the next year, like a talisman that brings good luck.
Wine barrel
Wine is a special source of pride for the French. True French winemakers and wine connoisseurs will definitely wish Happy New Year not only to friends and family, but also... to their best barrel of wine. Traditionally, the winemaker gives a eulogy for the barrel and clinks it, thereby wishing himself and others a good harvest in the new year. However, at midnight the French clink glasses of champagne and continue the feast with wine.
Pere Noel
In France, Pere Noel, in our opinion, Father Frost, enters the house through the fireplace with a basket of gifts. He rides around on New Year's Eve on a donkey and wearing wooden shoes, and puts gifts for the children, which they thoughtfully left by the fireplace, in the same shoes. French guys believe that if they behave well all year, they will definitely receive a gift from Père Noel. But for disobedience, Père Noël’s partner, Pierre Fouétard, will come to them and punish them for disobedience.
New Year's table
Our peoples are very similar in the abundance of New Year's food, because who doesn't love to eat deliciously :) New Year's table in France it is rich and varied: fine wines, fruits and sweets, salads, smoked meats and a large selection of poultry. The main New Year's dish is baked goose, goose liver or turkey, depending on regional culinary traditions. The traditional dessert is a festive pie with one bean and the person who gets a piece with this bean becomes the “Bean King” and everyone must obey him on New Year's Eve.
Sacred nativity scene.
Friendly donkey and his rider
Pere Noel! French babies scream when they call their Grandfather Frost. They probably have to repeat their invitation several times, since, unlike his Russian relative, he gets to the holiday not on a reindeer sled, but on a cute donkey. But he is so kind that he visits his little admirers not once, but twice a year. This happens on St. Nicholas Day and Christmas. But if the child was disobedient, did not want to brush his teeth, was capricious and greedy, then instead of a gift in the shoe he will receive a rod. After all, grandfather is not only kind, but also fair.
At the family hearth
Another touching New Year's tradition in France is lighting the fireplace. All relatives gather near the hearth, the head of the family pours cognac and oil on the previously prepared field, and then sets it on fire. When the fire goes out you need to grab some coals. They should be put in a bag and stored for a whole year. This will certainly bring good luck!
But on January 1st comes the most pleasant part of the celebration. Everyone starts exchanging gifts. And you can get what you have been dreaming about for so long for 12 months. Usually these are books, cards, toys and decorations. The tradition dates back to the times of the Roman Empire, but to be honest, in those days gifts were somewhat different.
Coronation
January 6 new year holidays are coming to an end. It is on this day that the Catholic Epiphany takes place. The hostess serves a pie on the festive table, but not a simple one, but a surprise. Previously, it was an ordinary bean, but now it has been replaced by a miniature figurine. If you are lucky and you get a piece of the pie as a surprise, then you will become the king. Not a country, of course, but a holiday. And the crown will not be made of gold, but of cardboard, but this in no way diminishes the importance of the lord of fun. In addition, the largest piece of the pie will also be intended for you. Well, what could be better?
Fireworks rain
On New Year's Eve, the sky over France seems to bloom. Thousands and thousands of colorful fireworks rise up, captivating the eye and bewitching with their unearthly beauty. The streets are filled with spectators, among whom you can find many magicians, musicians, clowns and actors. Laughter and fun can be heard everywhere and this continues for two whole days.
Grape tradition
But residents of the southeastern part have no less extravagant entertainment. They light torches and head in a friendly procession to the vineyards. Exactly at midnight you need to pick a bunch of grapes, then the whole year will be successful.
Why not diversify the traditional New Year's triplet Olivier-President-Chimes and meet a romantic New Year in France?! It’s unusual in France, it’s beautiful in France, and it’s just even warmer! Stroll around, enjoying the 15 degrees of heat, shop for traditional Provençal goods at the Christmas market in, or admire festive fireworks at the Eiffel Tower in - in any case, it will be a completely DIFFERENT new year! The meeting is considered one of the best ways celebrate the holiday!
History of French New Year
In the 6th and 7th centuries, in many regions of France, the New Year was celebrated at the beginning of spring, on March 1st. During the time of Charlemagne, from the 9th century, the New Year began on Christmas Day. During the time of the Capetian kings in the 10th century, Christmas began on Easter Day. And only in 1564 the tradition of celebrating the New Year was finally moved to January 1. King Charles IX, by the Edict of Rousillon on August 9, 1564, introduced the beginning of the year on January 1 in order to make a single calendar throughout the kingdom.
The New Year here is often called the Feast of St. Sylvester, whose feast day coincidentally fell on December 31st. Sylvester was the 33rd pope. He was a Roman and occupied the throne of St. Peter is almost 22 years old, from 314 to 335. During his reign, Christianity was recognized as the official religion of the Roman Empire after the baptism of Emperor Constantine I.
Traditions of celebrating the New Year in France
By tradition New Year in France meet in a circle of friends, gathering around until midnight festive table. After the stroke of 12 o'clock, guests give gifts, and the celebration continues until late at night.
