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February in France: Candlemas & Carnival
November, December, January, February... in France, the cold and grey winter settles for a long time when the weather, gloomy and rough, forces the vegetation into a well earned pause. Trees are leafless, their trunks of a darkish-grey colour, and depending on the sky, snow and ice cover entire regions, disrupting human activity. Once the cheerful Christmas and New Year’s celebrations have gone, the long months of January and February are not a season one particularly anticipates in Europe (except for shopaholics drawn to the massive sales!). Therefore, since ancient times, French (and European) traditions have marked the beginning of February with light-hearted celebrations, accompanied by delicious treats.
In France, the month of February starts with the celebration of Candlemas – la Chandeleur – which occurs on the 2nd, which is 40 days after Christmas. This religious celebration recalls the Presentation of Jesus to the Temple, a decisive event that happened during the early years of Jesus and is described in the Bible (Gospel of Luke chapter 2 verses 22-40).
La Chandeleur (Candlemas)
‘Carnaval’ is not exclusive to France: the most-famous carnivals are found in Venice (Italy), New Orleans (Louisiana) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). In France, many children prepare one of these three dishes mentioned above in their schools, all dressed-up in any imaginative way, from animals to supermen, and from Pierrots to princesses...
But French kids are sometimes not the only ones to put on their favourite costume... the big parades organised in towns such as Nice, Mulhouse or Lille are occasions to go out all disguised with make-up, fancy hats and elaborate masks, to dance and sing in the streets, while throwing confetti.
It is interesting to note that Mardi-Gras in France and in Europe has a somewhat different connotation from the Mardi-Gras parade in Sydney.
The origins of the Chandeleur date back to a pagan feast: according to local customs, candles had to be lit at midnight as a symbol of purification. Chandeleur comes from the latin “candelarum” as does the English word ‘candle’.
The Church adapted the tradition into the blessing of the candles, which were to repel Evil, thus reminding all that Christ is the light of the world. Christians would then come back to their homes with the blessed candles in order to protect them.
It was also at that time of the year that the winter seed-time started. The surplus flour was then used without too much risk of shortage and crêpes were made as a symbol of prosperity for the coming year.
Mardi-Gras (Fat Tuesday)
Mardi-Gras (literally “Fat Tuesday”) is originally a catholic event which marks the end of the “week of the seven fat days” which were known as “jours charnels” (meaning carnival) in the old days. Before Ash Wednesday, the start of the fasting period of Lent, people celebrated in many diverse ways as it was their last chance until Easter to eat meat.
The word “carnival” derives from the Latin “carnelevare” meaning “to take out the meat”. Indeed, meat was banished from the table during the whole period of Lent, as was sugar, ingredients containing fat, eggs and dairy products. If in Europe, the religious observance of Lent is followed by a rather small group of people, the celebrations around Mardi-Gras are still an opportunity taken by many to enjoy outdoor feasts, masquerade processions, masked balls, parades, pageants, jugglers, magicians and stilt walkers. This is what French people call “le Carnaval”.
Alongside crêpes, two other closely related treats are prepared on Mardi-Gras: waffles and beignets.
Le Carnaval (Carnival)
✽ photo by Debs-eye (Nice Carnaval 2009)
Credit photos:
Février en France: la chandeleur, Mardi-Gras et le carnaval
Today, for young and old alike, Chandeleur is above all known as crêpes day and generations have kept alive a collection of traditions and customs around the making of crêpes. For instance, crêpes must be eaten only after eight in the evening. If the cook can flip a crêpe while holding a gold coin in the other hand, his household will enjoy prosperity throughout the coming year. Another custom (although less followed) suggests keeping the first cooked crêpe in a wardrobe in order to assure the abundance of the coming harvests.
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