Christmas in France in French. Christmas in France: history, features, traditions and interesting facts

The most revered family celebration in France is considered to be / Noë l (the greatest holiday of all Catholics in the world), which marks the beginning of the New Year holidays, for which the French begin to prepare a whole month before its onset. Based on the observance of the winter solstice cycle, the celebration of Noël in France opens on Saint Nicholas Day (December 6th) and ends only on January 6th, the date of Epiphany/l'Épiphanie.

As a result, from the very beginning of December, all French towns/villages, etc. are fully decorated / cleaned in full accordance with the Christmas theme. City streets / shop windows / restaurants / cafes / private houses - everything absorbs the spirit of Christmas. French shopping districts are brightly illuminated with multi-colored light bulbs (often in the form of snowflakes), holiday trees shining with garlands and sparkling with toys can be found in large quantities not only in the houses of the French, but also on the streets themselves, in entrances, in city squares, etc. Also during Throughout the Christmas month, numerous fairs are organized in France (in Marseille/Aix-en-Provence/Arles/Aubane/Carpentras/Mouans-Sartoux/Langdok-Roussillon/Garon, etc.), where, among other things, you can buy figurines of saints and other Christmas attributes.

Entire crowds of worried parents are frantically fussing in search of suitable gifts for their children, who, according to the old tradition, do not forget to put their shoes in front of the hearth to receive the long-awaited reward for their good behavior from Per Noel (in Russia - Santa Claus). In the Cathedrals, solemn masses dedicated to this main Catholic holiday are certainly organized. Also, an indispensable part of the folk French Christmas festivities / events are various thematic theatrical performances / shows / fairs / TV shows, etc.

It is interesting that initially, since the time of Ancient Rome at this time (although the date of December 25 is not a reflection of the exact moment of the birth of the baby Jesus), Saturnalia / saturnales, which lasted about seven days (winter solstice), symbolized a kind of solemn ceremony with indispensable sacrifices to the glory of the God of Saturn and obligatory numerous entertainment events. Even slaves were relieved of their heaviest work/duties during these festivities. The most important feature of the festival was the custom of the exchange of duties, when the owners temporarily performed work instead of their slaves. Also, adults at this time devoted a lot of time to playing with their children and decorated their homes with branches of the only green plant known then - spruce. From there, the tradition of decorating houses with fir branches, which we now love so much, went. With the spread of Christianity, instead of saturnales, Noël began to be celebrated, the official date of which in 306 AD. and was chosen by Pope Jules 1 on December twenty-fifth (exactly nine months after the Annunciation - March twenty-fifth - thus, there is a clear correlation of Christian holidays with many pagan rites). Somewhat later, already in 340, during the celebration of Christmas, the playful representations of the birth of the baby Jesus using decorative mangers were first introduced, but the tradition of celebrating Noël on the twenty-fifth day was finally fixed in Catholicism, starting approximately from the fifth century.

Actually, French traditions associated with Christmas are closely tied to a specific region of the country and can vary significantly. So, even the Christmas wizard himself (in Russia - Santa Claus) can be called differently here: le Père Noël (Christmas grandfather /) Bonhomme Noël (Merry Christmas) / father Snow / father January / St. Nicholas / barbu (bearded), etc. However, some common customs/traditions are still observed. For example, as in Russia, the main Christmas symbol of France is certainly the spruce / arbre de Noël (Christmas tree), which has long been considered a cult / ritual tree (for example, a symbol of eternal life during the ancient Roman Saturnalia). The tradition of decorating Christmas trees migrated to France (originally Alsace, then Lorraine) in the sixteenth century from Germany. Later, together with the inhabitants of Alsace/Lorraine who fled from the consequences of the German annexation (1871), the custom of using the Christmas tree spread widely throughout the country, taking root here almost everywhere, turning into an entire industry with the planting of millions of trees.

