French Autumn Traditions: Toussaint, Foraging, and Seasonal Rituals
IN THIS SECTION, I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO SEASONAL FRENCH TRADITIONS THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED OR OBSERVED SINCE I MOVED TO THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY. MANY ARE INSPIRED BY RURAL NEIGHBORS.
Toussaint
“Toussaint” is the contraction of “All Saints."
The French pay homage to their dead on November 1.
Catholic tradition distinguishes All Saints Day (November 1) from the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (November 2). The deceased receive tributes from their loved ones during this public holiday.
Family members gather and visit the cemetery. They place chrysanthemums on the graves and light candles which symbolize a happy life after death.
They can also take part in special masses organized for the occasion.
Flowers
I almost made the very bad decision of buying the colorful chrysanthemums for my garden the first year after moving to France. I was quickly instructed that they were only for the graves during Toussaint!
All Saints' Day can be a very important time for families. They can spend a day together in a respectful atmosphere.
If you are in Paris during this special time, consider joining in on the tradition. If you have a favorite French poet, scientist, or hero, visit their gravesite with some flowers.
You can also recreate a version of this tradition in your own home!
Memories
"At this time of the year, the church was not heated; when the coldness of winter set in as the days grew shorter and, conversely, the thick walls of the building grew cold. Add to that, the priests of the old school, although seeing us frozen with cold, forbade us to move; apart from standing, kneeling or sitting only when necessary! Meanwhile ... our little feet were freezing...
When at last we could take a few steps, it was to go in procession to the cemetery, where again there were prayers. Then everyone went to meditate on the family graves which were much more modest and much less flowery than now. Forming a rectangle: four rectangular stones cut in a square; on one side: the cross stood on a pedestal. At the base of the latter, was engraved the name, the dates of life and death of the people buried under the sand filling the space in its center. Cremation did not exist in our countryside.
Imagine the town center of Erdeven, it is only 4 kilometers from the sea. Those who have already stayed at Clos du MènAllèn know it: the house is 200 meters from the church and the cemetery. Depending on the year, the wind and the autumn spray froze us in place."
