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Advent Wreaths

Advent Wreath

Tradition and symbolism go hand in hand with Christmas and Advent. Advent in France is a time of waiting and preparing for Christmas. It starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and has traditions associated with the occasion. Some are the Advent wreath and Advent Calendars.

To find out more about Advent calendars, read our full blog post on Advent Calendars, dedicated to the history of the calendar and how you can make one for yourself. To see our own Advent Calendar with 24 gorgeous snowy, twinkling photos from all over France go to AFC's Advent Calendar. In this post here I'll share everything you need to know about Advent Wreaths.

In France the period of Advent is very much welcomed as a happy time of waiting helping to make the lead up to Christmas fun and to bring joy during a season of long, dark and usually cold days.

Advent in France

What is Advent and How is it Celebrated in France?

As I've grown older, traditions have become more important to me including those surrounding Christmas. As a child, Christmas traditions were not really observed by my parents. But as a parent myself, I've loved adopting some traditional Christmas practices and decorating our home with pretty twinkling lights and, of course, a beautiful tree.

One of the more recent traditions I've embraced is celebrating Advent. This post will cover what Advent is, how it is celebrated in France and gift Advent calendars. I also share ideas on how to make your own calendar. In next week's post we will share everything you need to know about Advent Wreaths, what they are and how to make your own beautiful Advent wreath.

French Advent Calendar

Advent is derived from the Latin word for "coming" adventus, and is celebrated in the Christian church calendar. It celebrates the period of preparation for the birth of Jesus.

Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30, which is St Andrew's Day, and is the beginning of the liturgical year. However, counting down the days on an Advent calendar ignores the St Andrew tradition and rather than counting down from the nearest Sunday to November 30, the calendars start on 1 December and counts down to Christmas Day.

It's a tradition now that each year I share our own advent calendar on social channels including Facebook and Instagram. Our calendar has stunning Christmassy photos from across France and in case you've missed them or want to see them again - here's the photos in all their twinkling, decorative colour.

Armistice Day in France

Armistice Day in France is a public holiday and day of remembrance commemorating the end of World War I. Known as L’armistice de la Première Guerre Mondiale in France, it occurs on 11 November annually.

I've written about other public holidays and national days of celebration in France, and the Remembrance poppy on Remembrance Day but not about Armistice Day in detail. Armistice Day is very important in France and our village and others all around us solemnly celebrate it. Here's more on what's Armistice Day, when is Armistice Day celebrated and what happens in France on Armistice Day.

A Provence French Website For English Readers

A Provence French Website for English Readers

UzEssentiel is an absolute treasure trove of information for people thinking of heading to the South of France, in particular Uzès, Uzège, Gard and Occitanie. While Uzès and Uzège and Gard belong in the Occitanie region rather than Provence, they are often referred to as being in Provence.

UzEssentiel is a go-to website for South of France/Provence lovers and the wide range of interesting topics will keep you glued to your laptop. If you didn't already have plans to travel to these breathtaking places, I bet you will after spending some time on UzEssentiel.com.

It's a website for French readers but thanks to Nancy, its clever editor, it also has an English section in "la langue de Shakespeare" for their dedicated English reading community, called UzEssentiel in English.

French Style Gifts for Everyone

French Style Gifts For Everyone

If you love gorgeous French style and exquisite French things, from stunning scented candles to homewares, authentic flea market finds, art, stationery and accessories, then you’re going to love the French gift boxes I create. If you're new to our site you'll find that they are the perfect pick me up gift for anyone who loves to be pampered or an ideal gift for family and friends for birthdays, Christmas and anniversaries.

The Napoleonic Bee

Have you heard of the term 'Napoleonic Bee'? As you might guess it relates to Napoléon Bonaparte I, you know the famed military and political leader of France. Napoléon (also referred to as Napoléon The Great), adopted the bee as his court symbol from as early on as his coronation in 1804 and throughout his reign as Emperor.

Napoléon Bonaparte I

Let's take a brief look at Napoléon Bonaparte's life before we look at his bee emblem and why he chose this symbol for himself and his family. Napoléon lived between 1769-1821 and is considered to be one of history's greatest military leaders. He rose to prominence during the French Revolution and served as Emperor of France from 1804 to 1814, and again in 1815. He is probably mostly remembered for his role in the Napoleonic Wars and his very well known defeat at the battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815.

Le Mas des Poiriers – Provence Style

Le Mas des Poiriers - Provence Style. Photo by Luke White Photography for Provence Style.

Le Mas des Poiriers - Provence Style: Book Review

Le Mas des Poiriers is a 65 acre pear farm on an island in the Rhône River, Provence, and also now the stunning family home of Shauna Varvel. After renting the property years ago on a summer family trip, they fell in love with the expanse of flat green land with easy access to water and the 200 year old plane trees planted in three allées. So after deciding it would make the perfect home for their family of five children, they initiated the purchase of the farm and six months later they owned the farm in Provence and Shauna was registered as a French farmer.

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Advent Wreaths

Advent Wreath

Advent in France

What is Advent and How is it Celebrated in France?

French Advent Calendar

Armistice Day in France

Armistice Day in France

A Provence French Website For English Readers

A Provence French Website for English Readers

French Style Gifts for Everyone

French Style Gifts For Everyone

The Napoleonic Bee

The Napoleonic Bee

Napoléon Bonaparte I

Le Mas des Poiriers – Provence Style

Le Mas des Poiriers - Provence Style: Book Review

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