As a result, a real resurrection of the ancient cult of honoring this tree took place in France, when every Christmas arbre de Noël is decorated / dressed up with bright glass balls / decorative toys / light garlands / beads, etc. Although it is interesting that earlier they ate in France were decorated mainly with fruits, and most often used for this apples. But it so happened that 1858 turned out to be an extremely lean year. It was then that French (Lorraine) glassblowers made glass balls to replace real apples with them, thereby laying the foundation for the custom of using Christmas tree decorations. Now almost no French house can do without arbre de Noël

Another integral French tradition, without which not a single Christmas is now complete here, is the installation of the so-called Christmas manger / nativity scene (crèche), a layout depicting the very scene of the birth of Christ, which are usually exhibited both in churches / cathedrals and in individual private French houses. In France, starting from the nineteenth century, mass production of miniature figures of saints was put into mass production, which can now be found in almost every French house. Also in Auban / Aix-en-Provence / Marseille, skilled craftsmen often make figurines of saints using hand-painted techniques - santons (according to legend, Saint Francois d’Assise / St. Francis of Assisi became the founder of this ancient tradition). The very first French manger, flanked by exactly twenty gilded wooden statues, is now on display at the Aube (Department of Aube) in Chaource (Church of Chaours).

Actually, the scene of the manger itself has the following compositional content: a baby in a cradle (the center of the composition) surrounded by parents, shepherds, wise men, legendary animals (donkey + ox), as well as ordinary people (usually in the clothes of the nineteenth century). Moreover, characters depicting ordinary / ordinary people are called upon to play a very important role in some provinces (for example, in Provence - a fish seller, an enthusiastic fisherman, a spinner with a spindle, a woman with a jug, herald ....).

Everywhere in France, it is considered a purely family event to organize a Christmas dinner / reveillion directly under a Christmas tree decorated for the holiday, the menu of which is usually extremely traditional and, as a rule, includes seven main courses: soup with garlic and sage + cod / spinach + olives (green / black) + fish (fried) + cauliflower + celery in oil (anchovy) + snails / goose liver (may vary in different regions - + ham / chestnuts / baked pork / roast goose). Almost everywhere in the French provinces before the Christmas holidays they fatten poultry (turkeys / geese), prepare sausages ...

The tradition of exchanging greeting cards containing Joyeux Noël! (Merry/Merry Christmas!), and singing a whole series of French Christmas songs, the most popular of which is considered "Il est né le divin enfant ..." "he was born, ... the Divine Child." At the same time, the process of preparing a Christmas log / bûche de Noël, symbolizing the increase and improvement in the quality of the crop, is considered a special, very interesting custom (since ancient times, it was thought that a tree trunk subjected to sawing could have some magical properties that allow influencing the crop). Moreover, when processing logs, the tree species is selected whose fruits are more preferable (for example, oak logs are made when they want to harvest a large crop of acorns). At present, in some French regions, children's Christmas gifts (usually fruit / sweets) are hidden in logs, although more often French kids still hope to find their Christmas surprises in shoes placed specially at doors / fireplaces or in socks prepared in advance for this purpose. Also in some parts of the country, cakes with the same name “log” / bûche de Noël are now often prepared.

Moreover, it is interesting that if the children's half of the French population usually unpacks their gifts directly on Christmas morning, then the adult traditionally prefers to exchange presents already on the New Year, a holiday that is significantly different from a similar event in Russia.

Christmas customs and traditions in France

In France, Christmas is a time marked by family and generosity, at which time close people get together, children are given candies and sweets, and day - clothes and gifts. This is the time of the Christmas mass and the Reveillon gala dinner (Le Reveillon). Reveillon means awakening, the coming of the day. This is a symbolic spiritual awakening of a person due to the realization of the significance of the birth of Christ.

Different regions of France celebrate Christmas in different ways. Most provinces celebrate Christmas on December 25th. However, in the eastern and western regions of France, the Christmas season begins on December 6, Saint Nicholas Day. It was on this day that the French Santa Claus - Pere Noel (Pere Noel)- brings good and diligent children gifts and sweets. Wearing wooden shoes and with a basket of gifts on his back, he arrives on a donkey and, leaving the animal outside, enters through the chimney into the house. In some provinces, Per Noël brings small gifts on December 6th and returns again at Christmas with big ones. Petya Noel can also bring gifts (Le Petit Noel)- Baby Jesus.

And in some regions, the festive time begins with the advent of Theophany (la fête des Rois - literally from the French feast of the Kings. Here we mean the Magi who brought gifts to Jesus) - one of the most important holidays of the Christmas period.

