The "Chandeleur"
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I realize that today is "Chandeleur" day in France. And “Groundhog Day” in the US. Hello Punnxsutawney! Hello Phil! Hello Bill Murray!
But let’s focus on the Chandeleur for now.
Chandeleur, or Candlemas in English, is an ancient pagan and Latin feast.
It later became a Christian ritual (candles feast) celebrating the presentation of Jesus in the Temple.
This feast takes place on February 2, 40 days after Christmas.
Most of the French may have forgotten the religious origin of the day, but the tradition of making crepes (pancakes) on that day still is strong.
Why Crepes?
In the old days, the crepes round shape and their golden color would symbolize the Sun returning after the long night of winter.
It was also during this period that winter sowing began. Surplus flour was thus used to make these pancakes, a symbol of prosperity for the coming year.
A Peculiar Tradition
There is still today a whole symbolism linked to the making of pancakes, dating back to the 5th century.
The rite consists of flipping pancakes with the right hand while holding a gold coin in the left hand. To ensure prosperity throughout the year, the pancake must fall right in the frying pan!
Nowadays
When I was a kid we would skip the ritual, but still focus on our flipping skills. A lot of crepes ended up on the stove, or on the floor!
It was a fun day, shared with family and friends.
Crepes were sweet and warm. We served them with butter (salty of course), honey, chocolate, jelly, chestnut cream, bananas, etc.
Here is a simple recipe to make delicious crepes the French way. It’s in French, but you can easily translate it online. Otherwise I would be happy to provide a translation.
Bon appétit and happy “Chandeleur”!
See below some crepes flippers at work!