Bonjour
I hope that you just and yours are nicely.
And similar to that – the primary month of 2026 has whizzed by… and La Chandeleur is developing – which in France is a day to eat pancakes. It takes place annually on 2 February, the purpose of mid-winter, what they name Groundhog Day in north America. When you’ve ever seen the movie, you’ll know a cute, furry groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his cosy hidey gap to foretell the climate. In keeping with legend, there’s solely ever been one Phil – since 1886.
Right here now we have a meals custom as a substitute – in fact, that is France in spite of everything. On the day of Fête de la Chandeleur (Candlemas within the English language) together with the entire of France, we feast on crêpes, a skinny pancake (there’s a recipe right here), not large and fluffy like within the US. La Chandeleur has historical roots, and nobody actually is aware of why the French eat pancakes on today, but it surely’s claimed fifth century Pope Gelasius I, who helped set up the custom of Chandeleur, used to supply crêpes to pilgrims who visited his church.
For the French this is without doubt one of the most superstitious days of the 12 months – principally involving lighting or blowing out candles – and all of them considerably morbid and I’m leaving them out of this blissful e-newsletter! However there are a couple of extra enjoyable superstitions for the massive day: one is that you need to maintain a gold coin in your left hand while you flip the crêpe along with your proper hand. Apparently, this helps to convey good luck and prosperity for the 12 months forward. As we might all do with a little bit of that – let me understand how you get on! However don’t drop the crêpe on the ground or else this won’t be your 12 months.
Possibly a safer guess is the customized of placing your crêpe on high of an armoire (I’m guessing any wardrobe will do) or in a drawer, which additionally brings good luck apparently. Nobody appears to understand how lengthy it has to remain there for. Your guess is nearly as good as mine – or my neighbours which vary from 5 minutes (clear freak Bernadette) to 24 hours, 48 hours, every week, or extra!
Joyful Flipping!
And a bit of stories: I’ve had so many emails asking for suggestions for an awesome tour of Brittany. It’s taken me ages (I’m very choosy), however I’ve now discovered the right tour firm and you’ll examine their fabulous Brittany Excursions right here.
Wishing you a really bon weekend,
Bisous from France,
Janine,
Editor
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