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Christmas in France |
Many of the French customs and traditions I found while doing research for this page made me feel right at home. In New Orleans, some of these customs - unique in the U.S. - have survived from the city's early history as a French colony. Time has passed and many other cultures and customs have made their way to the old city by the river, but if you spend much time in New Orleans, no matter your ancestors' country of origin, you can't help feeling just a little bit French. This year I thought it would be a good idea to go straight to the source and devote a page to Christmas in France. The photographs on this page were taken there, most of them in either Paris, the Alsace region or the French Alps. Season's Greetings! Joyeuses Fêtes! -- Nancy |
Most French homes display a crèche. The figurines, made of clay from the south of France, have often been passed down from generation to generation. They symbolize the holy family, wise men and shepherds, but, in France, you will often find village characters (called santons) in the scene, as well. |
There is a tradition of sticking cloves in oranges and rolling them in spices, which fills the whole house with a delightful holiday scent. |
In France, as well as one or two other European countries; in some French-speaking provinces of Canada; and in the city of New Orleans in the United States, the ancient tradition of the Réveillon dinner is still celebrated. Réveillon was originally a meal served after returning home from midnight mass on Christmas Eve. In New Orleans, many restaurants offer special Réveillon menus featuring a traditional Creole holiday feast, not only on Christmas Eve, but, also, during the weeks leading up to Christmas. As far as I know, New Orleans is the only city in the U.S. that celebrates Réveillon. |
On Christmas Eve, people leave their shoes filled with carrots for Père Noël's donkey. If the person has been good, Père Noël exchanges the treats for gifts. |
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Some cities in France hold a fête de lumières, with candles in windows symbolically lighting the way for Mary. In south Louisiana, bonfires dot the Mississippi River levees on Christmas Eve, lighting the way for Père Noël. The bonfires had their origin in France and were brought to south Louisiana by the Acadians. |