In most countries, Epiphany (la fête des Rois) is celebrated on January 6, while in some areas of France it is celebrated on the first Sunday of the new year.

Christmas traditions in France

French children, like everyone else in the world, love to receive gifts. To get them, they stack their shoes near the fireplace, in the hope that Paire Noel (Father of Christmas) will fill them with pleasant and desirable things.

The Christmas tree is decorated with sweets, fruits, nuts, and small toys.

By the way, in France there is an antonym for Pere Noel - this is Pere Fuetard (grandfather with rods). This character scares naughty and capricious children. Per Fuetar goes from house to house and beats the naughty, and instead of a gift they get a piece of coal.

French children believe that one good wizard is good, and several are even better and write letters to Santa Claus.

By the way, in 1962, a decree was adopted that every letter written to Santa must be answered, and with a greeting card. If the letter is written on behalf of the class, then each student will receive a response letter.

Reveillon Gala Dinner (Le Réveillon)

Although fewer French people now attend Christmas Mass, it is still an important part of the holiday for many.

After mass, the family gathers for a gala dinner Reveillon (from the French verb - réveiller - to wake up or be reborn).

Reveillon symbolizes the birth of Christ, culinary delights are amazing. By the way, this dinner can take place both at home and in a restaurant or cafe, which are open all night.

Each region of France boasts its own special Christmas menu. In the north-east of France, goose is often the main dish, in Burgundy - turkey with chestnuts. In Brittany, buckwheat tortillas with sour cream are traditionally served, while Parisians prefer oysters, lobsters, foie gras (often cooked as a Christmas log) and champagne. In Provence, 13 desserts are served for reveillon - this is an old custom, symbolizing Christ and the 12 apostles.

We especially note French traditional Christmas desserts:

La Bouche de Noel (La bûche de Noël) - log-shaped cake with chocolate and chestnuts.

Bush de Noel

Starting from the 12th century, a tradition appeared in France (it is rooted in the pagan holidays of the Gauls who once inhabited the territory of France) on Christmas Eve to make a Christmas log with the whole family in the courtyard of a house from fresh wood (usually cherry wood) - Bouches de Noel (Buche de Noel). With certain ceremonies, he was solemnly brought into the house. The head of the family poured oil and warmed wine over it, and the whole family said prayers. Little girls would set fire to the log with the wood chips left over from the previous year's log (according to legend, the ash and wood chips left over from burning the Christmas log kept the house from lightning and the tricks of the devil for a year; therefore, they were carefully collected and stored). It was considered important that everyone involved in the process of lighting a new log had clean hands. Gradually, the tradition of burning Bouches de Noel died out, although today it is still adhered to in houses with fireplaces. But most French people decorate their table with a small Bouches de Noel and decorate some of the dishes in the form of a Christmas log. So these days Bouches de Noel is a festive chocolate roll decorated with sugar figures and leaves.

Le Pen Kalendo (Le pain calendeau) - usually prepared in the south of France. Christmas loaf, part of which is given to the poor.

la gallette de roi (La Galette des Rois). Prepare for the feast of the Epiphany (see above). The round cake is cut into pieces, and the child who sits under the table (he is called the "little king" or "child of the sun") says who will get the piece.

la gallette de roi

Previously, a bean was baked in a pie and the one who got a piece with a bean becomes the King or Queen and can choose a Queen or King for a couple.

Christmas decorations in France

Today, the Christmas tree is the main decoration in homes, streets, shops and offices. The first Christmas tree in France appeared in Alsace, in the 14th century. It was decorated with apples, paper flowers and ribbons.

However, the Christmas tree has never been particularly popular in France. The French simply hung a branch of mistletoe above the door of the house, believing that it would bring good luck next year. In addition, the French place flowers throughout the house - in bouquets, one at a time, be sure to put flowers on the table.