The next day, January 1, is New Year's Day ( le Jour de l'An ) - families and friends exchange congratulations, jokes, promises and wishes for the new year. Unlike other countries, in France it is customary to share wishes and promises ( Bonnes solutions de nouvel) until the 3rd week of January.
It's also funny that the tradition of midnight kisses under the mistletoe in France is practiced on New Year's Day, and not on Christmas, as in other countries. Kisses can be on the lips or on the cheek, depending on the relationship between the people.
New Year in Provence
is a popular place to celebrate the New Year in France. Not least thanks to the mild climate: even in winter, the temperature here fluctuates around 10 - 15 degrees, and when the sun is shining, you can sit at an outdoor restaurant table in a T-shirt. Parties are held for the wealthy public. At the Grand Hotel on New Year's Eve you can attend a gala evening.
New Year's Eve in Viella (Midi Pyrenees)
This is a small town in the region, right on the border with Spain, where only about 500 people live. The tradition of celebrating the New Year here is combined with the grape harvest. It's called Réveillon du Pacherenc. Of course, the grape harvests, even the latest varieties, have already been harvested. But this is a special wine. The grapes are preserved until the very end, and on December 31 the whole village goes out to harvest the last grapes.
The tradition of making such wine dates back to the 18th century, but this version of the New Year's celebration began a generation ago, after an early frost delayed the grape harvest and the city's residents realized that December wine was not only possible, but also wonderful.
After the evening service in the local church, by torchlight, all residents go to the vineyards. A huge fire is lit nearby, and the participants collect the last bunches of grapes.
New Year in the mountains
The most southwestern region of France is Midi Pyrenees- a convenient place to celebrate the New Year. In addition to the picturesque views of the local towns, many of which have remained almost unchanged since the Middle Ages, you can also enjoy excellent skiing areas, which are located very close. You can stay in some old chateau, from where the next day you can go to the mountain slopes.
Huge popularity, in addition to the famous Courchevel, enjoys the ski resort located next to Switzerland. In any case, popular resorts are preparing for their guests for the New Year entertainment programs, concerts and shows.
How is New Year celebrated in France? Colorful and fun! The holidays leave neither the residents of the country nor its guests indifferent thanks to the amazing decorations, bright events and a long-remembered atmosphere of celebration that reigns in every city.
The French sacredly honor their traditions. For them it's special days , full of pleasant emotions and festive rituals.
New Year holidays in France - photos
Most French people love red days more than other days on the calendar. They believe that the richer and more varied the New Year's menu, the more well-being they are promised the next 365 days. Therefore, they try to set a table rich in treats and culinary masterpieces.
When is it celebrated?
According to the Gregorian calendar New Year's greetings the French start accepting at midnight - December 31. The celebration lasts until January 5, and smoothly transitions into the day of Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6. Christmas - main holiday It is customary to meet Catholics and Protestants 25.
In some areas of the country, Christmas celebrations begin on a different date - December 6, when the feast of St. Nicholas begins.
New Year's rituals
The traditions are somewhat similar to the generally accepted New Year rituals of other countries and peoples - lush feasts with an abundance of delicious dishes, colorful fireworks and many reasons for fun, but there are only French rituals, which are repeated by the residents of France from year to year:
- The holiday is symbolized by a composition of Jesus manger. It is installed in every city on the central square. Christmas trees are also decorated, but they are of secondary importance. It is customary to place figurines of saints made of wood or clay near decorated trees;
- Children the day before New Year's Eve prepare shoes for gifts, which are left by the fireplace;
- French adults 1 exchange gifts. They give each other cards, toys, jewelry, books;
- After burning the Christmas log, its ashes keep for a whole year, believing in its miraculous power and ability to protect against failure.
Jewelry and fancy dress
The vibrant atmosphere of celebration in France is created by the abundance of New Year's paraphernalia in homes and on the streets. Citizens paint snowflakes on their windows and decorate the walls with flashing lights. They love very much flowers. Bouquets and flower arrangements everywhere - in homes, offices, shops.
There must be mistletoe at home, which, according to the French, symbolizes prosperity.
On the street the French appear in beautiful carnival costumes . The image of Pere Noel is especially popular. By appearance it reminds me of the same red suit, belted with a belt. Dressed up residents attract the attention of passers-by and try to cheer them up.
Features of table setting
The French have developed certain traditions in serving dishes for a festive dinner for New Year or Christmas. They observe them religiously:
- The baked bird is served seasoned spices, along with chestnuts, apples, pears;
- They do it with meat salad from fresh vegetables and greenery;
- Oysters are a must hot;
- Black caviar served with pancakes, and truffles– with meat and fish dishes;
- Cheeses count a separate treat. They are served with wine. First they eat soft varieties, and then hard ones;
- Wine is selected for each dish. Oysters are eaten with white wine, and meat with red wine. Champagne opens at midnight;
- At the end they drink morning coffee with cognac.
French New Year's table plentiful and satisfying, so it can be difficult to get to dessert. It is usually eaten within 2-3 days after the celebration.
New Year's in France - great opportunity not only get acquainted with local traditions, but also examine the fabulously decorated buildings at this time.
Watch a video about celebrating Christmas and New Year in Paris:
