New Year's in France
Celebrating New Year's Eve in France? Check out this guide for blending in like the locals.
Much like the USA, France rings in each new year with a bang. However, there are a few uniquenesses that French people maintain as customary. Did you know that New Year's Eve is also called 'La fête de la Saint Sylvestre' in honor of Pope Saint Sylvester I? Or that one common tradition includes kissing under the mistletoe? Take a look at some fun French facts below including important vocab to know for the celebration. Bonne Année!
The New Year's Tradition
Each year a big festival is organized across France called 'le Réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre' to honor Pope Saint Sylvester on December 31st. During this evening time feast, guests enjoy traditional dishes like Blinis with duck foie-gras and champagne. More recently, the French have been enjoying this celebration on a boat cruise to ring in the new year in the middle of the ocean or sea for a romantic and extraordinary experience. In Paris, a huge parade is organized on New Years Eve day in which performers march through a procession that ends at the Trocadéro, under the Eiffel Tower. At the stroke of midnight, fireworks light up the sky across Paris.
The Countdown
The mistletoe (or le guy - pronounced like 'lay gee') is one very popular spot to be standing under during the countdown to midnight. This special zone is spent smooching a loved one as the new year approaches. If you are celebrating at a friend's home or a quant bar, le guy might be easier to find. Otherwise, if you find yourself at a nightclub (or boîte de nuit) dancing the night way, you might be more focused on clinking your glass and saying Bonne Année (Happy New Year) or Santé (Health or Cheers) with champagne as midnight approaches. Small paper balls (or des cotillons) might fall from the sky and crowds of people would clap and make loud noises.
Image Credit: tripandtravelblog.com
VOCABULARY
Much of the celebrating is done with offering kind words and good wishes for a positive new year. Below are some common phrases and their meanings:
Bonne année et bonne santé! = Happy new year and good health!
Bonne Année! = Happy New Year!
Bonne année deux mille seize! = Happy 2016!
Le jour de l'an = New Year's day
Une bonne résolution = New Year's resolution
Le repas du Novel An - New Year's meal
We hope you enjoyed reading New Years in France! Bonne année et bonne santé pour deux mille seize! If one of your New Year's resolutions is to learn French, make sure to sign up for Group French Classes and Private French Lessons at JP Linguistics. Bonne journée!
Frightfully French - Tips For A French-Inspired Halloween
French recipes, French horror films, and creepy activities in Paris to enjoy during Halloween.
Mummy's Alive! This Halloween (or 'A lo ween' - as the French say), we are bringing you tons of useful tips to create a French-inspired Halloween celebration. It is so exciting to dress up and enjoy the U.S. traditions during Halloween because, in France, 'A lo ween' is not a very big holiday. Instead, the French prefer to celebrate La Toussaint or All Saints Day on November 1st in which families visit the cemeteries of their loved ones to honor and clean up their tombstones. On these days, there is no dressing up or watching horror films, so we're taking the American traditions and putting our French spin on them. Keep scrolling to check out some delicious French-inspired recipes, horror flicks, and more. Frightfully French - Tips For A French-Inspired Halloween is not for the faint of heart. Keep reading...if you dare!
French-Inspired Recipes
Looking for some delicious treats to wow your Halloween visitors? Click the recipes below for full instructions & necessary ingredients ...
French Horror Films
In the mood for a French scare? Check out the horror films below and beware. Just a click on any of the images below will lead to the movie trailer for each film...
Creepy Activities in Paris
Haunted houses are not a popular activity in France so, instead, Halloween enthusiasts venture to creepy businesses in Paris. These are 4 favorites...
French-inspired phrases and halloween terms
- Le trente et un Octobre - 31st of October
- Friandises ou bêtises/Des bonbons ou un sort - Trick or Treat
- Se déguiser (en) - To wear a costume, to dress-up as
- Avoir peur - To be scared
- Un costume/Un déguisement - A costume
- Une momie - A mummy
- Des bonbons - Candies
Loved reading Frightfully French - Tips For A French-Inspired Halloween? Don't forget to invite your friends to get French-inspired tips every Tuesday by subscribing HERE. Looking for French language classes? Visit our website HERE to learn more about our Private Lessons or Group Classes!
3 Reasons Why Stromae Matters to French Culture!
Stromae is taking the world by storm. Read about his impact on Francophone culture.
