Greythorn Primary School French Website

Christmas - In some parts of France, as in many other countries in Europe, the Christmas season begins on December 6th - the feast day of Saint Nicholas. In Eastern France, "Père Noël" ("Father Christmas") appears with presents and chocolates on this day, instead of on Christmas Day. It is said that Père Noel brings gifts with Pré Fouettard, who reminds Pére Noël of just how each child has behaved during the past year. "Le Petit Noël" ("The Christ Child") is also thought of as a bringer of gifts. In other parts of France, on Christmas morning, children receive presents that have been placed in their shoes or wooden clogs (sabots), and many adults exchange presents on New Year's Day.

Many French homes display a Nativity scene decorated with little clay figures called "Santons" ("Little Saints"). Throughout December the figures are sold at fairs in Marseille and Aix.

The Christmas tree is not such a big feature within traditional French Christmas celebrations. Some French families still make a traditional Yule log-shaped cake called "Bûche de Noel" ("Christmas Log"). "Le Réveillon" is a very late supper held after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The menu for the meal varies according to each region in France. For example, in Alsace, goose is the usual main course, in Burgundy it is turkey with chestnuts, and in Paris oysters and pâté de foie gras.

Poission d'Avril - "Poisson d'Avril" is the name of a game that children play, which resembles "April Fool's Day", except that the children yell "Poisson d'Avril" ("April Fish").

French Easter - Easter is called "Pâques" in France. It is one of the most important celebrations for French children, who receive colorfully decorated eggs.

The French begin their Easter season several weeks before Easter actually begins. Shop windows are decorated with white and dark chocolate rabbits, chickens, bells and fish.

Bells and fish are important symbols in French Easter celebrations.

"Cloche Volant" ("Flying Bells") are another important part of the French Easter tradition. French Catholics believe that on Good Friday all the church bells in France fly to the Vatican in Rome and then return on Easter morning in time for the celebration of Jesus' resurrection. French church bells do not ring from Good Friday to Easter morning.

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