All courses available either in person or via Skype or Telephone. Please contact us for more information

Vous recherchez des Cours d'Anglais? Cliquez-ici.

French Traditions: Chandeleur

On 2nd February each year, French people celebrate La Chandeleur. In English this is known as Candlemass.

This falls 40 days after Christmas and signifies the day that Jesus was presented at the temple. The festival was created in 472 by the Pope The name ‘Chandeleur’ comes from the candles that were traditionally used on this occasion. In churches, they are blessed and replace torches and are left alight to signify light, purity and to keep harm away. Religious people often bring a blessed candle home and display it in their window on 2nd February. It is also religious tradition that the nativity scene that is displayed in many houses at Christmas should remain on display until 2nd February.

So why do French people eat crêpes on La Chandeleur?

The round shape and golden colour of crêpes represent the sun and the return to the light. From February, days also start to get longer and eating of crêpes also refers to the cycle of the seasons and the arrival of spring and brighter days.

This festival is also accompanied by superstitions. If peasants didn’t make crêpes on this day, they believed that their crops would be bad the following year. To ensure that the harvest was good and that the year would be financially prosperous, they believed that they had to flip the first crêpe in the air with their right hand while holding a coin (Louis d’Or) in their left hand and also ensuring that the flipped crêpe landed perfectly back into the pan! The crêpe was then conserved on top of a wardrobe or cupboard and supposedly shouldn’t go moldy and should keep misery and deprivation far away.

Many other countries also celebrate this religious feast, each with their own variation of the French tradition. Most other traditions around La Chandeleur which have existed over time such as processions no longer take place. However the tradition of crêpes remains and why not? Crêpes are delicious!

December 12th, 2024
News

Duke of Edinburgh award trips

At Alpine French School, we are passionate about providing enriching, transformative experiences for students that go beyond the classroom. We’re proud to offer tailored school trips that help students fulfill key sections of their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award, including the Residential, Skills, and Physical elements. Nestled in the heart…

November 26th, 2024
Activities News Things to do

French Christmas Traditions

French Christmas Traditions Christmas festivities are very much in the heart of French culture. How we celebrate Christmas varies slightly, depending on the region and individual families. Anyhow, ‘Noël’ is most awaited by ‘les petits et les grands’ every year and probably most dreaded by parents because of the long…

May 17th, 2024
News

Why learning another language is good for your brain…..

Learning another language offers numerous cognitive benefits for the brain. Here are some of the key reasons why it’s good for your brain: 1. Improved cognitive abilities: Learning a new language challenges your brain to recognize and understand different patterns in speech, grammar, and vocabulary. This mental workout can enhance…

March 31st, 2024
News

So how is Easter celebrated in France?

As spring graces us with its presence, Easter in France takes on a character marked by introspection, time-honored customs, and a reverence for history. Let’s have a look at how Easter is celebrated in France… 1. Cultural Significance: Easter in France has, over the years, become synonymous with culinary excellence,…