关于法国圣诞节的一些知识,最好是用英文写的有没有哪位亲有法国方面关于圣诞节的知识啊?最好是英语的,

Question

关于法国圣诞节的一些知识,最好是用英文写的
有没有哪位亲有法国方面关于圣诞节的知识啊?最好是英语的,

Answer 1

In France,Christmas is a time for family and for generosity,marked by family reunions,gifts and candy for children,gifts for the poor,Midnight Mass,and le Réveillon.
The celebration of Christmas in France varies by region.Most provinces celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December,which is a bank holiday.However,in eastern and northern France,the Christmas season begins on 6 December,la fête de Saint Nicolas,and in some provinces la fête des Rois* is one the most important holidays of the Christmas season.In Lyon,8 December is la Fête de lumières,when Lyonnais pay hommage to the virgin Mary by putting candles in their windows which light up the village.
*Epiphany (la fête des Rois) is usually celebrated the 6th of January,but in some places in France it is celebrated the first Sunday after January 1st.
French Christmas Traditions
French children put their shoes in front of the fireplace,in the hopes that Père Noël (aka Papa Noël) will fill them with gifts.Candy,fruit,nuts,and small toys will also be hung on the tree overnight.In some regions there's also Père Fouettard who gives out spankings to bad children (sort of the equivalent of Santa Claus giving coal to the naughty).
In 1962,a law was passed decreeing that all letters written to Santa would responded to with a postcard.When a class writes a letter,each student gets a response.
French Christmas Decorations
The sapin de Noël is the main decoration in homes,streets,shops,offices,and factories.The sapin de Noël appeared in Alsace in the 14th century,decorated with apples,paper flowers,and ribbons,and was introduced in France in 1837.
Another important aspect of French Christmas celebrations is the crèche filled with santons,which is displayed in churches and many homes.Living crèches in the form of plays and puppet shows based on the Nativity are commonly performed to teach the important ideas of Christianity and the Christmas celebration.
Mistletoe is hung above the door during the Christmas season to bring good fortune throughout the year.
After Réveillon,it's customary to leave a candle burning in case the Virgin Mary passes by.