French Easter Traditions


Figure 1.--Tis "Happy Easter" French post card was made in 1946. The boy looks to be about 5 years old and wears a romper suit called a brboteuse in French. As in other countries, the egg is an important part of the Easter symbolism.

Easter is called Pâques in France. It is one of the most impoprtant holiday celebrations for French children. As in America and many other European countries, the religious message of Easter is increasingly being drowned out by te commercialization of the holiday. The children as in many other country receive colorfully decorated eggs. The French begin their Easter season several weeks before Easter actually begins. Shop windows are gayly decorated in a festive collection of white and dark chocolate rabbits, chickens, bells and fish. Much of this occurs in other countries, but bells and fish are an important part of the French Easter tradition.

Terminology

Easter is called Pâques in France.

Modern Trends

Easter is one of the most impoprtant holiday celebrations for French children. As in America and many other European countries, the religious message of Easter is increasingly being drowned out by the commercialization of the holiday. The children as in many other country receive colorfully decorated eggs. The French begin their Easter season several weeks before Easter actually begins. Shop windows are gayly decorated in a festive collection of white and dark chocolate rabbits, chickens, bells and fish.

French Traditions

Chickens and rabbits are popular Easter symbols in many countries. Bells and fish are an important part of the French Easter tradition.

Poisson d'Avril

French Easter fish are called "Poisson d'Avril". Chocolate fish are available in most shops. The real "Poisson d'Avril", however, appearance on April 1st. French children delight in playing a kind of 'April Fool's' trick. They stick a paper fish ono the back of as many adults as possible--most of whom are quite tollerant. The children then run away yelling "Poisson d'Avril!" which of course means "April Fish". This tradition dates back several cebnturies. One account suggests that it has evolved from a fish trick where the innocent person was sent off to the market to purchase freshwater fish when it was not in season.

Cloche volant

Cloche volant or Flying Bells are another important part of the French Easter tradition. French Catholic have a tradition that on Good Friday all the church bells in France miracuoulay fly to the Vatican in Rome. They carry with them all the misery and grief of those who mourn Jesus' crucifixion on that day. These flying French bells then return on Easter morning in time for the celebration of Jesus' resurrection. Tey of course bring with them lits of chocolate and eggs which are left in yards for the children to collect in their baskets when they wake up in the morning. In keeping with the tradition, French church bells do not ring from Good Friday to Easter morning.

Clothing

Many French fashion magazines as well as adverisements during March and April show case cchildren's clothes for Easter. For example see Mode pratique for April 1947 with many girls dresses and romper outfits for younger boys.







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Created: October 17, 2002
Last updated: December 10, 2002