Understanding French Culture

Bonjour,

“La Dame de Fer” or the ‘Eiffel Tower” is well known to everyone. The heart of Paris. Where thousands of couples show their love for each other every year. Although French culture are much more than that, not many people know about it. 

Religions

Although Catholicism is the official religion in France, other religions are also practiced there namely Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and people who do not believe or associate with any religion. 

French cuisine 

French cuisine consists of the cooking traditions and practices from France. Cheese and wine are a major part of the cuisine. French cuisine is influenced by many surrounding cultures of Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Belgium. French toast is world-famous as a breakfast across all the countries. Apart from that French wine is one of the exquisites around the world. 

The term “nouvelle cuisine” has been used many times in the history of French cuisine which emphasized the freshness, lightness, and clarity of flavour. 

The most famous cooking school in the world was founded in France and is called The Cordon Bleu.

The fashion capital of the world

Paris the capital of France, is also regarded as the fashion capital of the world. Most of the major fashion brands, such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Lacroix, are currently headquartered there. For centuries, the highest quality of the fabric was found in France. Many of the fashion revolutions originated from France.   

1. It all started in the reign of King Louis XIV, the sun king. The King had a particularly lavish taste, both in design and fashion.
2. Coco Chanel revolutionized the clothing industry. Marking more comfortable clothes for women. 
3. The 20^th century was characterized by the birth of so many designers, like Hubert de Givenchy and Pierre Balmain. Along with this, a huge competition began between the USA and Italy.

France has a rich and close connection with fashion, ever since the sixteenth century. There is a long list of accomplishments and famous French designers.

Despite competition from other fashion-forward countries around the world, France’s deep roots in fashion will undoubtedly make it a place where high-style and innovative fashion reigns on forever.

All the best fashion schools are in France, most of them in Paris, the city of light. 

Students all across the world dream of pursuing their education from there. 

Dance 

Although there are many dance forms, Bourree, and the belle danse are the most popular traditional dance. Bourree dance originated between 1600 to 1750. These two dances are often performed in the country and cultural centres for visitors of France. 

Language 

French the official language of France, is spoken by 88% of the population. Most of the people who speak minority languages also speak French, as other languages are not given legal recognition there. French is the second most widely learned language after English and the sixth most widely spoken language in the world. So, the significance of the language is quite vast. 

I believe there is no better way to learn about a country and its culture than to learn its language. One connects, learns, and discover so much by learning a language.

Here is a link for all those who want to learn French: 

Art

 Art is one of the major attractions of France as a tourist destination. People come from all over the world to admire France’s museums and art galleries, its stunning medieval architecture, its artistic and cultural heritage in general. The most famous art gallery in the world, The Louvre, is located in Paris, France. It is home to the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

Customs and traditions

The French celebrate the traditional Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter. They mark May Day, also known as Labour Day, on May 1. Victory in Europe Day on May 8 commemorates the end of hostilities in Europe in World War II. Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14, equivalent to Independence Day in some countries. 

Few of the French customs: 

1. Never take wine or flowers to a dinner party: It shows the lack of trust you have over the host’s taste and choice. Also, even if someone buys flowers, chrysanthemums are always avoided as the French associate it with death. 
2. Arrive at least 15-20 minutes late: In many countries across the world it is considered rude, but in France, it is a given rule. 
3. Kiss, kiss: In France, most people practice double kiss greeting, though France is famous for its French kiss.
4. Not drinking beverages with ice: In France, people do not like to drink their soft drinks or even water with ice. 
5. Kindness: French are generally kind. They love giving compliments or doing small gestures to make someone feel important such as opening a door or holding a lady’s coat.
6. Drinking tea from a bowl: French generally drink their morning tea from a cereal sized bowl. 
7. Sophistication and manners: French value style, sophistication, respect, and manners a lot. They believe in equality and unity.