World Music Day: An Event That Began In France

Each year on June 21, the air in France is filled with music of all types. This is the day when Fête de la Musique is celebrated in many places across the country. Fête de la Musique translates to World Music Day, an event introduced by the Ministry for Culture of France in 1982.

This French event is very popular for several reasons. One, participation in the event is free (that is, musicians perform for free and the public can enjoy attending the event without paying any fee). Two, anybody who's got talent for music (young or old) may join the event. Three, soloists, duets or groups are encouraged to participate. And four, participants can render or perform any kind or type of music. The promotional slogan for the event - "Faites de la musique" (make music) - is apt in this regard.

Another important thing that adds to the popularity of the event is the laxity by which venues are chosen. What this means is that the event may be held almost anywhere - in the streets, inside rooms of public buildings, in parks, at train stations, or even inside historic castles. Of these, the streets of France are the preferred venues of many participants.

The idea behind the launching of Fête de la Musique (and its yearly holding) is to enliven the atmosphere with the liberal expression of all types of music - avant, country, fabulous, hip hop, instrumental, jazz, Latin, pop, techno, and trance. It is an opportunity for people of all ages and from all social backgrounds to communicate through music. Any event of this kind certainly promises a special moment for everyone.

As the event tends to lure wide participation from among the thousands of amateur and professional musicians in France, so too is its aim of attracting a large audience. Both are possible because people are music lovers by nature, and expressing oneself through music is a great way for releasing one's inner burdens. Along this line, it must be mentioned here that some of the day's concerts are held right inside hospitals or prisons to help cheer patients/inmates up even for just a few hours.

Also the event can serve as a conduit for the transfer and exchange of the different styles of music between cities or regions. For this purpose, participation of large music groups (choirs or orchestras) is important and, therefore, encouraged. Likewise, based on past events, young musicians get the chance of meeting noted music talents and learn many things from them.

From France, the World Music Day has spread to cities of other countries. These include Brisbane (Australia), Sulaymaniyah (Iraqi Kurdistan), Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (Israel), Glasgow and Edinburgh (Scotland), London (England), and New York City and Cambridge (United States), among others.

The World Music Day celebrations in many cities outside France were initially organized by the French Embassies in those places. Later, local organizers took over and the event's holding date of June 21 was maintained.

Beyond the usual hours that Fête de la Musique is held, amateur musicians may continue performing in public places. However, French authorities may impose noise restrictions or stop the concerts altogether in areas where the general public may ask that such performances be ended.

The French Festival Of Lights In Lyon

Lyon is a city in the east-central portion of France, located between Marseille and the capital city of Paris. On December 8 every year, Lyonnais (the term used to refer to Lyon residents) and those from other towns and cities in France enjoy one of the most awaited French events that take place in Lyon - the Festival of Lights.

The Festival of Lights in Lyon is a century and a half-old tradition, in which Lyonnais honor the Blessed Virgin Mary by placing candle lamps in windows of their homes. The occasion is made special by the fact that it comes very close to the Christmas season (although it really does not have any connection with Christmas), making people feel like the holidays have already set in.

Actually, December 8 was not the intended date of the first holding of this "lighting" ceremony. Based on historical accounts, the religious leaders of Lyon organized in 1850 a statue-making contest. The statue to be made was that of the Virgin Mary, with the winning sculpture to be put up atop the Fourvière hill.

The winning sculpture was scheduled for unveiling a couple years later on the date the birth of the Virgin Mary is observed - September 8. Unfortunately on that day, the Saône river overflowed, flooding the entire area. Because of this, the organizers were forced to move the date of the unveiling ceremony three months later to December 8, which is the Immaculate Conception Day.

But the story did not end there. To celebrate the unveiling of the new statue, the people had planned to light candles inside their homes. On that rescheduled date, however, an extremely intense storm hit the city, and the ceremony's date was moved anew four days later to December 12. The storm quickly passed though and in an act of thanksgiving, the people of Lyon proceeded with their planned lighting of candles (note: this was on December 8). They then went out into the streets to celebrate.

Touched by the people's gesture, religious authorities also decided to light candles inside the chapel of Fourvière. From the streets, a spectacularly lighted view of Lyon can be seen, with the city illuminated from end to end. This event gave birth to the now very popular Festival of Lights in Lyon.

The modern celebration of the event is held for four days, from December 5 to 8. During this period, the whole of Lyon is illuminated through modern lighting techniques. The spectacular view of the city from outside attracts thousands of visitors from the neighboring cities and towns in France as well as from other countries. In fact, finding a hotel room to stay during this period is quite difficult.

Today, the French Festival of Lights in Lyon is not just an occasion for remembering the momentous events that took place more than one hundred fifty years ago in this city as recounted above. It now also serves as a forum for all cities, not just in France but in the whole world, to tackle urban lighting and such other issues related to it.

School Holidays In France: Five Sets And The Zoning Scheme

Traveling to France when schools are on holiday may not be a good idea. This is because tourist resorts are teeming with vacationers during this period that one has to fight (figuratively, of course) for space. The Mediterranean coast and the more than 200 ski resorts are particularly crowded, often translating to lodging shortages.

This being the case, it is important to know when schools in France are closed. Note the following five sets of school holidays in a year (the French school calendar year starts in early September):

1. Toussaint break - This is a 12-day school break, in observance of All Saints' Day, that usually begins around the latter part of the third week of October.

2. Noel-Le Jour de l'An break - Schools are closed for 15 days for the Christmas/New Year holidays, from December 20 to January 4. This is the period when ski resorts in France "overflow" with people and finding a vacant hotel room is next to impossible.

3. Hiver break - Another 15-day school break that begins in February, when winter is typically at its peak.

4. Printemps break - This is also known as the spring break, which coincides with Easter (Paques). Schools are closed for 15 days, beginning usually two days prior to Easter.

5. L'ete holidays - This is the 2-month long summer vacation, when all schools are closed from the beginning of July to the beginning of September. This period is certainly not a good time for tourists to visit France for the reasons earlier mentioned.

Besides these sets of school holidays, those planning a trip to France must also know that the French Ministry of Education had the schedules of the hiver and printemps breaks staggered by dividing France into three zones:

Zone A:

This zone covers the schools located in Toulouse, Nantes, Montpellier, Grenoble, Caen, Rennes, Nancy-Metz, Lyon, and Clermont-Ferrand.