Another important symbol of Christmas and an element of decoration is the creche - a Christmas manger - a layout depicting the scene of the birth of Christ. Usually the layout is filled with human figures - figurines of saints - santons. Previously, French artisans made these figurines throughout the year; and in addition to the holy family, shepherds and Mary, they often created figurines of local dignitaries. The figurines were bright and colorful, immediately eye-catching, and their molds were passed down from generation to generation. The figurines were sold throughout December at the annual Christmas markets in Marseille and Aix. They are still sold in exactly the same way today.

After the festive Reveillon, it is customary to leave a lit candle for the Virgin Mary.

From January 1 to January 6, "Feasts of Fools" are held. In the Middle Ages, the townspeople expressed their dissatisfaction with the church in this way: they played satirical skits and staged carnival processions. In towns and villages, the most stupid, by all accounts, resident received the title of "Lord of Disorder" and was the head of the Christmas entertainment. His orders were binding on everyone.

January - the end of the Christmas season, the last holiday. It is known as the "Feast of Kings" (Fetes des Rois). On this day, it is customary to make donations and gather at the family table. Almond cake "Galette de Roy" (Galette des Rois) adorned with a golden paper crown; and a small toy crown (sometimes replaced by a bob) is hidden inside. The one to whom she comes across becomes the King or Queen of that day. (January 6 - Epiphany, Epiphany - the day when, according to biblical legend, three sorcerer kings from the East arrived in Bethlehem, since they had been given a sign of the birth of Christ in advance.)

Noël est la fête chrétienne la plus populaire dans les pays européens. Les preparatifs commencent déjà fin novembre! On decor les rues des villes avec des guirlandes électriques. On ouvre les marchés de Noël où les gens achètent des cadeaux, la France n "échappe pas à cette règle en cette magnifique et magique période.

Le marche de Noel de Strasbourg est tres connu et attire beaucoup de tourists. Les origines de cette foire remontent au moyen âge.

Un grand sapin de Noël entouré de nombreuses boutiques maisonnettes sont installées sur la place centrale pres de la cathédrale. On achète cadeaux et souvenirs tout en regardant les artisans nous faire découvrir les métiers traditionnels. On peut entendre les chants de Noël particulièrement un des plus connus: "petit papa Noël" crée en 1946 et toujours aussi populaire. Les enfants le connaissent par cœur et suivant la tradition le chante en famille.

La cuisine de Noël selon la région peut être diversifiée, mais on retrouve inévitablement le foie gras, la dinde de Noël et la bûche - gâteau traditionnel en forme de rondin d "où son nom.

Translation

Christmas is a Christian holiday that is most popular in European countries. Preparation starts at the end of November! City streets are decorated with electric garlands. Christmas markets open up, where people buy gifts, and in this beautiful and magical period, France follows its traditions.

The Christmas market in Strasbourg is very famous and attracts many tourists. This food fair began its existence in the Middle Ages.

A large Christmas tree, surrounded by numerous stalls, is located on the central square near the cathedral. They buy gifts and souvenirs, and you can also admire the work of craftsmen performing traditional crafts. Everywhere you can hear Christmas songs, the most famous of which is "Grandfather Frost", created in 1946, and is still popular. Children know it by heart and sing in the family, which is also a tradition.

Christmas cuisine is very different depending on the region, but the delicacy "foie gras", turkey and the traditional "log" pie, which is appropriately shaped, are eaten everywhere.

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Christmas is the most long-awaited and favorite holiday for every French family, so they prepare for Christmas long before it, usually a month in advance. This holiday is loved by everyone, regardless of religion, Christmas leaves no one indifferent. Children are looking forward to the celebration of Christmas with special impatience to find gifts under the Christmas tree.

In France, the celebration of Christmas takes a month, from December 6, the day of St. Nicholas to January 6, the day of the King (or the day of Epiphany). This is the most fabulous period in France, the streets are decorated with snowflakes made of light bulbs, beautiful Christmas trees are everywhere, in apartments, in shops, in porches ... People are frantically buying gifts, and the kids, waiting for gifts, put shoes on fireplaces or under the Christmas tree to receive them from Père Noël, for good behaviour.

In France, Christmas is a family holiday that gathers all relatives at the festive table. It is also one of the most generous holidays, as many gifts are given, sweets and sweets are given to children. On Christmas days, significant assistance is given to the poor in the form of gifts and clothing.