It is likely that you have never heard of Stromae before, but the Belgium-born pop icon is quickly breaking ground in the U.S. in ways that no other French singer has before. Since his number one hit in 2009, Alors on Danse, he's gained a huge following in Europe and, more recently, in North America. Since reaching number one, he's collaborated with producers like Kanye West (who remixed Alors on Danse) and toured music festivals like Coachella and SXSW. It's no easy task crossing the ocean in the music industry, but he is one musician that is bringing pride to French culture and we are here to tell you why. We hope you enjoy 3 Reasons Why Stromae Matters to French Culture!
1. He Promotes the Joie De Vivre
While many pop singers in modern culture are looking for ways to stand out, Stromae is reaching within. Just take a look at his interpretation of the song L’amour Est un Oiseau Rebelle from the famous opera Carmen. This video critique on social media is his clever way of creating a musical protest towards the over consumption of online living. Instead of sitting on Instagram all day, he would prefer that we focus on more real-life experiences. For example, maybe having a delightful meal with friends, a simple glass of wine with a lover, or strutting a perfectly tailored outfit amidst a busy city street. All of these things, living and experiencing life, is of most importance to French culture. It's the Joie De Vivre!
2. He's A Sophisticated Artist
Of the primary interests in French culture, Art would be among the top. Whether discussing Art or critiquing it, the French pride themselves on having a strong sense of sophistication. While some forms of Art are more celebrated than others, when focusing on the music genre, hiphop (which Stromae has a strong background in), the French are typically not satisfied with the flood of music videos focused on bling-bling and male dominated themes that objectify women. Stromae eventually took a stand to 'backseat' his hiphop career after no longer being able to get behind the message of what the genre promotes. When asked in an interview by Ebony Magazine, "Why did you abandon your hiphop career?," he responded:
It’s an important school for me, hiphop music, and still today. But I had this problem, the meaning problem of hiphop music. In the music that we know in Europe is mostly this kind of bling-bling hiphop, with naked women and limousines and stuff. And even if I was a big fan of the rhythm, the groove, I had a problem with the meaning. So all the time, I was criticizing this style. So my manager said to me, “OK, why are you all the time criticizing the music and talking about only the music? If you are not happy actually, just change.” [laughter]
And he was so true. So I was like, “OK, maybe.” It’s a good inspiration for me, the groove and stuff, but maybe I have to talk about something, real life actually. And he told me like, “Why you don’t try just to explain something about the real life?” And I was like, no, it’s gonna sound cliché. Talk about love, it’s always the same kind of… And actually, I discovered it’s not the way. (Source: ebony.com 'Stroma Invades America' interview)
Take a look at his music videos Quand C'est or Papaoutai below and you will immediately get the sense of how this artist is making a huge statement while maintaining integrity, authenticity, and poise. His sense of sophistication (while staying current and relevant to pop music) is what's making a huge impact on the French culture.
3. He's A Cultural Ambassador For French Speaking Countries
Rarely in the U.S. do we find a celebrity pop star singing in French. In fact, I can't think of any besides Lady Gaga who randomly throws a French (or German) word here-or-there into her lyrics. More than just being a popular music icon, Stromae is maintaining authenticity through his writing and performing music en Française - even as he breaks into new markets like the U.S. He is getting tons of attention for this and, while I may be slightly biased here, this use of French language is what is making him a super star. Even though writing music and performing it in French is natural for him, Stromae's stardom is raising awareness about French language and culture to Americans. The themes within his records are relative to his cultural influences and his lyrics portray a 'European mentality.' For many Americans who have yet to visit Europe, this presence is only creating more awareness about French speaking cultures and helping Americans to embrace them.
Now that you know a little bit more about Stromae, check out his music online via YouTube, iTunes, and more and continue to take notice of his career growth in the United States. One great way to learn French is to listen to French music, so we suggest adding a few of his tracks to your playlist. Are you already a fan of Stromae and have a favorite song? Don't forget to share it in the comments section below! Interested in more French language and culture? Sign up for one of our Group Classes or Private Lesson to advance your French skills. Bonne journée!
8 Funny French Observations About The U.S.A.
Here’s a tongue twister: what do you think the French think about you?
Part of understanding another culture is stepping back and getting to know your own culture better. In order to help facilitate this introspective, we thought to round up a few outside perspectives about the U.S.A. from some blunt and honest French travelers who have some interesting observations to share from their journeys. I hope you enjoy these 8 Funny French Observations About The U.S.A.!
1. Prepare for Friendliness Overload & lots of hugging
"Our custom is to kiss before, during, and after each social encounter, with 1, 2, 3, or 4 kisses. This is not the custom in the United States. For a friend, we will hug, with a great tapping on the back and a big smile. For colleagues, greet with a good handshake. Americans have a firm handshake, so do not hesitate to grind their knuckles. It is also a sign you have confidence in yourself.