Zone B:

The schools included in this zone are those located in Strasbourg, Reims, Orleans-Tours, Limoges, Dijon, Amiens, Rouen, Poitiers, Nice, Lille, Besancon, and Aix-Marseille.

Zone C:

This third zone includes schools in Versailles, Bordeaux, Créteil, and those in the capital city of Paris.

These zones specify when a school at a particular location will have its winter and spring breaks. As you take a look at your maps, you will note that the locations that comprise each zone do not make up a contiguous area. This was deliberately done in order that there will be an even distribution of holiday goers in resorts at any given period.

The effect of the zoning is another thing to be considered. What this means is that while the hiver and printemps breaks are 15-day periods as far as schools are concerned, the schedules of the zones overlap with one another, such that the length of each break is effectively stretched into one month. This matter has to be taken into account by a would-be visitor to France and avoided if possible.

The months of May and June are probably the best times for anyone to visit France while at the same time avoiding the lengthy school holidays, as the weather during this two-month period is perfect. Others may say though that this period, in fact, contains numerous holidays. These, however, are just one-day holidays and, except for Fête du Travail (Labor Day, May 1) and Victoire 1945 (Victory in Europe Day, May 8), have moveable dates.

Pentecost And Whit Monday In France

One of the most important feasts in the Christian liturgical year is the Pentecost. It is celebrated 7 weeks (50 days to be exact) following Easter and falls on the tenth day following Ascension Thursday. Pentecost is also called by other names, such as "Whitsun", "Whit Sunday", or ""Whitsuntide", depending on which country one is in.

In France, Pentecost (Pentecôte in French) is one of religious holidays, which is observed with people attending special church services. Some are baptized (or baptized anew) in churches during this day. French Christians observe on this day the descent of the Holy Spirit onto the followers of Jesus Christ. A tradition followed during the Divine Service is the blowing of trumpets, symbolizing the sound of the wind that accompanied the Holy Spirit's descent.

Because Pentecôte always falls on a Sunday, most people in France celebrate the holiday like any other Sunday. Some families just stay at home while others go to parks. In any case, family members and friends get together on this day and have special meals.

And as on other Sundays, it is generally quiet in public places in France during Pentecost. Banks, shops, stores, and other businesses are closed on this day. Even those museums that are usually open on a Sunday may likewise be closed on this day.

The day after Pentecost, France celebrates another public holiday - Lundi de Pentecôte (Pentecost Monday or Whit Monday). This day, however, is not celebrated by the French with the same religious significance as they do the Pentecost. Most people quietly observe the holiday with families and close friends.

Parks and countrysides in France are usually full of people on Whit Monday; they can be seen here enjoying a picnic lunch. In some villages and towns, cultural and sporting events are held on this day.

Actually, France observed Whit Monday as a public holiday until 2005, when it was replaced by another holiday. This was the French government's way of raising funds to financially support the elderly and those with disabilities, a move conceived after the tragic death of some 15,000 elderly people caused by a heat wave in the summer of 2003.

The French government's cancellation of Whit Monday as a public holiday meant that workers rendered services on this day with no pay. Their wages were instead collected and used to assist people with disabilities and the elderly. Workers, however, began to air their grievances against this move and held a series of demonstrations to force the government to repeal it. Eventually, Whit Monday was reinstated as a public holiday in 2008, with the government introducing other measures in order to keep its earlier commitment as explained.

Again like during the Pentecost or any other public holiday, Whit Monday in France means a day when public life practically comes to a halt. Almost all businesses, shops, and stores are closed. Some stores in Paris as well as in airports and at railway stations may be open though. Public transport service schedules may also be irregular or different on this day.

Noel In France No Different From Christmas Celebrations Elsewhere

Christmas is a major occasion celebrated, as a public holiday, on December 25 by many countries around the world. In France, this special day is called "Noel". The French celebrate Noel in much the same way as people of other nations do. While there may be some marked differences in certain aspects, many of the ways by which Christmas is celebrated are common among many countries.

Giving of gifts and putting up decorations are just two of the traditions that are associated with celebrating Christmas. A visitor to France, spending Christmas for the first time there, will surely find many things about the French celebration of the holidays similar to those familiar in his home country.

Christmas decorations:

1. Creche - The "creche" (Nativity scene) is an important part of the Christmas celebration in France, and almost every French home as well as churches has one. Little figures made of clay, called "santons" (little saints), are arranged in the creche to depict the Holy Family, the Magi, and the shepherds. In addition to these familiar figures, the French creche may also include other figures in the form of local characters. The santons are often colorfully made to add life to the creche.

2. Sapin de Noel - The putting up of "sapin de Noel" (Christmas tree) is a tradition that began in France in the 18th century. The tree is adorned with ribbons, flowers made of paper, and, sometimes, with apples. Today, however, the Christmas tree is no longer as popular as it is in other countries.

3. Le Gui - The hanging of "le gui" (the mistletoe) above the door is a tradition meant to bring good fortune to homes and families. The French make use of the mistletoe though more during the New Year celebrations.

Traditional Christmas foods served:

1. Foie Gras - The "foie gras" (fat liver) is perhaps the most popular French food served during the Christmas season. It is made of goose or duck liver that has been fattened through some special feeding process.

2. Crepes - These are very thin pancakes made from wheat flour. Common crepe fillings are ham, eggs, mushrooms, and cheese. Those who prefer their crepes sweet can have them filled with fruit spreads, maple syrup, or simply with powdered sugar.

3. Dinde Aux Marrons - This is a special food served in many homes in France during Christmas. It is turkey stuffed with chestnuts.

Other foods traditionally served during Christmas in France include "chapon" (roasted chicken), oysters, and smoked salmon. For desserts, there are "buche de Noel" (cake made of chestnuts and chocolate and shaped into a log), "calissons" (fruit-flavored candies), and quince cheese (a sweet, thick jelly).

Traditional French Christmas carols:

The most popular traditional songs heard around France during the Christmas season include "Minuit Chretiens" ("O Holy Night"), "Pat-a-pan" (similar in concept to "The Little Drummer Boy"), and "Quelle est cette odeur agreable?" ("Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance Flowing?").

