French Easter (Pâques)

Easter is celebrated in France much as it is in America, with various religious ceremonies commemorating the rebirth of Jesus, and cultural customs having to do with rabbits, chocolates and eggs.

The predominant religion in France is Roman-Catholic. No city, village or town is without a church. Many of them date back to the twelfth century or before. Most churches have a bell, which is rung joyfully throughout the year marking various events and the passage of time. On the Thursday before Good Friday, all church bells in France are silenced in acknowledgement of Jesus' death. In fun, children are told that the bell's chimes have flown to Rome to see the Pope. Easter morning, the bells ring out once again in celebration of the Resurrection, declaring that Jesus is alive again. In some villages, people kiss and embrace one another when they hear the bells ring.

Easter morning is a happy time for children who wake to look for colorfully decorated Easter eggs (les oeufs de Pâques) hidden in their gardens, homes and playgrounds. Parents tell their children the eggs were brought from Rome (where the chimes had gone), and that when the chimes returned they brought the eggs with them. In some parts of France children look for small chariots full of eggs pulled by white horses.

As mentioned above, bells play an important role in the French Easter tradition. Candy shops sell chocolate flying bells alongside Easter eggs and bunnies, in the same way many candy shops in America sell chocolate crucifixes. These edible bells are another nod the the resurrection of Jesus, a time for celebration, and the end of Lent.

La tradition des oeufs de Pâques en chocolat ou en sucrerie pour les enfants est très répandue en France. On cache les oeufs dans l'appartement ou dans le jardin et les enfants doivent les trouver.
Manger du chocolat sous différentes formes est une tradition importante : oeufs en chocolat, poules en chocolat, cloches en chocolat ... Au repas du jour de Pâques, on mange souvent un gigot d'agneau, mais il n'y a plus de plats traditionnels.
La légende catholique selon laquelle les cloches partent à Rome le jeudi saint et reviennent le jour de Pâques est souvent exprimée.
En Alsace, il y a une tradition analogue à la tradition allemande. C'est le lapin qui met les oeufs pour les enfants dans les nids qui ont été préparés.
Le lundi de Pâques est un jour férié en France, mais il n'a actuellement aucune signification religieuse.