Be prepared for an onslaught of friendliness. You may be approached by a stranger on the street asking you where you got your coat. Passersby's greet each other cheerfully on the street. Your neighbor may compliment you on the curve of your muscles, and the cashier at the supermarket may ask you what you are doing this weekend (and the three cases of rosé you've purchased)." [Source]
2. Bigger Is Better
"Everything is bigger. Every subject is a big drama. Everything they want to build is huge." [Source]
3. Walk Signs Will Cause Anxiety
"Crossing the road as a pedestrian is not always easy, you often have to wait for ages. When the white man is on, you can cross. And then a stressful countdown shows the time remaining for you to cross, sometimes only a few seconds to cross large avenues." [Source]
4. Always Compliment a Child or a Pet (Even If They Are Ugly)
"Rejoicing in the presence of children or pets. This is the correlation of "smile to strangers," it is mandatory to have a smile or a little "how cute" tilt to your head if you come across a child or pet. Even if they are ugly." [Source]
"Also, if you are running errands and drop off your pants at the cleaners or pop into the supermarket... know that leaving children alone, whether at the home, in the car, or the hotel is frowned upon, even prohibited." [Source]
5. Work, Work, Work
"In France, we choose life over work. We also choose strikes over work, but Americans work too much." [Source]
6. Pluming Has No Logic
"I still have not understood how it is that in my American sink I have, in addition to the tap, a flexible head (as in a French shower) to rinse the corners of the sink but in my shower / tub which is three times larger, I have a fixed head on the wall! No logic!" [Source]
7. They're Loud
"Commercials in the United States are always yelling at me." [Source]
8. Public Restrooms = No Privacy
"If you want privacy (in a public restroom), no chance. There are no real walls, only partitions that do not even go to the ground. So you can see the shoes of your colleagues, hear all the noises ... And even the doors do not help much. You can see the faces of the occupants through the slits in the doorway." [Source]
Are you French and have some observations to add to our 8 Funny French Observations About The U.S.A. post? Be sure to leave a comment down below and share this post using #jplingo @jplinguistics. Don't forget to check out our French Private Lessons & Group Classes by visiting www.jplinguistics.com!
A Unique Spin on French Fashion for Dog Owners
Dog clothes made from your dog’s favorite fabric: their own fur!
With New York being one of the fashion capitals of the world, I thought I would shed some light, quite literally, on a France-based textile company that is putting a very Unique Spin on French Fashion for Dog Owners. As strange as this may sound, the company collects old dog fur and weaves it into yarn so that dog owners can knit their own sweaters using it. We must admit, our heads turned after finding news of this company, but it wasn't until we saw images from French photographer, Erwan Fichou, that the concept made slightly more sense. For all you fashionistas out there, this is one fashion trend you don't see everyday! Keep scrolling to see a collection of images called DogWool by Erwan Fichou. Whouff! Whouff!
For more information about 'Dogwool,' the French company making these yarns, visit their website. Would you ever wear your dog's fur? Post your response down below and share this with your friends. Looking to learn French? Visit JP Linguistics for the latest Group Classes, Private Lessons, and Cultural Events.
Why The French Don't Get Fat
Diving into the secrets of a long-held, kind-of-true stereotype.
For the French, playing outside and eating healthy is part of their cultural blood to maintain a healthy diet and enjoy nutritious foods. It's imperative to know that French people sincerely enjoy food and nutrition. It's seen as a pleasure, not a chore. That's why I'd like to shed some light on Why The French Don't Get Fat. Of course, we're being very general here as we cannot speak for ALL French people, but we can invite you into a few secrets of how the French stay so skinny. Sit back, get cozy, and enjoy the read. Who knows, it might just inspire a few new healthy habits just in time for fall?
Some of you might be thinking how unfair it is to travel around France only to be surrounded by slender, form-fitted fashionistas divulging in butter-soaked croissants and delicious whipped cream patisseries... none of them seeming to gain an inch of fat during the aftermath. In order to understand this 'phenomenon,' it makes most sense to start at the very beginning, to dive into what French children are taught at very young ages about food. Let's consider the school cafeteria as our starting grounds.
School lunches in French are often considered a pedagogical tool in which kids are fed a wide variety of dishes, fruits, vegetables - all monitored by the strict Ministry of National Education which ensures that fried foods are not served more than once per month, for example. Kids are taught to only drink water during their lunch and to use condiments, such as ketchup, only with dishes that require it. Vending machines are banned from schools which mean that soda pop and processed foods are not over consumed. Sweet treats, such as a chocolate mousse, are only served once per week in the cafeteria which teaches kids that a treat is a treat. French adults, parents and teachers believe that a child can be taught how to eat properly, just like learning to read. Thus, it is considered one of the most important skills to develop during childhood.