Christmas is always a happy occasion, especially for children. In France, children expect to receive toys, candies, fruits and other gifts from "Pere Noel" (Santa Claus), by putting their shoes in front of the fireplace hoping that these will be filled with the goodies.

Mardi Gras In Nice And Similar Carnaval Celebrations In Other French Cities

Every year on or immediately after the Feast of the Epiphany until the eve of Ash Wednesday, many cities around the world go on a celebration popularly called Mardi Gras. The Mardi Gras celebration is one of festive mood, during which lots of merrymaking take place. There are dancing and parades on the streets with people wearing costumes and masks. Sports competitions are also held elsewhere.

Mardi Gras traces its origin in the city of Nice in France. The term "Mardi Gras" is French for "Fat Tuesday", coined to refer to the final night of indulging in rich foods prior to the start of the Lenten season (Ash Wednesday) during which fasting is a religious obligation.

History has it that the French city of Nice was the first to hold Carnival (Carnaval in French) festivities. This was in 1294. The festivities included activities commonly witnessed in a circus, such as mimes, jugglers, bonfires and balls, to name a few. People only need to wear masks and come in costumes in order to participate. The Nice Carnaval became very popular that people from all over the world began visiting the city during this time of the year.

Today, Mardi Gras in Nice is celebrated over a period of ten days. The streets come to life during this period, with parades featuring costumed people on flower-decked floats. Other fun-filled events are lined up during the day. When night falls, spectacular light displays illuminate the city.

Other cities in France hold festivities similar to Mardi Gras. Here are some of them:

1. Carnaval de Granville - This is held in Granville, France during the period when Mardi Gras in Nice is celebrated. The first celebration of this Carnaval took place in 1872. Back then, the feast was dedicated to fishermen as a sendoff ceremony prior to their new adventure out in the waters.

2. Carnaval de Bailleul - This celebration takes place in the town of Bailleul near France's border with Belgium. It's been an annual celebration here since 1853.

3. Carnaval des deux rives - The port city of Bordeaux is host to this annual celebration. Simultaneous celebrations (of the same Carnival) in at least twelve other cities around the world take place in the same period that the Bordeaux Carnival is held.

4. Carnaval de Jargeau - This celebration is held in the small town of Jargeau near the Loire river in central France.

5. Carnaval de Nantes - Close to half a million people attend this annual celebration, which is held in the city of Nantes in western France.

6. Carnaval de Pézenas - A festival celebration held annually in the town of Pézenas.

7. Carnaval de Vitré - A yearly celebration in the city of Vitré.

Of course, the French capital city of Paris holds its own Mardi Gras every year. It's called Carnaval de Paris, considered one of Europe's major festivals since the 16th century. The Carnival takes place after the Fête des Fous (Feast of Fools), which occurs between Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany.

Le Jour De L'An: New Year Celebration In France

France celebrates New Year on January 1 like many other countries do. The beginning of a new year, which is "le Jour de l'An" in French, is a highly anticipated occasion that is observed with festivities. Among these is the customary holding of a feast, referred to as "le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre".

The term "la Saint-Sylvestre" actually refers to New Year's Eve (December 31). Hence, the le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre feast is a grand celebration the French host to mark the closing of an old year and the birth of another. Special dishes, such as foie gras (fattened goose liver), are aplenty during this time; so are various kinds of drinks including the very popular sparkling white wine "champagne" and the equally famous hot wine "vin chaud". At the stroke of midnight, family members and friends kiss under "le gui" (the mistletoe).

Fireworks are common, especially on the streets of Paris. These have become an important part of the New Year celebration in this city, which is helped a lot by the fact that fireworks are legally sold and bought here.

The celebration can be a simple get-together of family members over dinner or a more extravagant formal gathering of families and friends called "une soiree" (literally, an evening gathering). Traditional activities include exchanging of "les etrennes" (New Year's gifts) and even of "une bonne resolution" (New Year's resolutions). People greet each other excitedly on the streets, give greeting cards and other goodies, all meant to usher in a prosperous new year.

In Bordeaux and other cities and villages in southwest France, people hear mass in the evening and join the torchlight procession that ends in the vineyards, where people pick grapes and enjoy some mulled wine. In the southern city of Avignon, the famous "Illuminations Tour and Dinner" is a fully-booked activity at this time.

Festivities in the capital city of Paris are held with the participation of thousands of entertainers, singers and dancers. These festivities, actually a two-day parade, go through several streets, proceed through the city's metropolitan area of Chantilly on December 31, and end at the Champ de Mars (right under the Eiffel Tower) the following day (January 1).

New Year songs are heard all over, such as "Choral des Adieux", the equivalent of the Scottish poem-turned-folk song "Auld Lang Syne". Two other songs popularly sung during this occasion are "Toast pour le nouvel An" ("Toast to the New Year") and "La chanson du Nouvel-An" ("Song of the New Year").

Taking a cruise has become a popular way of celebrating New Year in France of late. Cruise choices (reservations should be made at least one month before New Year) include tours of the canals and rivers of France, a tour of the northern part of the country on the Seine beginning at Paris and ending at Normandy (this is ideal for couples), or of the southern part on the Saone and Rhone starting at Lyon and terminating at Provence.

The conclusion of all celebrations of le Jour de l'An is on the feast of the Epiphany (January 6). Here, a special cake, called "la galette des rois" (king's cake) is cut and shared among family members and friends.

La Toussaint And Le Jour Des Morts

...French Celebration Of Two Related Holidays

Catholics around the world celebrate All Saints' Day on November 1 every year. This is followed by their observance of All Souls' Day on November 2. While these two holidays are related to each other, only the former is celebrated as a public holiday in many countries, including France.

France observes "La Toussaint" (All Saints' Day), a holy day of obligation, in honor of all the saints recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. On the other hand, "Le Jour des Morts" (All Souls' Day) is an occasion for remembering departed family members and friends. But since Le Jour des Morts is not a "jour ferie" (public holiday) in France, people visit cemeteries in conjunction with their observance of La Toussaint - on November 1.

La Toussaint and Le Jour des Morts actually fall within the first of five sets of school holidays in France, which is a 12-day school break that begins around the third week of October. As such, many families use both occasions as an opportunity to be together by taking a short trip or a brief vacation.

