French Culture

I think you should go in the actual front of a damn mirror everytime you gobble up a good tasty meal so as for you to see how much of a pig we're all are when it comes to American eating standards. That's right, we don't savor food, but instead we think of it as either a stupid chore or as a Goddamn guilt-trip! Studies have shown that in doing so, the reason 30% of fat-assed Americans have problems with obesity and cholesterol levels way above the normal limits become evident.

On the other hand, our French friends, specifically the glamorous French women of the world, are known to stay as healthy and slim as a damn American aerobics instructor. Yes, even in this modern age of greasy food, alcoholism, cigarettes, and caffeine-laden drinks! But recent studies have shown that vanity plays a huge role on this crap. I call it crap because, if you know someone who's totally French, you'd think it would have to be the work of the damn devil when you see them eat as much grease and muck as us, yet stay as healthy and slim as imaginable. With the same cholesterol-laden shit we both eat, that is.

I think French people are basically the best cooks and wine experts on the planet, and I think this is why they have this certain respect for any drink and food served before them. I think if you would observe a French person, specifically a French woman, eat a good meal, either from a greasy fast food chain, or a damn expensive restaurant, you'd be dumbstruck on how they eat it! Yes, they savor the food, delicately tasting it first before swallowing it in nice neat chunks. Plus, you'd even notice how much similar they would drink any cup of hot coffee as if it were a glass of the finest wine you've ever seen. If being sexy is more of an attitude than an actual physical characteristic, then our French friends definitely have tons of it!

Nana is looking at herself in the mirror. She is touching every bit of her snow-like skin that many women envy and leaves men in awe. Her golden blond curls are hiding her naked breasts as she prepares for the play where she acts as the goddess of love. Many men adore her and lavish her with gifts as though she is Venus herself. Men are moved by her beauty and grace, while other women despise her. If men treat her as a goddess, women called her a whore. Nana was known not only for her acting, but also for the various relationships that came in her life. She fell in love with her co-star, Hephaestus. Like in mythology, they are married and did not end up in a happy ending.

The above statement is a general overview of the novel "Nana" by the French novelist Emile Zola. We were assigned by my professor in World Literature class to read it for our finals. I didn't get to finish this book (in fact, I only read chapters 1-7) and just searched sparknotes for the synopsis of the story because it's so boring. It seems like a never-ending story (although it's only 200 pages) about this flirty French low-class woman who dreams of climbing her way on top of the class ladder. My teacher is even bragging about how much of a genius Emile Zola is. I understand that he is a brilliant author. But his book "Nana," is not. Actually, I didn't get the whole point of the story. So what about Nana? What about her? What about French society? I didn't really get it. Nada. Zilch. Nothing.

The narration is also so dry. It seems as if you are reading employment law books and not literature. Every page is like a drag. It's not even a page-turner. Instead of being motivated to read it up to the end, you will be encouraged to throw the book. I know that this book is kind of a naturalistic novel, in a sense that it depicts society, culture, and people of France's society in 1900's. However, it's just that no one would want to read a book as lifeless and difficult to read as Nana.

France, often deemed as the most beautiful and romantic place this part of the universe, undoubtedly get their large share of tourists everyday. I am not surprised why voluminous number of people flock over France. It brims with so many wonderful sights one would have difficulty deciding what to see first.

As if the sights aren't enough, French are also amiable people, and the food is simply magnifique. The culture isn't bad either, once you get used to the way French folks live. When in France, you will find that many families don't give much importance to their television sets. Families often only own one television and this is primarily because children are restricted from watching too much tube. While computers can be seen in homes, broadband connections are rare. They also aren't fond of owning fancy expensive cars. Cars aren't a symbol of wealth for them. You might even see high-paid executives owning an inexpensive model.

Even though they don't enjoy the modern conveniences that much, French live a good life. They love taking breaks every now and then. There's a lot of French holidays and during these days, the city outskirts often suffer from traffic jams. The French people would often say that they pay exorbitant taxes, but even with this fact, they own their homes and others still manage to invest for a second one (sort of a getaway home). A lot of money is spent on home improvements and interior design.

I am sure you have heard of a book containing a similar title. Actually, I even caught the author guesting on the Oprah Winfrey show about this. Of course, when it's about food and getting fat or obese, you can count on Oprah to feature it on her show.

But the thing with this book is, it gives us a glimpse of what French culture is like when it comes to eating. Contrary to popular belief, there is no special food or secret recipe that French people have concocted that's why they stay slim and all fit for those European designer clothes (although there are a few recipes included in the book). According to the book's author, Mireille Guiliano, all it takes is a healthy habit and way of living life.

