La Chandeleur (also known as ‘Candlemas’ or ‘Crêpe Day’) is celebrated in France every February 2nd (40 days after Christmas Day). This French holiday is all about the crêpe, and finds people young and old flipping the thin pancakes into the air.
The origins of La Chandeleur date from ancient times, but over the centuries many French regions have created their own traditions to ward off evil spirits or guarantee prosperity for the coming year. It is said that the round, golden shape resembles the sun and reminds people of the warmth and fertility of spring.
Mrs. Rizzardi’s French students at Penn Middle and Penn-Trafford High Schools enjoyed flipping crêpes during class; they held the frying pan with their non-dominant hand while holding a coin for good luck on the other hand. The students enjoyed the fun activity and had a great (and delicious) lesson on French culture.