Traditionally, of course, these holidays are a time for attending special church services and for visiting cemeteries. People place flowers or wreaths on graves. Chrysanthemums are a popular symbol during these occasions, and they are used to decorate churches and cemeteries. Along with these, churches are likewise adorned with candles, banners, and such other things that are associated with remembering the dead. Many cemeteries, particularly those in the south-central and northwest regions, are decorated with stone lanterns.

Churches are draped with folds of black cloth on the eve of Le Jour des Morts. People can be heard singing funeral songs, reciting prayers, and telling stories about the dead. A special supper in honor of the dead is partaken at midnight, which traditionally consists of black grain, pancakes, and milk.

All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in France may also be an occasion for people to visit any of the various cemeteries where famous people are interred. Some examples are the Cimetière de Batignolles in France (final resting place of French poets Paul-Marie Verlaine and André Breton), the Grand Jas Cemetery in Cannes (burial place of French film actress Martine Carol and Russian-French jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé), and the Saint Remi Basilica in Reims (where the remains of Louis IV and Lothair I are known to be interred in unidentified graves).

Holidays in France are taken seriously. What this means is that during such public holidays as La Toussaint, places that teem with activities on ordinary days are generally quiet. Banks, post offices, stores, and most other business establishments are closed. The only certain exceptions are flower shops and, perhaps, some stores in Paris.

Schedules of public transport service during the holidays may likewise be different from those of regular working days. Those wishing to visit France during the La Toussaint-Le Jour des Morts holidays should make arrangements for their transport based on where they will stay and where they plan to go around.

La Journée De Solidarité: French National Day Of Solidarity

In August of 2003, a scorching heat wave swept across Europe, claiming almost 15,000 lives in France alone. Most of the victims were elderly people and some with disabilities. Responding to this momentous tragic event, the French government, by way of a reform, made a commitment to raise money to financially support the elderly and persons with disabilities.

To support this drive, the government made an additional annual allocation of two billion euros for the benefit of the elderly and disabled through the Caisse Nationale de Solidarité Pour l'Autonomie (National Solidarity Fund for Autonomy). This is the first such reform in France, which was presented on November 6, 2003, that is funded not through increased taxes but through the concept of "workers solidarity".

By this concept, the government has urged the citizens of France, specifically civil servants and employees, to show their support for the reform by rendering an extra day of service without pay. This extra day is referred to as "La Journée De Solidarité" (National Day of Solidarity). The wages that are supposed to be paid to workers on this day will instead be collected and put into the fund.

The selection of the date of the French National Day of Solidarity went through a process that considered the diverse regional and economic conditions of the country. This was necessary to ensure broad participation among workers in both the public and private sectors, thus giving justice to the term "solidarity".

It was eventually decided that the French National Day of Solidarity be held on the same day as that of one of France's public holidays - Whit Monday, or the day after Pentecost. This effectively cancelled Whit Monday's being a public holiday (observed as such for more than a hundred years) and the day was converted into the rather odd status of a "working holiday".

For the elderly, the significance of this day is that their home life will be improved, retirement homes will be modernized, and medical care will be guaranteed. All these are possible through the more than 1 billion euros expected to be generated from this single day annually.

A separate fund of 800 million euros a year, likewise expected to be generated from the one-day "event", will be used to aid persons with disabilities and enable them cope with extra expenses as a consequence of their condition.

In 2008, Whit Monday was restored as a public holiday after workers across the country staged a series of demonstrations in protest of the concept by which the French National Day of Solidarity was established (not the purpose for which it was created). Specifically, workers were against the idea of working for a day without being paid for it.

To maintain its commitment of supporting the elderly and the disabled, the French government turned to other fiscal measures. Also, an agreement was reached between and among the government, employers, and employees, significantly modifying the original concept of the reform. Under the agreement, the equivalent of 7 hours of unpaid work can be spread over a period of one week, a month, or even a year.

Today, France celebrates La Journée De Solidarité simultaneous with its observance of Whit Monday, with the day being a public holiday.

La Fete De La Victoire: French Celebration Of WWII Victory In Europe

The end of World War II, also known as Victory Day in Europe, is celebrated as a national holiday on May 8 every year in at least seven countries in Europe. In France, the celebration is called "La Fete de la Victoire".

It will be recalled that it was on May 8, 1945 when Charles de Gaulle, then leader of the Forces Francaises Libres (FFL), announced the end of the Second World War in France. This announcement was made a day after the unconditional surrender of the forces of Nazi Germany was accepted by the Allies. It is fitting that France observes this momentous event every year, especially since it was in the city of Reims where the act of military surrender was signed.

How does France celebrate La Fete De La Victoire? First of all, since it is a public holiday, most business establishments are closed on this day; so are banks and post offices. Except on tourist areas, cafes, restaurants, and stores may also be closed. One may find some stores open on this day along main direct roads, at railway stations, or at airports. Those planning to spend the holiday in Paris will find many stores open there on this day.

Also note that roads, particularly those in the center of cities or towns, may be closed for parades. And depending on where one resides and intends to travel, schedules of public transport service may differ from those of ordinary days.

During the entire week preceding May 8, all educational institutions incorporate special lessons in their classes, which focus on the history of the Second World War and the oppressive acts committed by Nazi Germany against the French people. Through these lessons, every succeeding generation will be informed of the events that took place during the war and will have a better understanding of the importance of preserving the rights of every human being.

La Fete de la Victoire is an occasion for the French people to attend church services and parades, and sing patriotic songs in parks and streets, foremost of which, of course, is the French national anthem "La Marseillaise". On this day, too, one will find the Tricolore (the national flag of France) prominently displayed on every home and public building.

The flag, of course, is the most important symbol in any country, signifying that country's independence. To describe the French national flag, it is fifty percent wider than its height and has three colored bands (blue/white/red) of equal width. In some ceremonies, the flag and emblem of the European Union is also displayed to emphasize that all countries in Europe are united in peace.

While the prevailing mood during this special day is one of merriment, many people likewise use the occasion to remember family members, friends, or other people they know who had been victims of or died during the war. French veterans of the war, who may still be physically capable of rendering public service on this day, do so as part of the celebrations.

La Chandeleur: French Celebration Of Candlemas

The Roman Catholic Church celebrates February 2 each year as Candlemas. This celebration is a commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary's purification and the presentation of the baby Jesus at the temple. The feast is also called by other names: "Feast of the Presentation of Jesus," "Meeting of the Lord," and "Feast of the Purification of the Virgin."

