Marie-Perle's column

New Year's Day blessing!
November 2024
A look at our traditions!
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The paternal blessing of New Year's Day was once a mandatory and expected practice in Christian families.
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The blessing was a way to start the year off right by asking for God's help.
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In families where it persists as a tradition, it has lost its exclusively religious character. It has become a beautiful symbolic moment.
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It is the father who has the privilege of blessing his family.
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For Christians, the father figure commands respect and represents authority.
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On New Year's Day morning, the eldest asks the father to bless the entire family.
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This is a solemn moment.
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The circumstances surrounding the request for a blessing are often marked by embarrassment, emotion, nervousness and happiness.
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The family settles down in a suitable place, the kitchen or the living room. Everyone kneels next to each other.
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The father, standing, makes the sign of the cross and says a prayer of blessing that is usually summed up in the simple formula: "I bless you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit".
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After crossing himself, everyone stands up.
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The father then goes to the mother, exchanges his wishes and kisses her.
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He continues in the same way with all the children, starting with the eldest and going down to the youngest. The exchange of wishes continues in this way between all the members of the family who, in turn, wish each other a happy new year.
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For each family, this time of year aims to strengthen family ties. In families where the father is absent, it is often the eldest boy who replaces him.
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Rarely is this role given to the mother or the eldest daughter if it is a girl. When the children are grown up and leave home to start a family of their own, the moment of the paternal blessing takes place at the evening meal when everyone is together.
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Each family adapts the tradition in its own way, but this moment remains intimate and privileged for those who still practice it today.
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I remember this solemn moment at my maternal grandparents' and also at my parents'.
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We were therefore entitled to two blessings. It was a special moment where we could feel the pride of those who gave it.
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I liked this tradition. I would have liked it to continue in my family.
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And you, do you miss this tradition???
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Does it bring back good memories for you??
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I await your comments on this practice which has almost disappeared.
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It's your turn, answer me and tell me about it.
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I will share all these words! Thank you !
