Every year on February 2nd, people celebrate Candlemas, also known as the festival of candles or light. In France, this holiday is called La Chandeleur and is marked by making crêpes.
But why do French people eat crêpes on Candlemas? Read on to find out.
Why do we eat crêpes on Candlemas?
Candlemas is a festival that celebrates candles and light. Crêpes are round and golden, resembling the sun. Flipping a crêpe in the pan can feel like watching the sun rise. This is one reason why French people eat crêpes on Candlemas, though there are other, lesser-known explanations too.
What is the origin of Candlemas?
Some say it was Pope Gelasius I, the head of the Catholic Church, who started the tradition more than 1,500 years ago. He was the one who made Candlemas a religious celebration.
Believers would march with candles and sing. To comfort them after their long walk, Gelasius I reportedly made a flat cake from flour and water. Over time, this recipe is thought to have evolved into the crêpes we know today.
Traditions and superstitions associated with Candlemas
One popular belief is that if you flip a crêpe with one hand while holding a gold coin in the other, you’ll have a prosperous year.
In medieval times, people believed that wheat could spoil during the year. To avoid bad luck, they would make pancakes with their right hand while holding a gold coin in their left. The coin was wrapped in a pancake and placed on top of a cupboard until the next year. Afterwards, the old pancake was removed, and the coin was given to the first visitor.
How do French people like to make crêpes?
For many French families, making crêpes is a tradition passed down through generations. Some like the classic butter-and-sugar, while others add jam, Nutella, or fresh fruit.
Here is the traditional recipe from the famous French chef, Philippe Etchebest:
- 40 g butter
- 4 eggs
- 250 g flour
- 40 g granulated sugar
- 600 ml milk
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (or rum, Grand Marnier, beer, etc.)
Curious to learn more about the fascinating traditions and everyday life in France? Discover articles on food, holidays, customs, and more by heading over to our Go! Go! France blog.