France, being a predominantly Roman Catholic country, also observes this feast on February 2, which is forty days after Christmas. There are three French terms for the occasion: "Jour des crêpes" (crêpes have real signification in this occasion), "Fête de la Lumière" (different from the Festival of Lights in Lyon), and "La Chandeleur" (the most commonly used of the three terms).

The term "Candlemas" was derived from the Latin ritual of lighting candles at midnight to symbolize purification. The original event involved the observance of the Holy Family (Joseph, the Virgin Mary, and the baby Jesus) of the rite as described in Chapters 21 to 24 of the Second Book of Luke. In part, the rite required that a mother must present her firstborn boy to the Lord forty days after birth. An offering of two doves must accompany the presentation.

The French celebration of La Chandeleur as a commemoration of the purification of the Virgin Mary first occurred in 1372. The term "Fête de la Lumière" refers to the lighting of blessed candles as a form of remembering Jesus Christ who is the "Light of the World." This lighting of blessed candles at homes for protection continues to this day in France.

In relation to why La Chandeleur is also called Jour des crêpes, the French pray for good harvest and prosperity for every home and family. All excess flour is used to make crêpes. These pancakes are a symbol of prosperity in France. Farmers believe that wheat will grow better if many crêpes are made. Turning the celebration into a sort of revelry, children engage in crêpe-throwing games during this day.

One of the French traditions during La Chandeleur goes this way: People clutch a coin in the hand which they use for writing; with the other hand, they hold a pan with a crêpe in it. They toss the crêpe in the air and try to catch it back into the pan. If they're successful, they wrap the coin with the crêpe. This is then brought in the bedroom and placed on top of the cupboard. The way by which this is done is similar to a procession, with the participation of all members of the family. The following year, the coin is given to the poor. This entire ritual is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to the family for the whole year.

Fortune telling, while making crêpes, is also a tradition during La Chandeleur. In addition, French proverbs pertaining to the occasion come out prominently during this day. Some examples are given below:

• "On la Chandeleur, the day grows by two hours."

• "On la Chandeleur, winter comes to an end or becomes stronger."

• "On la Chandeleur, everything is covered with snow and forty days are lost."

Crêpes certainly are an important part of the French celebration of Candlemas. One reason for this is that crêpes, to the French, symbolize the sun, which seems to be absent in their lives during this time of the year.

International Day Of Francophonie

...A Gathering Of French-Speaking People From Around The World

The International Day of Francophonie is celebrated every year on March 20. On this day, Francophones from around the world get together as a way of celebrating that "something" that is common to them - the French language.

The inaugural International Day of Francophonie was held in 1998, although the Francophonie organization was actually established 28 years earlier. The organization has its headquarters in Paris, France.

The term "Francophonie" refers to specific areas in the world in which French is spoken. It was coined in 1880 by Onésime Reclus, a French essayist and geographer. The term "Francophone", on the other hand, refers to a person who speaks French. When not capitalized, the term is a descriptive word, such as in "franchophone region".

Currently, the organization is headed (as Executive Secretary) by Abdou Diouf, who served as the second President of Senegal from 1981 to 2000. It has 56 member states, 21 of which were original members (i.e., countries that joined the organization in 1970). These are France, Belgium, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Canada, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Haiti, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Monaco, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia, and Vietnam.

Within the next 10 years, 12 more states, communities, or colonies joined the organization as members. These are the French Community of Belgium, New Brunswick, Quebec, Central African Republic, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Guinea-Bissau, Lebanon, Seychelles, and Vanuatu.

The rest of the member states today include Albania, Andorra, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Macedonia, Greece, Guinea, Laos, Moldova, Morocco, Romania, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, and Switzerland.

The organization has three associate members: Armenia, Cyprus, and Ghana. Fourteen countries, meanwhile, are assigned as observers. These are Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Mozambique, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Thailand, and Ukraine.

Other countries with French-speaking regions, but are not members of the organization, are Algeria, Guernsey, India, Italy, Israel, Jersey, Mexico, Syria, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, French is spoken in four states: Louisiana, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. All these areas certainly are considered francophone regions.

It is estimated that there are over 150 million Francophones, more than half of whom live outside France. Understandably because of this, French is a very important language in the world. To emphasize this, French is extensively used in prominent international gatherings as the Olympics, the United Nations, and the European Union.

Through the International Day of Francophonie, French-speaking people from different parts of the world are able to interact, bringing into the meeting diverse traditions and cultural differences. Such instance promotes a culture of tolerance, which, sadly, is lacking in many parts of the world.

Today, the Francophonie organization has several branches that oversee and coordinate activities between and among member states in areas of concern that go beyond the French language and culture. Such areas include worldwide concerns on the economy, science, peace, justice, democracy, human rights, and the environment.

The International Day of Francophonie carries the slogan "Egalité, Complémentarité, Solidarité. This translates to "Equality, Complementarity, Solidarity.

How Easter (Pâques) Is Celebrated In France

In countries where the predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, no other celebration is perhaps more important than Easter. In France, for instance, where about ninety percent of the people are Roman Catholics, Easter is celebrated with great joy to commemorate the resurrection of Christ.

The celebration of Easter, or Pâques, in France actually begins on the Thursday prior to Good Friday (called Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday). On this day, no peals of church bells are heard in observance of Christ's death. On Easter morning, church bells come to life once more to celebrate the Resurrection. Every city, town and village in France has a church, so the ringing of bells on Easter morning can be heard almost everywhere. The joyful significance of Pâques is especially evident when people kiss each other the moment they hear the ringing of church bells.

The morning of Pâques finds children waking up in glee, anticipating to find as much of "les oeufs de Pâques" (Easter eggs) as they can, which were hidden in playgrounds, gardens, or right inside homes a day or two before this day. Children are told by their parents of the connection between the church bells that are silent on Maundy Thursday, their ringing again on Easter morning, and the sudden appearance of Easter eggs.

The story, as children are made to believe, goes this way: On Maundy Thursday, the chimes of church bells fly to Rome to pay visit to the Pope. They return on Easter morning joyfully ringing to signify their happiness for having seen the Pope. In their desire to share their joy to people, especially to children, they brought with them many beautifully colored eggs as gifts. Some children can get luckier than others - they uncover small chariots, pulled by little white horses, filled with multicolored eggs.

