Holidays in France

Chanukah or Hanukkah, is usually spelled Hanoucca In French (also Hanoukka, Hannouccah, Hanouccah…). The spelling varies because Hebrew uses a different alphabet, so it’s not always transcribed with the same spelling.

It is also called « la Fête de l’Édification » ou « la Fêtes de l’Encénie », ou “la Fête des Lumières”.

Candle- bougie

blessing- bénédiction

Coin- pièce

Eight days -huit jours

Hebrew (language)- l’hébreu

Jewish- juif

kosher- casher, kasher

menorah- hanoukkia

star of David- l’étoile de David

It changes every year. The Jewish celebration of Hanukkah lasts eight days. Hanukkah takes place sometimes between the end of November and the end of December.

Why do the dates vary? Because Hanukkah is originally based on the Hebrew calendar, which is different from our Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev, on the ninth month of the Jewish calendar.

'Merry Christmas' in French is 'Joyeux Noël.'  Father Christmas is le Père Noël.

In the North East of France, Christmas celebrations begin on the 6 December - also known as Saint Nicholas' Day.  

The celebrations take place because, once upon a time there were three children who got lost in the countryside.  A wicked butcher kidnapped them.  

Luckily, Saint Nicolas rescued the children and returned them to their parents. This is why Saint Nicholas is known as the protector of children. Another name for him is Santa Claus!

On the night of 5 December (the eve of Saint Nicholas) children place their shoes at the entrance to their house. They also leave a carrot and a sugar lump for Saint Nicholas' donkey. During the night, the saint arrives bringing treats for the children to find in their shoes in the morning.

No matter what you celebrate or how you celebrate this is the season to be joyful before a new year is upon us!

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