HOLIDAYS OF THE FRENCH CANADIANS 
 
 One cannot mingle in French-Canadian society, either in circles wi\ich 
 maintain tlie elegances of the old regime, or among the peasantry, without 
 being impressed with the continual manifestation of that gay disposition 
 — proof against the sharpest trials of fortune — which they inherit from 
 their Gallic ancestors. Buoyancy of spirits forms an important element of 
 their character, and has helped to sustain them under the hardships and 
 toils of the wilderness, as well as amid the rigors and trials of their early 
 history in La Xonvelle France. This felicitous temperament displays itself 
 on all occasions, whether jovial or trying; and its influence in giving a 
 refinement and final polish to their manners, as well as in sweetening the 
 general current of their experiences, cat^not be overestimated. They have 
 certainly proved themselves worthy of the title of the children of gay 
 France, and under circumstances which would have put the fortitude of 
 their relatives in the old country ija mere patrie) to the severest strain. 
 Whether on a toilsome march into the wilderness for the rude objects of 
 the chase, facing the most repellent labors, or engaged in more perilous 
 enterprises of war with the Indians or English colonists, their cheerfulness 
 and lightheartedness was ever apparent. On the expeditions of the voy- 
 agciirs and courcurs dcbois, by many a broad river broken with fierce rapids, 
 on the lake beset with storms as violent as ocean tempests, on the remote 
 inland waters of the continent, or tramping over the snow-covered wilder- 
 ness on snow-shoes, and drawing heavily laden toboggans, the same disposi- 
 tion, sunny and full of cheer, sustained them throughout their arduous 
 course. At home, within the circle of the more peaceful village life, this 
 spirit blossoms out in social games and pastimes, which serve to vary the 
 monotony of the long winter nights, or give additional zest to the enjoy- 
 ment of summer days. Pleasure parties at the picturesque waterfalls, 
 fruit-gatherings in the autumn, sugar-making in the bracing spring air, 
 with '• bees " for united labor, house-raisings, the clearing of land, flax- 
 dressing and sheep-shearing, all furnish abundant occasion for the display 
 of this cheerful temperament, which gives wings to toil, and induces, 
 through the rendering of mutual assistance, a wide-reaching friendliness 
 full of comfort and joy. 
 
 Their love of singing is also a national characteristic. They rarely meet 
 in groups for work or sport without chanting some well-known songs of the 
 
I f* 
 
 
 462 HOLIDAYS OF THE FRENCH CANADIANS 
 
 countr)^ with charming refrain, in which every one joins. And some of 
 those songs are indeed deHghtful, such as: "■ Dcrriire chcc tious }>a fun 
 I'tang," and '' Lui ya longtcmps que jc fainii\'' etc. 
 
 Above all occasions of pleasure, for both young and old, are the great 
 religious and national festivals — Christmas. New Year's Day, Twelfth Day, 
 and Saint John the Baptist's Day — into the celebration and enjoyment of 
 which the race enters with all its enthusiasm and fervor. 
 
 Christmas {Jc jour dc Noel) is looked forward to with peculiar delight, 
 and no pains spared to honor it. It is observed as a holiday apart from 
 sacred character as a/i7r d' obligation. No matter how cold or stormy the 
 night preceding, the custom is to close the houses and repair to the 
 churches and take part in the imposing service, known as midnight mass 
 {la vicsse dc ininiiit). At this time the people are moved to great fervor 
 in their anxiety to fittingly commemorate tiie birth of Christ. Among the 
 scenes pertaining to this night were formerly the little gleams of light, to 
 be seen at intervals for miles in the lonely country districts, or throughout 
 towns and cities, at a time when gas-lighting was unknown, indicating the 
 progress of pious worshipers through deep snowy roads towards that 
 grand centre of desire, the church, at whose portals the lanterns were 
 extinguished, to be relighted after mass. If the distance were very great, 
 they traveled in carrioles or berlincs, also bearing lanterns. 
 
