How are Birthdays celebrated in France?

Question

My daughter is doing a Brownie Badge and she wants to do it on how birthdays are celebrated in FRANCE compared to Canada/US (same difference). My father was born in France, but unfortunately he passed away 4 years ago so I can't ask him. I do remember hearing when I was growing up that they didn't really celebrate birthdays in France. I think this is interesting, but how does the fateful day get marked each year? Anyone know exactly what is involved?

Answer 1

It mostly depends on the age group...

Children have the same type of kiddie party as most everywhere else. Especially a birthday cake with candles, games, presents, etc. The birthday party is usually a few classmates and perhaps cousins in the same age group.

Some even have a "Ronald McDonald" birthday, but so far that is a not the most common way of celebrating.

The french birthday cakes are quite different from the

american ones. Store bought have a quality and style superior to our US store bought cakes (I refer to the typical commercial supermarket type with a "butter cream" icing). Home made could be anytihng from poor to delicious...like anywhere else, it depends on the quality of the cook! And most baking is done from scratch, tho' in the last few years Nestle has brought out mixes that just have to be poured and baked. The french have adopted some american recipes such as brownies and crumbles (pronounced "chrome-buull" (more or less :-D )

Adults usually have a dinner out, or a meal at home with "a little something" extra. Special birthdays, such as 21, and all the zero ended years may have a larger celebration. (I had over 50 guests for both my 50th. and 60th. and my brother in Lyon had the whole family and friends for his 40th.... and his 65th.). Birthday cards have become popular in the last couple of decades, before that there was little choice.

If you have any more specific question you can email me thru Yahoo answers page...

Answer 2

Two very good answers above. Birthdays are celebrated at all stages of your life, exactly as explained by abuela Nany. Just one little difference when it comes to the special birthdays: turning 21 means nothing in France (and sweet 16 is also unheard of): it's a birthday like any other. The BIG day is your 18th birthday because it's when you reach majority and have all the rights of an adult.

Answer 3

I never heard about that.My mom is french and to tell you the true, we celebrate for every little things.My sister' B-Day coming up and we're already preparing to have a huge party for her, cuz she's turning 25 this year,so I hope that you give this poor girl a great party,like pretty in pink or tea party, glamour party,and much  more.