One thing I thought I disliked about foreign countries is that they try to be like Americans. Never have I found it so frustrating to travel to the Coliseum in Rome and then to turn a corner and discover a McDonald’s in the plaza around the corner. Perhaps this is hypocrisy because various and assorted places in America have almost ever other nationalities on streets, in similar architecture, foods etc.
I think it is good to continue your American holidays in France. I enjoy the pumpkins and the holiday although besides passing candy out we as a family don’t observe it. Although I used to stay up all night as a child watching horror movies on Halloween! I enjoy a good scary movie!
What made you decide to move to Europe and France specifically? Do you live there full- time?
Are you fluent in the French language?
I enjoy reading about the differences in cultures. Thank you for sharing your pointers. I hope you continue to enjoy living in France. It seems like a quaint place. C’est la vie!
What in god’s name is a “grain-free cereal”? Cereal *is* grains, that’s the whole point. Might as well be pumpkin-spice-flavor, since that’s not real either.
It is basically either the flower of death or the Emperor flower. You don't want to upset either. Flowers have so many meanings. I understand the US, so many immigrants; lets make it the party of death. And of poverty, because you give to the poor. I remember a colleague asking me to come to the cemetery. In Asia and South America one puts little candles on the memorial of a loved one around that time. It was lovely to see all the flickering lights in the dark. Seen as the portal to the other world and the lights to guide them. You give one flower, not a whole bouquet. I usually did it all wrong. Oh well.🙄
Kamille, every time I read you, I want to be there. One day, I’m gonna pack my bag, and give you notice: Girl, I’m on my way!!! (j’adore cette histoire)
Thanks for sharing your point of view. I celebrated Halloween for the first time here in 1996, when I was a student. As you say Halloween is usually just a few decorations, and some kids asking for candies. But there are places in Brittany where there are huge celebrations. The whole village is decorated and full of zombies. It's a lot of fun.
Chrysanthème: la marguerite des morts. Dead man’s daisies. The custom may be fading a little, but you’d never know it from visiting your local supermarket. Rows of them!
Lovely...the Chrysanthemum discussion has provided insights to something in my husband's family. Here in California, anytime I ordered flowers for my mother-in-law or any family member I would specifically say no chrysanthemums please. I was told in his family it was considered bad luck. Maybe it got lost in translation?!
Wow. So interesting! This information can be so useful to those visiting France so thank you again for this content 🫶 I’ll never look at a Chrysanthemum the same again!
And speaking of the dead…I’m be sending an interesting tidbit from here
One thing I thought I disliked about foreign countries is that they try to be like Americans. Never have I found it so frustrating to travel to the Coliseum in Rome and then to turn a corner and discover a McDonald’s in the plaza around the corner. Perhaps this is hypocrisy because various and assorted places in America have almost ever other nationalities on streets, in similar architecture, foods etc.
I think it is good to continue your American holidays in France. I enjoy the pumpkins and the holiday although besides passing candy out we as a family don’t observe it. Although I used to stay up all night as a child watching horror movies on Halloween! I enjoy a good scary movie!
What made you decide to move to Europe and France specifically? Do you live there full- time?
Are you fluent in the French language?
I enjoy reading about the differences in cultures. Thank you for sharing your pointers. I hope you continue to enjoy living in France. It seems like a quaint place. C’est la vie!
What in god’s name is a “grain-free cereal”? Cereal *is* grains, that’s the whole point. Might as well be pumpkin-spice-flavor, since that’s not real either.
Merci, Kamille, for that pre-Halloween scare!
It is basically either the flower of death or the Emperor flower. You don't want to upset either. Flowers have so many meanings. I understand the US, so many immigrants; lets make it the party of death. And of poverty, because you give to the poor. I remember a colleague asking me to come to the cemetery. In Asia and South America one puts little candles on the memorial of a loved one around that time. It was lovely to see all the flickering lights in the dark. Seen as the portal to the other world and the lights to guide them. You give one flower, not a whole bouquet. I usually did it all wrong. Oh well.🙄
Kamille, every time I read you, I want to be there. One day, I’m gonna pack my bag, and give you notice: Girl, I’m on my way!!! (j’adore cette histoire)
🤣🤣🤣 already made me laugh when I saw the title. I am the only one that is planting Chrysanthemum every autumn in front of the house 🤣🤣🤣
After 6 years I don’t care anymore.
Thanks for sharing your point of view. I celebrated Halloween for the first time here in 1996, when I was a student. As you say Halloween is usually just a few decorations, and some kids asking for candies. But there are places in Brittany where there are huge celebrations. The whole village is decorated and full of zombies. It's a lot of fun.
Chrysanthème: la marguerite des morts. Dead man’s daisies. The custom may be fading a little, but you’d never know it from visiting your local supermarket. Rows of them!
Lovely...the Chrysanthemum discussion has provided insights to something in my husband's family. Here in California, anytime I ordered flowers for my mother-in-law or any family member I would specifically say no chrysanthemums please. I was told in his family it was considered bad luck. Maybe it got lost in translation?!
Wow. So interesting! This information can be so useful to those visiting France so thank you again for this content 🫶 I’ll never look at a Chrysanthemum the same again!
And speaking of the dead…I’m be sending an interesting tidbit from here
Hugs!💛
This is such a beautiful article. Informative but still a joy to read. Thank you for sharing it! 🧡
Neither in Italy! Same reason.