 The church itself presents on such nights an attractive and imposing 
 appearance. Lighted candles and lamps arranged in a manner not only 
 to illuminate the building, but to enhance the effect of its decorations and 
 to arouse feelings appropriate to the hour, shine everywhere throughout 
 the edifice. The principal object of interest is the wax figure of the 
 infant Jesus, beside the altar, upon which all the religious art available is 
 expended to produce the highest effect ; and upon the radiant countenance 
 brilliant lights are concentrated, to kindle the devotional sentiment of the 
 worshipers. Artificial bouquets of varied colors, the handiwork of the 
 daughters of the most prominent citizens, occupy conspicuous places on 
 the altar; and the altar-cloth, which is a piece of elaborate workmanship, 
 is also, usually, from the hands of some fair parishioner. When the service 
 is ended the worshipers return home to partake of a collation {r<!vcillon\, 
 which is generally of bountiful character. The interest of the children is 
 aroused long before the celebration, by the promise of attending the mid- 
 night mass as a reward for good behavior, and, as an after consideration of 
 no small moment, a share in Ic r&ocillon. 
 
 Of late years this service is less in vogue than formerly, many parishes 
 dispensing with it altogether, owing to the advantage taken of the absence 
 
HOLIDAYS OF THE FRKXCH CANADIANS 463 
 
 of the farmers {halutans) by thieves, whose facihties for marauding are not 
 a little augmented by the fact that in retired parishes the doors and win- 
 dows arc never fastened. And in the cities it also has been generally dis- 
 continued on account of the deeds of the riotous element on such occasions. 
 
 Many traditions and superstitions regarding supernatural events on 
 the night preceding Christmas continue current from the foundation of the 
 colony among the peasant class. The old F'rench emigrants brought these 
 from Normandy and Brittany as a part of their mental outfit, planting 
 them in Canadian soil, which has proved every way propitious to their 
 vigorous growth and extensive spread. Two centuries have failed to 
 materially change their form and color, while making considerable addi- 
 tions to their number, amid the novel and startling conditions of the New 
 World. But this is the history of the ignorant of every nation. Among 
 the mysterious phenomena characterizing these sacred festivals in the 
 popular imagination, the fc' lowing are typical specimens : 
 
 On Christmas eve the entire animal creation is gifted with the faculty 
 of speech, vv'hich is used in criticising the conduct of the human race 
 towards it, giving praise or blame, as deserved ; resolutions are made 
 among them to perform grudgingly or ineflficiently such work as is required 
 by unreasonable masters, and, on the other hand, to give to those kind 
 and gentle, fidelity and devotion. It is a no less common belief that the 
 lucky person born on Christmas will never know want. In the remote dis- 
 tricts young girls who are eager to learn their matrimonial prospects betake 
 themselves on Christmas eve, at midnight, to the hen-coop, and strike the 
 door three times, when, if the cock crow, it foretells their ear' ^ m irriage ; 
 but, if the response come from a disturbed hen, the briaal is to be indefi- 
 nitely postponed. The pangs of disappointment or the ecstasies of delight 
 which have followed this experiment would fill volumes. 
 
 Another superstition is, if a young girl enter a barn at midnight with a 
 ball of wool in her hand, throws it up in the air, and suddenly turns 
 around, placing both hands behind her, and the wool should fall into them 
 again, then the image of her future husband will instantly appear to her. 
 If the trial be a failure, there is much unhappiness for the rest of the year. 
 There are, however, but few young girls, Vvhatever their desire, who have 
 the courage to take a midnight and midwinter stroll to a barn, even sus- 
 tained by the hope of a lover's vision ; but there are a few heroic in- 
 stances credibly current among the people, and the writer has been gravely 
 assured of the complete success of several such trials. 
 
 At the same time of the year and hour of the night, the spirits of the 
 dead are believed to visit the churches, ascend the aisles to the altar, and 
 
464 HOLIDAYS OF THE FRENCH CANADIANS 
 
 deposit an offering; the person doomed to die first will be warned by the 
 presence of his image in the procession. Tliere are many other tradi- 
 tions, but lack of space prevents their being recorded here. 
 
 From time immemorial the French-Canadian race has taken advantage 
 of the midwinter season, when the exacting labors of field, bush and barn 
 have ceased to weary the honest habitant, to dispense with toil, and speed 
 the enjoyments of life, with all the resources at command, either in his 
 own home, or at the festive hearth of his neighbor. This season is made 
 merry with songs, dances, games and stories, and forms memorable mile- 
 stones in the path of life, lightening the arduous routine of the peasant's 
 daily duties during the rigorous Canadian winter. 
 