Traditional games played by French kids during Easter involve the use of raw eggs. In one game, children roll their eggs down a slope. The one whose egg survives the roll, or does not break or crack, is the winner. This particular game symbolizes the rolling away of the stone from the tomb of Jesus.

Although most shops are closed in France during holidays, confiseries, or candy shops, are open on Easter to provide delight to people who, regardless of age, feel so much joy just seeing candies and chocolates of all sizes, shapes, and designs. French chocolatiers take pride in their work that they put in so much time and effort to come up with delightful goodies. The results are items that appear more like works of art rather than foods. Everyone in France is sure to enjoy this aspect of Pâques because there is not one village there without a confiserie.

The Easter holidays in France actually fall within the fourth of five sets of school holidays, which is called the printemps, or spring, break. During this period, schools are closed for fifteen days, beginning on Maundy Thursday. Hence, Pâques is an opportunity for French families to be together, whether just at home or on short trips.

Great Parks In France To Be At During The Holidays

France has eleven public holidays (not counting Easter and Pentecost, both of which of course fall on a Sunday), five sets of school breaks, and a lengthy summer vacation. Any of these is an opportunity for people to relax and enjoy the company of family members and close friends.

A great way for completely enjoying the holidays in France is to leave the comfort of your homes and go on a long trip to some scenic destinations. Some of the country's national parks can be good choices for such a holiday adventure. Here are five of them:

Parc national des Pyrénées:

The Pyrénées National Park is a 457-square kilometer national park located within the departments of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Hautes-Pyrénées in the southwestern part of France. Its creation was completed on March 23, 1967. The park is famous for its mountainous landscape, making it ideal for skiing, hiking, and, of course, mountain climbing. For those with special interest in wildlife, some seventy different species of animals can be observed roaming the park freely.

Parc national des Cévennes:

The Cévennes National Park is a 913-square kilometer national park located within the departments of Gard and Lozère in southern France. It was opened to visitors on September 2, 1970. The park includes two features which are mainly the reasons why this park is one of the most visited tourist destinations in France. These are the Aven Armand cave and the Arboretum de Cazebonne. The latter has a number of exotic trees and several hiking paths.

Parc national des Écrins:

The Écrins National Park is a 918-square kilometer national park located in the southeastern part of the country. It was opened to visitors on March 27, 1973. The park is famous for a number of features, including glacier fields, high mountain peaks, and alpine pastures. More than half a million tourists from around the world visit the park every year.

Parc national de la Vanoise:

The Vanoise National Park is a 1,250-square kilometer national park located in the Alps. It was completed and opened to visitors on July 6, 1963. Some of the villages adjacent to the park include Champagny-le-Bas, La Cuaz, and La Chiserette. Large ski resorts, including Tignes, Les Arcs, and Les Trois Vallées, border the park.

Parc national du Mercantour:

The Mercantour National Park is a 685-square kilometer national park located within the departments of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes. It was opened to visitors on August 18, 1979. The park consists of twenty-eight villages and seven uninhabited valleys, namely Bévéra, Haut Var/Cians, Roya, Tinée, Ubaye, Verdon, and Vésubie. The park's great flora and fauna make it really ideal for relaxation.

In addition to these, there are about fifty regional natural parks in France, each of which is an equally great vacation place during the holidays. Ten of these are mentioned here: Parc naturel régional Scarpe-Escaut, Parc naturel régional de Brière, Parc naturel régional de la Forêt d'Orient, Parc naturel régional des Grands Causses, Parc naturel régional de Millevaches en Limousin, Parc naturel régional de la Narbonnaise en Méditerranée, Parc naturel régional Périgord Limousin, Parc naturel régional de la Brenne, Parc naturel régional du Haut-Jura, and Parc naturel régional du Luberon.

French Holidays And What France Is Like During A Holiday

Each year, there are eleven holidays celebrated in France (French term: jours feriés). These exclude Easter (Pâques) and Pentecost (Pentecôte), which, of course, both fall on a Sunday and are therefore nonworking days.

The eleven French holidays consist of eight that are celebrated on fixed dates and three observed on movable dates. The latter are Christian feasts or holy days observed on dates in relation to when Easter (itself a movable feast) falls. These movable holidays are Lundi de Pâques (Easter Monday; the day after Easter), Ascension (Ascension Day; the Thursday forty days from Easter), and Lundi de Pentecôte (Whit Monday; the day after Pentecost, which is observed on the Sunday fifty days from Easter).

The eight fixed-dated French holidays are Le Jour de l'An (New Year's Day, January 1), Fête du Travail (Labor Day, May 1), Victoire 1945 (Victory in Europe Day, May 8), Fête Nationale (Bastille Day, July 14), Assomption de Marie (Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15), Toussaint (All Saints' Day, November 1), Armistice 1918 (Armistice Day, November 11), and Noël (Christmas Day, December 25).

In addition to these, there are lengthy school holidays in France which are divided into five sets and distributed in three zones. The five sets of school holidays are Toussaint break (twelve-day break beginning around the latter part of the third week of October, within which All Saints' Day falls), Noel-Le Jour de l'An break (fifteen-day Christmas/New Year holiday break, from December 20 to January 4), Hiver break (fifteen-day break beginning in February, when winter is at its peak), Printemps break (fifteen-day spring break beginning usually on Good Friday), and L'ete holidays (two-month summer vacation from beginning of July to beginning of September).

The school holidays (particularly the hiver and printemps breaks), in turn, are staggered into fifteen-day periods depending on where a school is located. For this purpose, the French Ministry of Education has divided the country into three zones.

In the month of May alone, a holiday is celebrated almost every week. When France is on a holiday, everything practically comes to a halt. This is because the French take their holidays very seriously. A holiday in France is not something that is turned into a commercial opportunity. For example, businesses, stores, shops, museums, post offices, and banks are closed during a holiday.

During lengthy holidays, such as those mentioned earlier, these business establishments may be closed for as long as the holiday is in effect. Those planning to visit France for a vacation are always advised to be aware of the dates of the French holidays in order to avoid any unexpected difficulties. They should make advance arrangements with hotels, restaurants, or museums to know whether these will be open or not during a particular holiday.