You see, unlike Americans, the French enjoy their food while eating and I don't mean that they chomp down on every burger being served on their plates. They treat every eating meal, whether in the house or outside in cafes, as a leisure, thus they do not hurry their meals and go to wherever they need to go. They also consider eating as a way to communicate with friends and family, so even if they order chocolate, they do not get all to obsessed about their weight. It also takes attitude and I guess that's what makes French women not fat.

France started the bridal tradition of trousseau. Trousseau means bundle, referring to clothes and possessions of the bride's family which she is going to take and share to her husband. In the small towns of France, the groom picks his bride in their house and escorts the bride to the wedding. Children put white ribbons across their path and the lady cuts the ribbon as they walk to the aisle. The couple sits in velvet chairs in the church.

At the reception area, the newlywed use a cup for toasting. Actually it is in this country that the "toast" was originated. Another wedding tradition is the beheading of champagne using a sabre. This was begun to show the skills of the horsemen. The French legend says, usually the horsemen celebrate their victories with champagne. Since then, it has become a part of every French's special celebration -- like weddings.

For a boisterous wedding, the traditions are still followed but the celebration continues until midnight. The guests make noise by banging pans and pots outside the window of the couple until they are again called inside for more drinks to honor the couple.

If the United States has Uncle Sam, France has Marriane. Marriane is the symbol of the French republic. Marianne is the epitome of Liberty and Reason and represents the “Triumph of the Republic” and is the one of the most recognized historical figure of France. Her appearance was first noted during the French Revolution where she was illustrated as a woman wearing a Phrygian cap. Her images can be seen in various locations in France, especially in towns’ hall and the courts of law. She is also engraved on French euro coins and was formerly featured on the French franc coin; she has also been illustrated on French postal stamps.

It is uncertain whether her origin is attributed to Honore Daumier’s depiction of a mother nurturing two children or by Francois Rude’s portrayal of a warrior. Her name is believed by some to come from the Jesuit Mariana. According to another theory, her name came from the wife of Jean Reubelle. In the story, Barras, a member of the Directoire, spent a night at Reubelle’s residence. When he asked the name of Reubelle’s wife, she replied “Marie-Anne” to which Barras commented that the name is perfect for the Republic.

Yamakasi or Le Parkour in French is a mixture of cool extreme sports, acrobatics and martial arts. It is a group who overcomes obstacles in their environment in a fluid and speedy technique.

They create movements that will be able to get pass through railings or walls, they jump from building to building. These men are trained to aesthetically hurdle man-made or natural obstacles in its surroundings. This discipline is only legal in France and is slowly getting attention from people especially when they released a documentary about their training and beautiful stunts.

The 2006 World Cup is about to unfold and the French Team is raring to go. After a dismal finish in the 2002 edition, France is ready to take the competition. With Germany on their sites, the French Team is expected to field its best players. Led by Zinadine Zidane and Thiery Henry, the dreaded French attack will certainly be noticed.

After winning the World Cup in their home soil, it appears that the team is in disarray. The French team is ready to cast the doubts and to prove that they are the team to beat. Lifting the trophy will definitely be the utmost goal.

Are you interested to know if you really are French. If yes, then there are some basic information that can help you find out the answer. The first basic one is your familiarity with names such as Jean-Pierre Foucauld, Jean-Luc Delarue, Patrick Sabatier, as well as Jacques Martin. These are the famous people who have contributed a lot to the country of France.

Due to the fact the French people love food, they think that McDonald’s and canned goods are cheap. You also value the open air-market where you can buy fresh foods, vegetables, and a lot more.

If young men and women want to become actors, they go to Hollywood. If they want to become fashion designers, they go to Paris.

Paris, France has schools that offer the best fashion studies. Since the French are trendy and savvy, Paris is the best place to get the skills needed to lead the fashion world. Teachers (or masters) train lucky apprentices how to choose fabric and color, how to cut, even how to sew. Schools teach students to design clothes. What better place to study fashion than in Paris, anyway?

This is the event that etched Lance Armstrong's name into world sporting history. The Tour de France is possibly the biggest long-distance road bicycle racing competition in the world. The event always draws a large number of participants around the world and even tourists eager to experience France and its culture.

The race route includes every possible historic town and city in France and in some rare instances include adjacent countries. No matter where the cyclists and the tourists go, all roads lead to the finish line in Paris' famed Champs Elysees.

France's culture can easily be associated as upper-class. French culture is stylish. Fashion plays a major role in the diversity of the French people. Recent immigrations have reflected on the current regional differences in the country. But nevertheless, the French culture is peaceful and liberal. Free-thinkers are always welcome here. This country's culture is full of art and poise. Their high-culture is the influence of the royalties that once ruled the country. Style is the key in French-living. Visit France now and experience the life's elegance.