The end of year holidays coincide with important Christian holidays, like Christmas. Christianity arrived in France during Roman times. Many years later in neighboring Switzerland, John Calvin began preaching a form of Protestant worship called Calvinism. His followers in France became known as Huguenots. After a long war between French Catholics and Huguenots, Catholicism became the state religion until the French Revolution. Today, France is known for its policy of laïcité, or secularism. While the holiday season may have its roots in Christianity, it is now known as a time of year to eat warm food, exchange gifts, and spend time with family. Schools and public buildings even put up Christmas trees and have a large, traditional meal in the cafeteria before break!
This tradition is connected to the cold winter weather. No matter if you are in Normandy in the north of France or on the beaches of Nice in the south, winter is cold in France. Even in sunny Aix-en-Provence, the mistral wind of winter sends a chill down your spine. As the days become shorter, holiday lights help to brighten the streets and lift spirits. Ingredients for baking and cooking come from all around France and Europe. The dishes traditionally eaten at this time of year include foie gras (duck liver), salmon fumé (smoked salmon), and dinde rôti (roast turkey). I feel warmer already!
