French Canadian Culture

Canada is located north of the United States and is a land of immigrants. It has a significant French population. Quebec is the province where most French Canadians reside. The population of French Canadians is 6.5 million out of which 5 million live in the Quebec Province and 1.5 million in the provinces of Canada. French Canadians are also known as Acadians. French was declared the official language of Quebec in 1974. Montreal is the centre of French Canadian culture. We take a look at the distinctive culture of French Canadians.

French Canadian Culture - Food

Cheese and wine are preferred foods. Cooking involves extensive preparation and the use of fresh ingredients. The meals starts off by saying bon appetit. The major meals of the day are lunch and dinner while breakfast is simple. Generally one starts off with a starter course, after which a main course constituting salad course and dessert. Desert is usually a fruit or yoghurt. The youth indulge in the eating habits of the Americans. Some typical French Canadian dishes include Butter Tarts, French Canadian Creton, French pea soup and Quebec poutine. Pork and maple sugar are important ingredients of Quebec food. It is influenced by rural french cuisine and also Irish and British cuisine.

French Canadian Culture - Weddings

In marriage, French Canadians generally have a traditional view. The menu during a French Candian wedding includes poutine, meat pie, sugar pie and maple syrup. The sock dance is an integral part of French Canadian weddings. If there is an unmarried older sibling he has to wear the socks and do a funny dance. The guests will throw money at their feet as they dance. The money is later given to the wedding couple. The persons who are getting married are not supposed to wear new shoes at the wedding. The wedding invitations are printed both in French and English with a view to preserve their French-Canadian legacy.

French Canadian Culture - Music

French Canadian culture is expressed by its unique music. Certain French Canadian traditional songs originated from North France which includes Britanny, Normandy, Poitou, Picardy and Ile-de-France. Prominent French Canadian singers are Celine Dion, Anthony Kavanagh and Isabelle Boulay. Celtic music is an important genre of French Canadian music. In the late 19th century the French Canadian folk music was called ‘musique folklorique’ which also means old music. There exist laws in Canada to protect French Music.

Most of the French Canadians are Roman Catholics and celebrate Easter and Christmas. Smoking has been a long lasting feature of French Canadian culture with brands including Gauloises and Gitanes. The family is an important social institution for French Canadians. They behave differently with people in their social circle and the ones outside. French Canadians greet each other with a handshake. Only family and close friends have the discretion to call by first name. It is regarded unlucky to present 13 flowers. Chrysanthemums and white lilies are used for the occasions of funerals. French holds the position of official language of Canada along with English.