Recent Articles
The Point: a Franco-American Heritage Site in Salem, Massachusetts
Traditional French Songs in Ontario
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Centre franco-ontarien de folklore (CFOF)
Centre de recherche en civilisation canadienne-française (CRCCF)
Welcome to the Encyclopedia of French Cultural Heritage in North America! As you browse the site, you will learn about the heritage of French-speaking North America, as well as about its history and diversity. Get to know the people who preserve and cherish it, discover the places where it finds expression and become familiar with the trends that have shaped and influenced its evolution throughout history.
Article Summary
By Warren, Jean-Philippe
Christmas Celebrations
Christmas has not always been the centre of interest with French-Canadians through the months of December and January. Up until the late 19th century, New Years Eve was the community's most important winter time celebration. It is quite surprising that, under the joint influence of Catholic priests and shopkeepers, French Canadians gradually began to celebrate and cherish Christmas more than New Year's Eve. But, where the clergy had wanted to impose the image of baby Jesus, it would finally be Santa Clause who would quickly become the ideal holiday symbol.
The English version of the Encyclopedia of French Cultural Heritage in North America is online since December 15th, 2009. It features an ever growing number of articles, documents and resources on the heritage of French-speaking North America.
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