During or around a public holiday, train stations and roads in major cities in France become very busy. The situation is compounded by the tradition of service unions (those working in railroad and public transport companies) going on strike during a holiday. These certainly cause traffic disruptions and public transport service schedules become irregular as a result of such disruptions.

The months of July and August, in which the long summer vacation falls, is a period not generally recommended for those wishing to visit France. French law allows every citizen to have a five-week vacation, so almost everyone use the summer period for this. The whole of France is practically on every road, railroad, seaway, and airway during this period.

French Celebration Of L'Assomption De Marie

The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated by Catholics throughout the world every year on August 15. The day is a celebration of the Catholic belief that the Virgin Mary ascended to Heaven body and soul at the end of her life here on earth.

France, a predominantly Catholic country, celebrates this day (L'Assomption de Marie in French) as one of its public holidays. Churches all over the country hold special celebrations during this day and many people attend church services. In rural areas, village festivals are held.

Activities here may include communal meals, parades, and some sports events. The festivals are attended by a lot of people, especially since L'Assomption de Marie falls within l'ete holidays (summer vacation), the longest of five school breaks in France.

An important place in France on this date is Lourdes, a small market town in southwest France near the country's border with Spain. The town is famous for the eighteen apparitions witnessed by a 14-year old girl named Marie-Bernarde Soubirous in the grotto of Massabielle between February 11 and July 16 in 1858. The beautiful lady who appeared to Bernadette (the name by which the girl is known around the world) is believed to be the Blessed Virgin Mary.

On August 15 every year, special celebrations are held in Lourdes and many Catholics, not only in France but also from other countries, journey to this place.

Elsewhere in France, the environment is one of inactivity during this day. This is true during any of the public holidays in that country. The general quietness is brought about by the fact that businesses - stores, shops, banks, and even post offices - are closed on this day.

Except in areas frequented by tourists, cafes and restaurants may likewise be closed the day before, during, and the day after the holiday. This is especially so if August 15 happens to fall on a Thursday or a Tuesday. In such a case, France goes on "faire le pont" (long weekend); many companies are closed and their employees are allowed to take the period off. This, however, is not official and government offices and banks are not covered by the practice.

In the capital city of Paris, especially along major highways, some stores may be open on this day. Also, some shops and stores at railways stations and airports may be open to serve the needs of the public. Other local services may be unavailable during the holiday though.

During the celebration of L'Assomption de Marie, church events and parades happen almost everywhere in France, forcing public transport service schedules to be adjusted due to the disruption in traffic such activities is expected to cause.

Overall, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a major occasion in every village and town in France. In many places, the day takes equal importance as that of Easter or Christmas. After all, the Blessed Virgin Mary has been the main patron saint of France since 1638.

France National Holiday Celebration Of Bastille Day

The national holiday of France is observed on July 14 every year. Referred to as "La Fete Nationale" or "Le Quatorze Juillet" in French, this special day is a commemoration of the 1789 siege of the Bastille prison; hence, this day is also known as Bastille Day.

The Bastille fortress represented the absolutistic subjugation of the French people, so that it's storming on July 14, 1789 signaled the French people's defiance against that virtual one-man rule and gave birth to modern France. The significance of this event was that the French people realized that the real power was in their hands and not in their king's.

On the morning of this important day, festive activities are held on the prestigious Avenue des Champs-Elysees in the capital city of Paris. The most prominent one, held right in front of the President of France, is the grand parade participated in by men and women from various units of the armed forces. These include those from La Royale (the French Navy), the elite Legion etrangere (the French Foreign Legion), and the Armee de l'Air (the French Air Force).

Even cadets from military schools and firefighters from the Brigade des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris (the Paris Fire Brigade) take part in the military parade, with the latter bringing up the rear. Above the parade route fly military aircraft (such as the Rafale and the Mirage F1). Thousands of people witness the parade as the President reviews the troops.

Elsewhere, there are musical presentations, programs, and such other performances that highlight the French culture. Of course, the celebration is not complete without the usual spectacle - the fireworks display. For other people, the day is an occasion for simple family gatherings or enjoying the company of friends in excursions or outings.

The National Day of France has two important symbols: the Tricolore (the French national flag) and the Eiffel Tower. The latter is the most prominent symbol of France and is in fact that country's world icon. The structure is noted for being the "single most visited paid monument in the world", and this is especially true on Bastille Day.

The law that made July 14 France's yearly national holiday was actually made official on July 6, 1880. Then, the French Interior Ministry recommended that the special day be observed with grandeur.

Interestingly, at least four other countries celebrate Bastille Day. The United Kingdom celebrates the day in various locations in England; Hungary celebrates it in its capital city Budapest; South Africa holds its celebrations in the old town of Franschhoek; and the United States has at least nine cities observing the day.

The cities of Baltimore, Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle have large celebrations during this day. Included in these celebrations are musical performances, circus, and other forms of merrymaking. People in these cities go on picnics, partaking in French food, pastries, and wine. In some of these cities, the celebration begins with a reenactment of the storming of the Bastille.

France Celebration Of Halloween

Many countries around the world celebrate Halloween as a holiday. It is observed on the eve of All Saints' Day, October 31, and hence has close association with this Christian holiday.

In France, Halloween is celebrated in much the same way as it is in most other countries, although it is not one of its traditional holidays. For example, the French also do these famous activities during Halloween:

• They attend costume parties, wearing costumes associated with the occasion.

• Children go trick-or-treating in Halloween costumes from house to house.

• People make jack-o'-lanterns (carved pumpkins).

• They go on ghost tours or visit haunted attractions.

• People do pranks or tell scary stories.

Halloween to the French was a virtual "unknown" until foreign influence (mostly from tourists and foreigners residing in France) slowly opened the eyes and minds of the French toward it. And as the French started to become familiar with Halloween little by little because of said foreign influence, extensive corporate marketing accelerated their understanding of it.

Here are some examples of how Halloween was (and still is) actively marketed into the French consciousness:

• A restaurant-bar in Paris is said to be the first such establishment in France to celebrate Halloween. This was in 1982. The owners, at first, had to make their customers understand what the celebration was all about. It took about 13 years (i.e., 13 celebrations) for the bar's customers to become fully cognizant of Halloween.

• The owners of the Masked Museum, which is located in the merged municipalities of Saint-Hilaire and Saint-Florent, began expanding the reach of Halloween in France a year after they opened the museum in 1992.

