Traditional French Christmas Decorations
As it is in most Western European countries, Christmas is a special time of celebration in France. While many French decorations are similar to the Christmas traditions of America or other parts of Europe, the French employ some customs that are uniquely their own. From their Christmas trees to their special nativity scenes, when decorating for Christmas, many French families follow traditions that date back for centuries. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Sapin de Noel
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Most French households put up a Christmas tree, or a sapin de Noel, that is very similar to the Chrismas trees used in North America. Records of Christmas trees in France date back to the 1500s and the use of the tree as a traditional decoration has since become widespread. Fir trees are the most common variety used as Christmas trees in France. In addition to the trees housed in private homes and storefront windows, large elaborately decorated Christmas trees can be found in the public spaces of most French towns and cities.
Tree Decorations
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The French commonly decorate their Christmas trees with round glass or plastic ornaments meant to mimic the apples that were hung on ancient Christmas trees. It is also a common French tradition to decorate Christmas trees with edible items, such as fruit or chocolate, though these treats are often only put on the tree on Christmas Eve after the children in the house have gone to bed. Traditionally, the French lit their trees with candles, although for safety reasons most people use electric lights. To finish off the tree, the French traditionally use tinsel as well as tree toppers shaped like stars, angels or the baby Jesus.
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The Creche
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Most French households put out a special nativity scene called a creche to celebrate Christmas. These sets include reproductions of Mary, Joseph and Jesus as well as figurines representing farm animals and various secular townspeople. The figures are called "santons" in French, which translates to "little saints." The manger stays stationary in one part of the living room and French parents reposition the santons on a daily basis. A move closer to their proper positions in the creche signifies that the children in the house behaved well throughout the day. If the santons are far away from the manger, it means that the children have been naughty. Children must do their best to behave so that the santons are in place by the manger on Christmas Eve; otherwise, Father Christmas will not deliver their presents.
The Christmas Table
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The French hold celebrations throughout the Christmas season and most families celebrate with several special meals. For Christmas, people bring out their best plates, dishes and candleholders to decorate the table. The French do not put out Christmas crackers, but they do scatter candies called papillotes on the table. French families also use special Christmas table linens in traditional colors, like red, gold and green. There is not a singular traditional French main course for Christmas dinner; families are likely to serve roast fowl, wild game, roast beef or a leg of lamb at Christmas. The most common culinary tradition at the French Christmas dinner table is the buche de Noel, or yule log, for dessert.
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References
- Photo Credit Christmas nativity scene with model figures in Portugal. image by inacio pires from Fotolia.com
