La Chandeleur
24 Feb 2023During Form Time this week, the children have been sharing what they got up to during half term, as well as preparing for their class assembly, which is next week. We've celebrated more white badges and our first bronze badge, as well as being treated to a wonderful music assembly on Tuesday, where two members of the class performed brilliantly on the piano.
Just before half term, Form 6 had to complete a special kind of homework as part of their learning in French. They discovered the tradition of La Chandeleur and made pancakes following the recipe in French.
This French tradition takes place on the 2nd of February. In the fifth century, Pope Gelasius I chose to mark this event by giving pancakes to the poor of Rome, as their round shape and golden colour was said to symbolise the sun.
As La Chandeleur falls between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, it was often seen as the beginning of the end of winter and a time to look forward to spring. The crêpe-making process is also surrounded by superstition. Tradition dictates that the chef should toss the crêpes while holding the pan in their right hand and a gold coin in their left. A successful pancake toss is said to bring good luck and prosperity, but if your pancake ends up on the floor... it might not be your year!
The children are very much looking forward to Book Week next week and especially to dressing up on Thursday.