• Confiseries (candy stores) and pastry shops decorate their counters and windows with things associated with Halloween; products here are ladled with icing in the two colors the occasion is noted for - black and orange.

• Giant companies and big businesses use Halloween symbols and images in their advertisements and marketing campaigns whenever the occasion is nearing.

Today, people in France - young and old alike - attend Halloween costume parties. They wear scary costumes, such as those that make them look like a ghost, vampire, mummy, or a witch. This is one aspect in which France may be a little different in its celebration of Halloween from, say, the United States, where nonscary costumes (cartoon characters or superheroes, for example) are the preferred "disguises".

The idea of celebrating Halloween in a rather commercialized atmosphere is something that some people in France do not really appreciate. Some, in fact, are still not fully aware what exactly is being celebrated when the day comes. The reason for this is that the predominant religion in France is Roman Catholicism, and Halloween is not an occasion recognized by the Roman Catholic Church.

Still, many French, for hundreds of years, have already been observing Halloween in traditional ways the day is celebrated - visiting cemeteries and decorating the graves of their deceased relatives and friends, attending special church services, and honoring Saints. Of course, such celebration of Halloween in France coincides with the observance of La Toussaint (All Saints' Day, November 1) and Le Jour des Morts (All Souls' Day, November 2).

Five Movable French Public Holidays

Most countries have public holidays whose dates are movable. That is, they are not fixed to a specific day of the calendar year. In France, they have thirteen public holidays, five of which have movable dates. These are as follows:

1. Pâques (Easter) - This is the most important religious celebration in France, and is in fact considered the holiest day in the Christian calendar. The day is a commemoration of Christ's resurrection and marks the end of Lent.

Based on the Christian liturgical year, Easter is celebrated on the Sunday after the first full moon on or after the day of the occurrence of the vernal equinox. By simple definition, vernal equinox is a specific time of the year when day and night are about the same in duration.

Doing away with such technical terms, France will celebrate Easter on these dates of the next five years: April 4, 2010, April 24, 2011, April 8, 2012, March 31, 2013, and April 20, 2014.

2. Lundi de Pâques (Easter Monday) - This is actually an extra public holiday in France as well as in some other Christian countries. Understandably, this celebration moves in relation to the moving date of Pâques. For the next five years, therefore, France will celebrate Easter Monday on the following dates: April 5, 2010, April 25, 2011, April 9, 2012, April 1, 2013, and April 21, 2014.

3. L'Ascencion (Ascension Day) - In the Christian doctrine, Jesus, following his resurrection, ascended to Heaven in the presence of his eleven disciples. While some countries observe this holy day on the immediate Sunday forty days after Easter, France retained the traditional Christian celebration of the Thursday that is exactly the 40th day from Easter.

Hence, France will celebrate l'Ascencion every year, from 2010 to 2014, on these dates: May 13, 2010, June 2, 2011, May 17, 2012, May 9, 2013, and May 29, 2014.

4. Pentecôte (Pentecost) - The Pentecost, which is also called Whitsun, is another important religious feast in the Christian calendar. It is the commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus' eleven disciples. Observance of this feast is on the seventh Sunday after Easter.

Because it always falls on a Sunday, the Pentecost is automatically a public holiday. In France, la Pentecôte will be observed in the next five years, beginning 2010, on these dates: May 23, 2010, June 12, 2011, May 27, 2012, May 19, 2013, and June 8, 2014.

5. Lundi de Pentecôte (Whit Monday) - This is another extra public holiday in France. It is observed on the Monday immediately following la Pentecôte. Therefore, France will observe Whit Monday on these dates: May 24, 2010, June 13, 2011, May 28, 2012, May 20, 2013, and June 9, 2014.

In the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine, Good Friday is also observed as a public holiday. The two provinces' dates of celebration of this holy day are on April 2, 2010, April 22, 2011, April 6, 2012, March 29, 2013, and April 18, 2014.

Fête du Travail Is Labor Day In France

May 1 is International Workers' Day, or simply Labor Day, in many countries around the world. In France, the day is referred to as "Fête du Travail". The day is celebrated with parades and demonstrations organized by trade unions and other similar workers' organizations. These moves are aimed at campaigning for the rights of workers and airing their demands, which are directed at businesses and concerned government agencies.

Fête du Travail is a public holiday in France. Most businesses, shops, and stores are closed on this day; so are banks and post offices. Schedules of public transport service are different on this day from those of the regular working days of the week. This is because of the disruptions to traffic that the said demonstrations and parades are expected to cause.

On April 23, 1919, France officially adopted the 8-hour working day. That same year, May 1 became a public holiday in that country. But it was almost 30 years later when this day was started to be used as an occasion for celebrating and campaigning for the rights of workers. The yearly campaigns led to several changes in labor rules and laws.

Some of the conditions and regulations included in the present French labor laws are as follows:

• The levels of "salaire" (salary) are fixed by mutual agreement between employer and employee. The salary of an employee indicated in the contract is usually expressed in annual gross figure.

• The Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance (SMIC) guarantees minimum hourly wage. This means that the wage payment to an employee should not go below the minimum level as provided for in the SMIC.

• "Temps de travail" (legal working hours) per week is fixed at thirty-five hours. This rule, however, does not apply to limited liability company managers, executives, sales representatives, domestic staff, and other employees with special working conditions.

• Employees are entitled to five weeks of paid vacation every year. The five weeks are distributed at two and a half days for every month worked.

• "Congé de maternité" (maternity leave) entitles every mother to no less than 16 weeks of paid leave. "Congé de paternité" (paternity leave), on the other hand, provides a new father 11 days of paid leave, taken consecutively within 4 months of the birth.

It is interesting to note that the lily of the valley is the symbol the French used for this occasion. Bouquets of this flower are traditionally given to loved ones during this day. This tradition is very much alive particularly in the administrative region of Île-de-France.

History has it that King Charles IX of France was gifted with lily of the valley flowers on May 1, 1561. The king appreciated the present so much. Every year on May 1 from then on, he gave the same flowers to every lady of his court.

Today, French families living in country areas wake up very early in the morning of May 1 each year to go into the woods and pick lily of the valley flowers. Workers and students in urban areas sell bouquets of the flower door-to-door or on the streets to raise funds for labor organizations.