In addition to having strict policies regarding food consumption for kids, cultural etiquette plays a big role into food schedules for kids. Parents are expected to teach their children to eat only 3 times per day, with 1 additional snack permitted under a strict schedule each day (called 'the goûter'). Portion sizes are much smaller than the U.S. and children typically eat the same foods as the adults (complaining is prohibited). This includes eating items like radishes, grated carrot salad, endives, plenty of fish, and stinky cheeses. For the 'picky eaters,' research shows that in order for a child to accept eating something new, it must be tasted at least 7 times. Further tasting is necessary in order for a child to learn to like the food item. As this knowledge has quietly weaved itself into the French culture, parents and school teachers take the necessary steps to teach kids to love healthy foods. Instead of forcing a kid to eat something healthy, they simply incorporate the food item into meals 7 times + at a young age. This has proven to help kids learn to love healthy foods.
As children grow older, these instinctual habits help to form a respect and understanding for food. This is why French culture allows for food to be consumed under a 'pleasure principle,' meaning that food is seen as something to celebrate and enjoy rather than something to feel anxious about. A study done by Paul Rozin (a University of Pennsylvania Psychologist) and Claude Fischler (a French sociologist) surveyed 4 countries - France, Japan, Belgium, and the U.S. In the survey, they found that the U.S. associates food with 'health,' not 'pleasure,' and worries the most about food choices in comparison to the other countries in the study. When shown a picture of heavy cream, for example, the Americans associated it with the word 'unhealthy,' whereas the French associated it with the word 'whipped.' When shown a picture of a chocolate cake, Americans most frequently responded with 'unhealthy' and 'calories,' whereas the French associate it with the terms 'celebration' and 'pleasure.' The idea here is that focusing on the joy that food brings, French people are able to appreciate the foods they eat and savor them as something pleasureful.
Food education starts at a very young age in France and thus it the common thread for Why The French Don't Get Fat. There is a great book that you can read called 'French Kids Eat Everything' by Karen Le Billon, who inspired this article. Check it out and continue to read more about ways the French are a good example of great eating habits.
If you would like to learn more about French culture or how to speak French, don't forget to check out our Private Lessons & Group Classes taught by native instructors at www.jplinguistics.com. Also, we'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject, so leave a comment below and share this link with others using #jplingo @jplinguistics. Merci!
Harvesting French Wine
Breaking down French wine into its most famous regions.
While many people roll their eyes at the idea of summer coming to an end, French people become liberated as they wait for hundreds of tractors to flee across the country in aims of filling their crates with this year's grape varieties. As a particular fan of vintage Chardonnays, we are taking you on a trip around France to offer an insight into Harvesting French Wine. Grab your glasses and enjoy. Santé!
The wine harvesting season for French wines is traditionally in September. However, depending on how ripe the grapes are (which changes from year to year and from region to region), this process often starts in early August and runs as late as October or November. During the harvest season, the vigneron (the person who monitors the vineyard), will help determine the 'vintage' of the grape. For example, if the grapes were picked in fall 2015, then the 'vintage' of the wine (to be shown on the bottle) is 2015. Traditionally, all of the harvesting is done by human hands and is very labor intensive. In more recent years, technology has been introduced to allow for more mechanical options, but these machines have been unable to produce the same quality as traditional methods. Because of this, some regions prohibit the use of harvesting machinery (in regions such as Beaujolais and Champagne, for example). Thus, hundreds of humans make their way into the vineyards each year to hand-pick grapes, taking several days or even weeks depending on the plot.
Each grape has a different characteristic. In the region of Jurançon, the grapes dry on the vine which concentrate the sugar and produce strong, sweet wines. This process of drying the grapes is known as 'passeriller' and makes delicious aperitifs.
Vineyards in Jurançon - image: AMC Photography
Jurançon Aerial View - image: www.vins-jurancon.fr
Dry Grapes Make Great Apèritif (the Beverage Served Before a Meal to Stimulate the Appetite) - image: accidentalepicurean.com
In the regions of Sauternes (Bordeaux), Alsace, and Le Loire Valley, the process of growing the grapes must be done using a special fungus, call the botrytis cinerea or the 'noble rot,' which creates a concentration of flavors and sugar in the grapes. The sweet, strong wines obtained using this method are some of the best dessert wines available in the world.