 The most notable holiday of the year is New Year's day {Ic Jour dc l Aii)^ 
 rendered specially attractive by tradition and the recollection of ancient 
 customs, many of which are intertwined with religious and domestic 
 observances. Free rein is given to the spirits of the people as the last 
 night of the old year wears on, its successor being as joyou, ly hailed as 
 though it were the advent of a valued friend. Then comes one of the 
 most characteristic and notable features of Canadian life. Those polite 
 and cordial visits, beginning early in the morning of the first, and lasting 
 some days of the new year. In the olden times, it was quite a picturesque 
 sight to see, on a New Year's morning, some of the citizens of Quebec 
 paying their calls carrying their hats under their arms, indifferent to a 
 temperature of 20° below zero, with the quaics of their wigs blown to and 
 fro by the wintry winds. 
 
 The formula of good wishes for the New Year is, usually : " On voiis 
 la souhaitc bonne ct hcurcusc, avcc Ic Paradisa la fin de vosj07(rs." (We wish 
 you a prosperous and a happy New Year, and may you see Heaven after 
 }'our death.) Refreshments are liberally served, often quite beyond the 
 peasant's means. Such hospitality is not to be refused, and one must 
 partake freely, in compliment to his successive hosts. The result is often 
 a personal discomfort which furnishes frequent illustrations of that " killing 
 with kindness," that has passed into a proverb. The greatest courtesy is 
 manifested on either side, the marked friendliness often effacing the result of 
 previous coldness or differences during the preceding year, stimulating mutual 
 regard, and promoting even the interests of business, so largely dependent 
 upon such feeling in a limited community. In the evening, every device 
 which ingenious good nature can suggest is employed to beguile the hours. 
 It is no marvel, therefore, that, after the adieus are spoken, I e Jour de fAn 
 is esteemed the brightest spot in the year's picture, by both old and 
 young. In a sense, also, it is regarded as marking a step towards spring, 
 
HOLIDAYS OF THE FRKNCII CANADIANS 465 
 
 with tlic increase, however slight, in the Icng^th of the clays, when more 
 visitin'^, the sine qitd non of their social enjoyment, can be done. 
 
 1 lie visit of Santa Clans, with his bounties, for the youth of these Cana- 
 dian homes, is an event of such interest, that around it are gathered hosts 
 of traditions and delightful memories. His visit takes place New Year's 
 eve, and he is known as St. Nicholas. His good will is confidently pre- 
 dicted in the event of filial obedience, while, on the other hand, his ill-will 
 is foretold to wayward children, implying the omission of all his favors. 
 As an illustration of the latter, and the reasoning of the youthful mind, 
 may be related that on one occasion a juvenile offender who had hung up 
 his stocking in the hope that the saint would have forgotten his small sins, 
 found, to his grief, in the morning, only a few sweatmeats and some pota- 
 toes. The poor little fellow was mournful enough for the forenoon, but 
 at dinner he suddenly brightened up and remarked to his mother that per- 
 haps it would be well for the family if lie were wicked all the year round, 
 for then St. Nicholas might leave potatoes enough for the whole year. 
 
 A festive ceremony is observed on Twelfth Night {/cjoiir dcs Rois). In 
 town and country it is usual for young and old to assemble in the evening 
 and perform the operation of cutting the Twelfth cake {tircr le gdtcan). 
 The party gather about a large tabic and watch the cutting with great in- 
 terest, the young people especially being eager to see who will be the for- 
 tunate recipient of the slice in which the pea or bean is imbedded. The 
 lucky ones promptly announce their discovery ; every sort of jest and 
 compliment is exchanged. The possessor of the bean is crowned queen, 
 and of the pea, king, and they are treated for the remainder of the even- 
 ing with the homage due to such exalted personages. 
 
