What is the Chandeleur in France?

La Chandeleur is a very superstitious day for the French. In order to foresee financial luck, one tradition states you should hold a coin in one hand and flip the crêpe in another. If you flip the crêpe without it falling on the floor, you will receive prosperity during the year.

What is the purpose of la Chandeleur?

French Tradition La Chandeleur- candlemas The French tradition La Chandeleur (Candlemas) takes place on the 2nd February. Actually it is considered the last cycle of the Christmas celebration. So in religious tradition, Christians were only meant to clear the Christ’s manger scene after la Chandeleur.

Why do people flip crêpes on la Chandeleur?

La Chandeleur is also the chance to revive an ancient superstition: If you successfully flip a crêpe with the pan in your right hand while holding a coin in your left, you will have a prosperous year!

What is crêpe Day?

February 2
Every year on February 2, France observes La Chandeleur, a.k.a. Candlemas, a.k.a. a day dedicated to eating crêpes. The Catholic religious holiday is exactly 40 days after Christmas, but it also has origins in an older pre-Christian holiday celebrating the harvest and marking the midway point of winter.

Why is it called Chandeleur?

The word “chandeleur” comes from “chandelle” meaning candle which associates it with light (the day is sometimes referred to as la fête de la lumière) but like most celebrations to do with the Nativity, Chandeleur is also traditionally linked to purification and fecundity, being the day the Virgin Mary was allowed back …

What are two other names for La Chandeleur?

In France, this holiday is called la Chandeleur, Fête de la Lumière or Jour des crêpes.

What happens on Chandeleur?

La Chandeleur (Candlemas or Crêpe Day) is celebrated in France on 2 February, 40 days after Christmas Day, and sees people young and old tuck into delicious pancakes.

What is the typical food eaten during La Chandeleur?

crêpes
On 2 February every year, French people eat crêpes to celebrate a long-standing holiday called La Chandeleur, or Candlemas, in English. The Christian holiday has pagan roots. It celebrated the midway point of winter and warmer days ahead with round-shaped crêpes representing the sun, and the prosperity of harvest.

What do you eat on Candlemas?

Certain foods are traditional for Candlemas, including crepes, pancakes and cakes, all grain-based foods. Pancakes and crepes are considered symbols of the sun because of their round shape and golden color. If you have a fireplace, clean out your hearth and then light a new fire.

What is February 2 called?

Candlemas
Candlemas, also called Presentation of the Lord or Presentation of Christ in the Temple or Hypapante, Christian festival on February 2 commemorating the occasion when the Virgin Mary, in obedience to Jewish law, went to the Temple in Jerusalem both to be purified 40 days after the birth of her son, Jesus, and to …

What is the typical food eaten during la Chandeleur?

What do French call Pancake Day?

Chandeleur
Pancake Day in France In France, Shrove Tuesday is known as ‘Mardi Gras’ (fat Tuesday) but the main day for eating pancakes is ‘Chandeleur’ on the 2nd of February where they eat crêpes (pancakes in French). It is a fun day for all the family to get together and eat delicious pancakes.

Why do they call it la Chandeleur in France?

If it is La Chandeleur in France, it must be for some crêpes. Beyond the crêpes however, are some rather quirky French traditions and superstitions surrounding Candlemas. (As an Amazon affiliate, we may earn commissions for certain purchases. Please note, all information is provided for entertainment purposes only.

What to do at La Chandeleur in Paris?

Celebrate the season, deliciously! 2016-02-06 13:00:00 2016-02-06 15:00:00 La Chandeleur Gather with fellow Francophiles and Francophones in our ballroom and celebrate winter with a glass of cidre and a freshly prepared crêpe, made by CRISTEL chef and culinary expert Virginie Woo.

Why do the French eat Crepes on La Chandeleur?

It seems only natural the food would be associated with this holiday, as the crêpe’s shape and color inspires thoughts of sunshine, which points to brighter days ahead.¹ La Chandeleur is a very superstitious day for the French. In order to foresee financial luck, one tradition states you should hold a coin in one hand and flip the crêpe in another.

When does Candlemas start and end in France?

Traditions and origins of Candlemas (la Chandeleur) In France, the month of February starts with the celebration of Candlemas – la Chandeleur – which occurs on the 2nd, which is 40 days after Christmas.