The Francophone Christmas

The Francophone Christmas

It’s that time of the year when the streets begin to turn white with the snow in some parts of the world, and those in the West African continent begin to experience the Harmattan (a dry and dusty West African trade wind).

It is also special because it is a time in Africa deemed as special; a time of giving, a time of buying that special wear you have been eyeing al year, a time of eating some special meals reserved for special occasion, a time when kids are at liberty to demand for Christmas gifts from relatives, God help you, if you are broke during this period!

But how do the francophone spend their Christmas? What do they do? What are their expectations? Is it any different from the Anglophone, precisely, the English speaking? Let’s take a look at our francophone neighbors.

Do you know that Nigeria is surrounded by French speaking countries. Back to the question, how do they spend their Christmas?

In Cameroun, it is characterized by church services and worship, you also get to do what is known as “fait le tour” this means that you visit all your friends in their houses and you must eat and drink at each place.

In Congo, there is usually an annual Christmas pageant prepared by some groups. by a group of carolers beginning to converge on the house of worship. They return home to make final preparation of the clothes to be worn and offering for the Christmas service. People also have Christmas dinners after the service, preparing tables out in front of their home and inviting many of their close friends and relatives to join them in the feasting.

Even in some of Africa’s predominantly Muslim countries, Christmas is still marked for celebration. For example, in Dakar, Senegal’s capital, hawkers are happy to sell plastic trees and inflatable Santa.

 

In pre-dominant Muslim countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, there is a blending of the African religious practices with the Christian faith and they have created unique ways in keeping with the Christmas tradition. 

 

In Côte d’Ivoire and Benin, like in Ghana, Christmas celebrations mostly focus on the religious aspects of the holiday.  The commercialization is often absent.

Over 40% of the people in Togo are Christians.  French Christmas traditions are common.  Unlike other West African countries, Santa Claus and Christmas trees have become part of tradition.  Only the Christmas dish remains Togolese

Have I left some countries out? Fill me in @ comments ville!

 

Meilleurs vœux !
   Season’s greetings! Happy holidays …