No Christmas is complete without a Christmas mass - Le Réveillon and a gala dinner.

Christmas traditions in France

At Christmas, everyone exchanges not only gifts, but also cards. Of course, the main decoration of houses, streets, shops is the Christmas tree. The New Year's beauty appeared in France in the 14th century in Alsace, at that time paper flowers and ribbons and apples served as her festive attire. In 1858 there was a poor harvest of apples, so glass balls were made in Lorraine in exchange for apples. Today, the Christmas tree is decorated not only with toys, but with sweets, nuts and other sweets. At Christmas, it is also customary to hang mistletoe at the entrance, it brings good luck in the new year.

In cities such as Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Auban, figurines of saints (santons) are made and painted by hand.

The nursery with baby Jesus is another important symbol of Christmas. They can be seen not only in churches, but also in houses; scenes of the Birth of Christ from small figures and dolls are equally common.

The first manger was made in the Department of Aube (Aube), around the manger there are 20 gilded statues. This manger stands in the church of Chaource. Initially, mangers were installed in churches, over time, wealthy families began to install them at home. The scene of the nursery is a baby in a cradle, next to his parents, an ox and a donkey known to everyone from the legend, shepherds, wise men. A very important role in this scene is played by ordinary heroes from the people, such as a fisherman, a fish shop saleswoman, a woman with a jug, etc.

In the 19th century, it became very popular to make figurines of saints, which were bought up and bought up at fairs.

According to the French tradition, the Christmas log La bûche de Noël is prepared for Christmas, in order to increase the harvest and make it better. Previously, they took a log of the tree from which they wanted to get more harvest, such as oak and beech, the fruits of which were the main food of the peasants in the Middle Ages. In some provinces, gifts and sweets for children are hidden in logs.

If Père Noël gives gifts to obedient children, then Père Fouettard (grandfather with rods) comes to naughty children and asks for a beating and a piece of coal as a gift.

Reveillon Gala Dinner (Le Réveillon)

The Christmas Mass is still a very important Christmas event, even though there are fewer French people attending now than in the past.

After the Mass, it is time for the Reveillon gala dinner (from the verb - réveiller - to wake up or be reborn, which symbolizes the birth of Christ).

Each region has its own Christmas menu, but there are certainly such dishes as: soup with sage and garlic, spinach or cod, green and black olives, fried fish, cauliflower, celery in anchovy oil, snails, a traditional delicacy - goose liver ...

We bring to your attention a few Christmas French desserts:

La Bouche de Noel(La bûche de Noël) is a log-shaped cake with chocolate and chestnuts.

It is difficult to imagine a more family holiday in France than Christmas. Preparation for this day begins no later than a month in advance! The French prepare gifts, carefully think over the menu, and buy products. Today we propose to talk about how New Year and Christmas are celebrated in France. We will tell you about the most interesting traditions and symbols of this holiday.

History of Christmas

The first mention of this winter celebration has come down to our times from 354 AD. It was then that a note appeared in the "Chronograph" that December 25 is the day of the celebration of Christmas.

Before that, the winter solstice was especially celebrated here (this day was also called the “day of the Invincible”). The main symbol of the holiday was the Sun, which went to spring from December 8-9. In the period from December 17 to 24, the time came for a holiday called Saturnalia. This holiday was the main sign that the new year is coming, and the length of the days is increasing. Accordingly, Saturn conquers winter. In honor of this celebration, people arranged feasts and carnivals, and money was distributed to the poor.

The history of Christmas in France begins with baptism. It was Orthodoxy that played a significant role in changing traditions: Christians denied paganism, and instead of the day of Saturn, they celebrated the Nativity of Jesus Christ.

Christmas is now

Today, the celebration of Christmas in France begins on December 6 - on the day of St. Nicholas, and it lasts until January 6. This time can be safely called the most joyful and warm period of the year for both children and adults. Tourists visiting the country at this particular time have a unique opportunity not only to feel the atmosphere of the holiday, but also to see all the most intimate of the life of the French. Waiting for guests and incredibly sincere hospitality.

Just imagine: the streets are decorated with bright snowflakes made of light bulbs, festive fir trees are not only in the apartments of the French and in the squares, but even in courtyards and porches, and there are shoes by the fireplaces and hearths so that Santa Claus can leave gifts. This is what Christmas looks like in France!