 Easter Day (A' jour de Pdqiics) is a religious festival of marked import- 
 ance. After Lent, with its many abnegations, the advent of Easter is 
 hailed with joy. The people often remain up until midnight to break 
 their long fast wath cheer. L'Abbe Casgrain, a distinguished antiquarian, 
 describes an Easter dinner in the early days of the colony, as follows : 
 (Translation.) " Imagine," says the Abbe, " thirty or forty good eaters of 
 those times at table. There was little ceremony, but everything was 
 offered in the heartiest manner, and each took the place he could find. 
 ChaJrs were not in common use ; on each side of the table were blocks of 
 wood, on which boards were placed, and trunks here and there were used 
 as seats, the guests not thus accommodated standing. On the table were 
 leaden or common delf dishes, and if there were enough for all, it was an 
 indication of wealth on the part of the host. The few forks were reserved 
 for the women, and each provided his own knife. The clothing of the 
 
 A'OL. XX.-No. 6.-32 
 
466 HOLIDAYS OF THE FRENCH CANADIANS 
 
 men consisted of gray homespun trousers of country cloth ittoffe dii pays), 
 and a pair of beef moccasins {bottcs sauvagcs) ; the bonnets blcus, generally 
 worn out-of-doors, were laid aside for the nonce. Their toilette was com- 
 pleted by a dicky. If the latter were omitted by any one, he was not 
 entitled to partake of pie, a favorite dish of the habitants. The costumes 
 of the women consisted of a blue skirt with white stripes, and a flowered 
 India shawl and a white cap for gala days. The preparations for this 
 festival were something formidable, if one may judge from the following, 
 which recalls the feast of Gargantua : In the first place, there was pre- 
 pared a stew or ragout of pork, beef and mutton, in a thirty or forty- 
 gallon boiler; minced pies (toitrticrcs ct pdtds), pork chops, prepared in a 
 variety of ways; quarters of veal and mutton, fowl and game. Besides the 
 viands, there were pastries of difYerenc kinds, cooked in lard or porpoise 
 oil, and cakes now known as croquignolcs (doughnuts). All these were 
 simultaneously placed on the table, and each helped himself as he pleased. 
 Those who had no plate took a piece of pastry from ^. pdtc and used it as 
 a dish. Politeness required that each should see that his neighbor lacked 
 nothing. When it was noticed that the supply of food was becoming 
 short before any one, he was told, ' Brother, you excite pity,' and his wants 
 were immediately supplied. While the eatables were being partaken of, 
 the host went round the table and poured out liquor to each in a cup or 
 pewter goblet. The utmost gayety and cordiality prevailed. Hunting and 
 fishing exploits were recounted, and the feast ended with songs, the chor- 
 uses of which were joined in by the whole company." 
 
 According to popular tradition, on Easter morning, at an early hour, 
 the sun may be seen to perform three somersaults in honor of the great 
 Christian event then commemorated ; and on Ascension Day, persons free 
 from mortal sin {en (ftat dc grace) may behold three suns at sunrise. 
 
 From the earliest days of the colony the French regarded St. Joseph 
 as their patron saint, and they observed his natal anniversary, the 2oth of 
 March, with religious and appropriate ceremonies. As time wore on, 
 however, the preference of the people appeared to incline towards St. 
 John the Baptist, as the special patron saint of the colony. The day was 
 generally distinguished by religious and other observances, and entertain- 
 ments followed in the evening, given by the leading citizens with lavish 
 hospitality. Some of the oldest inhabitants of the Quebec of to-day 
 recall the grand feasts on those occasions by an eminent old philantliropist, 
 J. F. Perault, who died generally venerated and respected in 1844, at the 
 ripe age of ninety-one. On St. Joseph's day, all the resources of his hos- 
 pitable mansion, Asyle Chatnpctre, and of :he culinary art of his chef •wcr& 
 
HOLIDAYS OF THE FRENCH CANADIANS 467 
 
 employed in producing, among other things, a monstrous pie, called in 
 French, pdt^. It was comjjosed of the following substantial elements : 
 One turkey, three pigeons, three partridges, two chickens, one dozen of 
 snow-birds, and the tenderest and most succulent portion of two hares, 
 the whole sandwiched between slices of pork and ham, and intermingled 
 with highly seasoned meats finely minced. One of the difificulties of the 
 cook would be to construct such a colossal framework of pastry as would 
 retain its shape and withstand the weight and pressure of the mass of 
 meats enclosed. This vast gastronomical chcf-iVccuvrc, of course, would 
 stand as the piece dc resistance, in the centre of the table, and the other 
 dishes comprising the remainder of the menu were placed at different por- 
 tions of the board, before the guests sat down. An easy and friendly 
 species of etiquette prevailed, each guest helping his neighbor to what he 
 desired, being assisted in return, while the host dispensed to all a portion 
 of the pate, which formed the chief object of attraction. It was usual 
 before dinner to whet the appetites of the ladies by a sip of cordial or 
 liqiienr, and that of the gentlemen by a glass of absinthe frapp^, or 
 Jamaica rum. As with us now, soup was served first, and fish was seldom 
 partaken of ; there were no entries and few vegetables ; but the more sub- 
 stantial meats were always on the table and in abundance. The desserts 
 generally comprised fruits in season, the usual made-up dishes of to-day, 
 and such foreign favorites as still retain their place at our tables. The 
 beverages were claret, ale, cognac and sherry ; the cognac was taken before 
 the fruit and the sherry afterwards. To read of such menus makes the 
 mortal of this latter half of the nineteenth century sigh for the appetite 
 and vigorous health of his ancestors. 
 
