French traditions revolve around family. From lazy Sunday afternoon strolls to an energetic hike, families spend quality time together outdoors.
Beef bourguignon is a classic traditional French dish, consisting of a hearty stew made with red wine, various vegetables and herbs, served alongside bread.
Aperitif
Aperitifs are low-alcohol beverages often consumed prior to a meal, from sparkling wines to fortified wines and liqueurs. Aperitifs should be served in small quantities and serve to prepare your palate for an amazing dining experience.
Aperitifs can be enjoyed alone or paired with tasty bites such as cheese boards, olives or cured meats for a light and refreshing beverage that offers both sweetness and bitterness.
An Aperitif is a staple of French culture and tradition and provides an opportunity to relax with friends or family over drinks of lower alcohol content than standard spirits. French people take a slower approach to life and value every moment – this sentiment reflected by their motto “Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite”.
Baguette
World War II saw the baguette become an integral part of French culture and identity as food shortages made its popularity widespread. Made with simple ingredients and designed to comfort during hard times, people quickly adopted this tasty snack made popular across France during that period. Today, there are various varieties of baguettes: “classique”, which contains flour, water, salt and yeast is usually the standard variety but there may also be variations such as adding cheese, olives or sesame seeds for variety.
One of the more interesting tales behind the baguette’s creation can be found during construction of Paris Metro tunnels in the late 1800’s. Fulgence Bienvenue, who oversaw their creation, wanted to avoid violence between workers from different neighborhoods so he devised this long loaf with tearable ends that required less rising and cooking time than its round predecessors. Today it is common practice at formal meals for everyone at the table to pass around their own baguette so each individual may take what piece they require from it as needed.
Saint Catherine’s Day
November 25 is Saint Catherine’s Day (Sainte-Catherine), an annual French tradition celebrating unmarried women aged over twenty-five who remain unattached. To commemorate this special event, friends make them decorative hats to wear throughout the day in hopes that soon enough they find someone suitable as their husbands.
St Catherine of Alexandria was an amazing figure who earned great respect throughout history for being both an outstanding debater and devout Christian. She even debated with Roman Emperor Maxentius before successfully converting 50 philosophers. Due to her impressive influence, St Catherine eventually became known as patron saint of spinsters.
French women over 25 would traditionally mark this feast by praying for husbands. Dubbed Catherinettes, these ladies would send each other postcards asking their patron saint for help finding someone suitable to marry. Additionally, special hats made by friends often featuring colors like yellow and green to signify faith and wisdom were worn as part of this customary practice.
Galanterie
French men are quick to assist women, be it opening doors or helping her put on her coat. This behavior is known as galanterie – a form of chivalry.
As society prioritizes arts and socially acceptable behavior, this may come as no surprise; yet it may still take visitors by surprise!
Galanterie was not simply an element of culture during the 17th and 18th centuries; it was an active tool used for politics as well. Gallantry was seen as a means to protect women, promote morality and foster patriotism.
Gallantry can be defined in many ways; from specific behaviors or an overall sensibility. Alain Viala offers a fascinating book which follows this elusive concept through all of its various manifestations until now.