New Year’s Eve – French Style

In France, December 31^st is known as la Saint-Sylvestre, and is named after Saint Sylvestre, who was a 4^th century AD pope during the time of Constantine the Great and the conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity. The saint actually has little to do with New Year’s Eve, other than the date being his feast day.

New Year’s Eve hasn’t always been celebrated on December 31^st however; during the 6^th and 7^th centuries AD, in some provinces of France, New Year was actually celebrated on March 1^st, or March 25^th (as in Vienne). In the 9^th century, under Charlemagne, New Year was at Christmas in some cities – e.g. Lyon – and beginning in the 10^th century, under the Capetian kings, the year began on Easter Day.

In August, 1564 Charles IX, in article 39 of the Edict of Roussillon, decreed that New Year’s day throughout his kingdom would henceforth be on January 1^st – it has been fixed ever since.

On New Year’s Eve, it is traditional to celebrate with another réveillon – this time, le Réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre. Crucial elements of the feast are Champagne, oysters,   and foie gras, and the setting may be an intimate family gathering or may be a large, fancy ball called une soirée dansante.

At midnight, the festivities conclude with fireworks, the sounding of car horns to ward off evil spirits, a kiss under the mistletoe, and wishing each other bonne santé (good health) for the year ahead.