 Another custom sometimes observed in villages of the district of 
 Quebec is the erection of what is called un mai, a sort of may-pole, in 
 honor of some notable or popular seigneur, or the election of the mayor of 
 the parish. On the morning of the day when the compliment is to be 
 paid, generally in the month of May, the recipient suddenly finds his 
 house surrounded by a merry throng of the peasatitry, bearing with them 
 a tree with the branches lopped off, and only the top remaining. Attached 
 to the top is sometimes a weather-vane, painted red and green. All the 
 crowd engage in digging a hole in front of the house, and then plant the 
 pole. The moment it is raised, they fire salutes in honor of the event. 
 Formerly some nimble boy would climb the pole and entwine the vane 
 with ribbons or evergreens, shouting, '" Vive le Roi ; Vive le Seigneur," 
 and the crowd would take up the cry and repeat it with lusty good-will. 
 A grand feast was then given by the Seigneur, while frequent salutes 
 
468 HOLIDAYS OF THE TRENCH CANADIANS 
 
 were fired by both the Sei{4ncur's family and the peasantry, to empha- 
 size the important festivity, and all good feeling and joy prevailed. 
 
 But the grand national holiday of the French Canadians is St. Jean 
 Baptiste's, the 24th of June. It is observed with imposing religious cere- 
 monies, processions of trade, bciuvolcnt, religious, and other societies 
 headed by bands of music, witii flags and banners exhibiting national and 
 religious emblems and patriotic mottoes, and allegorical cars of most fan- 
 ciful designs. In the city of Quebec, for instance, one important feature 
 of the procession is the Carillon flag, the old military banner which waved 
 within the ramparts of Ticondcroga, when the English sought in vain to 
 capture it in the time of Montcalm, by whom it was heroically defended, 
 to the glory of himself and his French troops. 
 
 This historic emblem and patriotic relic is usually borne by the most 
 respected man in the community, however unmartial his character or 
 appearance. It is always an object of admiring attention, and the bearer 
 also. In the procession there is a representation of St. Jean Baptiste, in 
 the person of a handsome boy of ten or twelve, fancifully arrayed in a fur 
 robe, with a profusion of long, curling hair falling over his shoulders. He 
 reclines in an elegant carriage, decked with maple boughs, a lamb at his 
 feet. The youthful Baptiste carries a shepherd's crook, the whole figure 
 and surroundings making a most effective and beautiful representation of 
 this holy messenger. 
 
 All who take part in the procession exhaust their ingenuity, if not 
 their resources, to make a striking display in costumes and accessories, 
 with ribbons, rosettes, flowers and maple leaves in lavish abundance. The 
 whole city or village assumes a gala aspect, the streets being lined with 
 young maples or evergreens, and often spanned with decorated arches, while 
 flags float from roof and windows, and in all directions the booming of guns 
 is heard. The evening is devoted to social festivities, with patriotic ad- 
 dresses and music, " The day, and all who honor it," being a toast received 
 :jvith u'ild enthusiasm. The memory of brilliant events and heroic episodes 
 in Canadian history is cherished, the sacrifices of the pious and the patri- 
 otic being recalled with ardor. Indeed, they enter into this celebration 
 with zeal and pride. It forms the most joyous festival during the summer 
 months, its attractions being enhanced by the perfect days of June. 
 
 ^. 
 
 Boston, November i, 18S8. / 
 
 i^tf^'-i 
 
 vf-^ 
 
 53