Bonne Annee--A Few French Heritage Customs for the New Year

Another year is almost over, and so are our present day holidays. Not so for the Canadian French of the past centuries. . .They celebrated the Twelve Days of Christmas, beginning Christmas Day with parties, feasts and joyous occasions. . .New Year's Day fell within these celebrations, beginning the year with much cheer and friendship.

"What Christmas Day has come to mean to us nowadays, New Year's Day meant to the Creoles," wrote Baudier. Visits were made, gifts were exchanged, toys and presents were given to the children, and greetings and good wishes were the order of the day.

Heads of families and older persons stayed at home on New Year's to receive the constant stream of visitors who came to (souhaiter la bonne annee) wish a Happy New Year. The calls began shortly before noon and continued until near sundown. An unwritten law demanded that the old folks be visited; that children extend good wishes to parrain et marraine; and that especially good friends be remembered.

Baudier remembered that "the big round table was all set out in the finest damask tablecloth, and on it were crystal dishes filled with (dragees), bonbons and other candies, glace fruit, assorted cakes and carafes filled with sweet wine or cordials and bottles of cognac, Benedictine, Chartreuse and other liqueurs. The wine and cordials were for the women, while the stronger drinks were for the men visitors. Whiskey was rarely served."

It was a great day for the children because of the gifts and money they received, but the gifts (etrennes) came with a price. They had to recite greetings or little poems in French or play something on the piano. For this they were given a silver coin (25 or 50 cents) but alas, when they came home, Mamma made them put part of their loot in their (tirelire) little bank.

Finally, after dark there was a sumptuous family dinner. It was a great and glorious holiday especially for the cook who went home late, but laded down with (restants) leavings." Source Unknown-A copied page given to me years ago.

New Year's Eve was marked by La Guignolee or La Guiannee singers. It is a French medieval   tradition related to poor people being able to ask the more wealthy for food and drink at the celebrations of winter. Customarily a troupe of traveling male singers went from door to door to entertain and ring in the new year, disguised in costumes. Hosts were expected to give them food and drink. Other sources say the young men were seeking donations for Twelfth Night. Begun as a way for the poor to be given gratuities by the rich, it also became a community social event for young men to visit with the families of young women.

Translation of the words of the traditional song, La Guignolée:

Good evening master and mistress,

And all who live with you.

For the first day of the year,

You owe us La Guignolee. 

If you have nothing to give,

A chine of meat or so will do.

A chine of meat is not a big thing, 

Only ninety feet long. 

Again, we don't ask for very much,

Only the oldest daughter of the house.

We will give her lots of good cheer,

And we will surely warm her feet.

Now, we greet you,

And beg you to forgive us please.

If we have acted a little crazy,

We meant it in good fun.

Another time we'll surely be careful

To know when we must come back here again. 

Let us dance La Guenille,

--La Guenille, La Guenille!

(We attended La Guignolee for the first time in 2018. 
 Click Here for the story and photos.)

I have only recently started to research the Colonial French customs, but my New Year's resolution is to learn more. . .It's such a fascinating culture. . .In fact, I have found an entire book just on La Guignolee! I have my work cut out for me. . .but. . .it will be a pleasurable task, for I do love colonial history--French or English.

Bonne Annee

(Happy New Year)