Sauternes Region - image: naturalsweetwines.blogspot.com
The Fungus (Botrytis Cinerea) Used In Grapes From Sauternes - image www.chateaucoutet.com
Sauternes Wine - image: tourisme-en-france.com
Alsace Region - image: anotherheader.worpress.com
La Vallée de la Loire - image: winery88.com
If you are a fan of Champagne wine, then you should know that the recipe typically combines three types of grapes (black Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and white Chardonnay). The carbonation within the bottles happens during a secondary fermentation of the wine. While many people generalize the term Champagne for 'white sparkling wine,' it is illegal to categorize a wine as Champagne unless it follows the strict Appellation - the lawful term used to identify where grapes for a wine are grown. Legal Champagnes must come from the region of Champagne in France and must follow the specific harvesting and creation process.
The French Champagne Region - image: bloomberg.com
Moët et Chandon, One of the Leading Champagne Producers in the World - image: zastavki.com
Harvesting French Wine
The harvesting season in France is among one of the most exciting times of the year for many natives. If you are looking to get away for a trip to France this fall, wine tourism across the country is an incredible experience. To get started, take a peak at the map below and see the variety of wine regions in France! Have you ever been to a French vineyard? Tell us all about it by sending your pics and telling us about your experience to info@jplinguistics.com. We'd love to hear from you! Also, don't forget to brush up on your French before you go, by enrolling in our Private Lessons or Group Classes! Simply visit www.jplinguistics.com to get started! Happy Trails!
A Simple Map of Wine Regions in France - image: wine-tours-france.com
How to Sip High Tea Like the French
It’s not only for the Brits! Read and learn how the French handle tea time.
I know what you must be thinking...high tea is a British thing, so why are we talking about French? The idea of afternoon tea may have become popular because of the UK, but the rest of the world has taken high tea to their own tables and have created subcultures within. France is no stranger to this 'afternoon amongst friends' ritual, so I've included some of the delightful things you might find at a French spread. Grab a napkin and enjoy How to Sip High Tea Like the French. You might find yourself drooling by the time you finish. À votre santé!
If you have ever sat down for a high tea, then you will know that hours will quickly pass before you while little trinkets, tea and snacks find themselves at your finger tips. In France this equates to such delicacies as an 'olympe' pictured below (a macaron biscuit with candied violet, strawberry and raspberry sweet jelly, violet cream and fresh raspberries). Or classic sugar-powdered Madeleines, crunchy Palmier, or soft and sweet Cannelé. Miam Miam!
Image: pastryapprentice.wordpress.com
Image: lingalog.net
Image: marthastewart.com
Image: oasisdeslones.canalblog.com
Whichever pastry finds its way to your mouth, this delightful sit-down is usually for more than just your sense of taste, it's also one for your eyes! In France, this would mean enjoying places such as The Bar Vendôme, Ritz Paris (now opened after a 2-year renovation), the world famous Angelina (known for the best chocolat chaud in Paris), or the Hôtel Daniel (featuring the highly celebrated pastry chef Sébastien Gaudard). But amongst all of these, possibly the most impressive spot for Serious tea drinkers is Mariage Frères. This shop dates back to 1854 and has a serious take on tea. With classic tea rooms, they are located at 30 rue du Bourg-Tibourg and 17 place de la Madeleine. Make sure to order your cup of tea en Français when you visit: 'Je prendrai un thé noir, s'il vous plaît.' (May I please have a black tea?) and try asking for your seat with 'Est-ce que nous pourrions avoir une table pour 2, s'il vous plaît?' (May I please have a table for two?)
Image: hipshops.com
Of course, learning How to Sip High Tea Like the French would be nothing without a few glasses of French humor. However, for most Americans, French humor is often misunderstood. To shed some light on the topic, I've included a few pointers below to help guide you.
Generally, French humor is oriented towards others rather than towards the speaker. This is less nonsensical than English humor and perceived as more cruel. It is never self-deprecating, rather it is combative, fueled by ridicule and mockery and it needs a target. The French are great at teasing, which contribute (for naive foreigners) to their reputation of being rude.
The French love jokes about sex and bodily functions, which your will often hear in the most unexpected (for Americans) contexts. This would include situations such as a dinner table with well-educated people.
A frequent form of humor is to exaggerate excessively in order to illustrate something's falsehood. Being too literal comes off as plain silly for the French.
Puns are a very big part of French jokes, primarily because language is so important to their culture. Often jokes are not translatable or hard to follow unless you speak French very well. (french humor points inspired by understandfrance.org)
Whether it be the delicious pastries, the wonderful cafe environments or the conversation, the French have developed their own place in the world of high tea. Next time you take the afternoon to enjoy with friends, try it all with a French twist! Have a favorite spot your recommend for high tea in France? Don't forget to post your comments or tips below.