Figure 1.-- A French reader writes, "As promised, here is a picture of the "crèche de Noël" in my parish St-Joachim de Pointe-Claire, Québec. It is a tradition from the French Régime to built such a crèche in any Catholic Church. This one is the same from the 19th Century and it represents the holy family and the shepherds . It is near man's size. At right, you can see gifts from children to Jésus, Marie and Joseph."

For the majority of Francophones, the secular transformation of Christmas which took place in English-speaking Canada, beginning in the late 19th century, did not occur until after World War I. Good old "Père Noël" moved very quickly from his minor role, becoming the pivotal figure for many community events. Francophones, however, incorporated these new practices into their culture much later than was the case of English-speaking Canada. After World War I, increasing commercial advertising drew Francophones into the dizzy festive activities. During the 1930s, the working classes also joined this happy Christmas rush. A French reader writes, "As promised, here is a picture of the "crèche de Noël" in my parish St-Joachim de Pointe-Claire, Québec. It is a tradition from the French Régime to built such a crèche in any Catholic Church. This one is the same from the 19th Century and it represents the holy family and the shepherds . It is near man's size. At right, you can see gifts from children to Jésus, Marie et Joseph." A Canadian reader sends us a photograph taken at St-Jean, Ile d'Orléans. This parish is one of the oldest on the American Continent and many people living in Québec are descents from this Island near Québec who was founded in 1608.

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Created: 9:04 PM 1/4/2005
Last updated: 11:55 PM 11/27/2005