Holiday symbols

Of course, the main symbol of Christmas is a decorated fir tree. By the way, the tradition of decorating fir trees with glass toys appeared in France. According to local legends, the festive tree was usually decorated with fresh fruit. But one year turned out to be lean, and therefore the fruits replaced the glass balls. The holiday was saved by glassblowers.

Christmas scenes

Another integral symbol of Christmas in France is the "Christmas manger". The traditional scene looks like this: a baby is lying in a cradle, surrounded by parents, a donkey and an ox, shepherds and wise men, and ordinary people are crowding nearby. People play an important role in the Christmas production. In Provence, it is customary to depict a fish seller and a fisherman, a herald, a spinner and a woman with a jug in a manger.

But the most interesting "Christmas manger" - "live" - ​​can be seen during the celebration of Christmas in France in churches and cathedrals. Such performances are accompanied by church hymns.

Santons

Another symbol of the main winter holiday is santons. So in France they call small figurines of saints. They appeared after the revolution, when midnight masses were banned, and most of the churches were simply closed. Believers were forced to stay in private homes. Then they began to make miniature figurines of saints. At first they were made from wood, cardboard, wax and even bread. Later, craftsmen began to create figurines from clay.

There are three types of santons:

• small - from 1 to 3 centimeters;
• traditional - the size of which is from five to eight centimeters;
• large - from 18 to 20 cm.

Even today, craftsmen from Provence make real santons for Christmas in France. A mass of red clay is placed in a special plaster mold. After the base needs to be "humanized" - to make hair, clothes. But this is not enough. Each figure must certainly have a character and a social position.

per noel

French Christmas is unimaginable without Santa Claus. Here it is called Père Noël. This character in a warm red coat appeared in France only after the Second World War. Figurines of this character began to appear in souvenir shops along with St. Nicholas and Jesus Christ. The clergy were concerned that believers began to revere the good-natured plump gentleman, despite the fact that he is so far from religion. In the early 50s. of the last century, churchmen staged the burning of Per Noel. However, interest in this hero did not fade away.

By the way, before Père Noël appeared, St. Nicholas congratulated the French on Christmas. The first mention of it dates back to 1093. It is generally accepted that St. Nicholas descends to earth once a year - on the night of December 5-6, to give obedient children his gifts.

Christmas traditions

Every country has certain Christmas traditions. And France has its own!

The main tradition is the burning of a Christmas log. This custom originated in the Middle Ages. Even today logs are made by the whole family. Bouche de Noel is usually made from fresh wood - oak or cherry. It is solemnly brought into the house, poured with warm wine and oil. Usually this role goes to the head of the family. After that, the children take out chips from last year's log and burn a new one.

It is worth saying that some French have replaced the burning process with baking a cake in the form of a piece of wood. The tradition has been preserved, but the approach to it is completely new.

How is Christmas celebrated in France?

A few days before the holiday, evening concerts begin in almost all cathedrals. Of course, the main Christmas service takes place in Notre Dame Cathedral. Mass festivities also begin: garlands are lit on the Champs Elysees, festive fairs work.

It is customary here to hang flowers or sprigs of mistletoe above the front door - this will bring good luck. It is considered obligatory in France to visit the Christmas mass on December 25, followed by a reveillon - a cozy and sincere family dinner.

Holiday menu

All holidays in this country begin or end with excellent treats. Christmas is no exception. And how to celebrate Christmas in France without seven obligatory dishes?!

On the table there must be soup with garlic and sage, fried fish, snails, spinach, olives, cauliflower. A feast is not complete without goose liver. Long before the gala dinner, farmers begin to fatten pigs, geese and turkeys, and make sausages.

An obligatory procedure is the exchange of postcards with warm words and wishes of a Merry Christmas and a merry New Year.

French New Year

If in Russia the main holiday of the year is the New Year, then in France Christmas is more important. It is customary to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in the family circle, but on New Year's Eve you can go to visit friends. Mass festivities on New Year's Eve cannot be met, but you can admire the fireworks. And on this night they kiss under the mistletoe and make wishes.