Bonjour from Burgundy,
Yes, I’m writing from Dijon. Hmmm, another blue-sky day. All in keeping with today’s unpredictable weather patterns, November, as it turns out, is a nice time of year to be in Burgundy. Last year was perfectly warm and delicious practically all month. This year is less warm, but surprisingly dry – which may explain why the mushrooms are not so plentiful. In any case, November in Burgundy is a month brimming with traditions new and old.
When I first moved here over 20 years ago, Halloween was unheard of, only the following All Saints Day was celebrated, calling on its heels the Day of the Deceased, the rather serious tradition of visiting graves of family members, tidying up tomb stones and placing on them pots of chrysanthemums. About ten years ago however, Halloween caught on like wild fire all over France: pumpkins, witches, candy corn et al. They called it a great commercial coup. The children took to it deliriously, though they wandered in costume from door to door, not knowing quite what to say or do. But it is probably here to stay. Thankfully, the French don't indulge in pranks. And they continue to visit the cemetries paying all due respect to their ancestors on Nov. 2nd.
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