The Importance Of Holidays In Francophone Cultures

In this paper I will discuss Social Theories such as Structural Functionalism, Conflict theory; with emphasis on Karl Marx’s early work and how it relates to the conflict theory and Symbolic interaction. I intend to define and discuss relevant sociological terms of these theories and how these theories could apply to my favorite holiday which is Christmas.

Uwem Akpan’s story, “An Ex-Mas Feast” is a story of the struggles that one family goes through to give gifts on their upcoming Christmas season. Akpan introduces the reader to the struggles of the main characters, which directly ties into the details of impoverished town that they live in. Jigana, one of the story’s main characters, starts off as a naïve 8 year old little boy who was anxious to start going to school. In a stark contrast, Maisha, the eldest sister at 12 years old, held her own and prostituted to bring in money for her family. The second oldest, Naema, was closer to Maisha than any of the others, and Maisha gave her tips and tricks of her trade. Akpan begins the story by saying that the

Quebec was founded by French settlers during the 16th century. It was then conquered by the British (known as the conquest of New France in 1760). “The Philosophy of the Enlightment” allowed Britain’s victory to treat the French people with dignity as both nations were civilized societies (source?). The British allowed the French occupants to maintain cultural aspects such as language and traditions (source?). In effect, The Quebec Act was published in 1974, in efforts to ensure loyalty from the French as the British government worried that the remaining French people would support the American Independent War (source?). The act was favourable for French people; allowing the continual practice of

Christmas in france is way different then christmas in america. Merry christmas in france is “joyeux noel’. The traditions in france are french ornaments, french nativity scenes, and traditional french christmas food. There are many french traditions for christmas that are different than how we celebrate in america. Christmas is a big holiday in france.

Canadian culture is primarily found in the nation of Canada, however Canadians can be found all around the world. Canadian culture would be defined as a national culture as it spans throughout North America and other parts of the globe. Canadian culture is derived from British colonization and Canada officially became a colony in 1867, this is known as the Canadian Confederation. Some major figures that appear in the history of Canada include Samuel de Champlain (an explorer who founded New France), and Jim Carrey, who is a famous

France was a country plagued by debt, corruption, and an extremely large gap between each socioeconomic group. With these troubles, the loss of Louis XIV, and the indecisiveness of Louis XVI, France underwent a violent revolution; one that left its citizens blood poured over the ruins of France. The adoption of the revolutionary calendar in France took place on November 24th, 1793, by the push of the National Convention. The ‘’new calendar’’ survived until it was abolished by Napoleon in 1806. This revolutionary calendar was created in attempt to break free of the dogma of a feeling government, but it failed to converge with the desires of the working class.

During the French Revolution the National convention had many reasons for adopting the calendar. The peasants and clergy members had different reactions to the new calendar, some were positive and some negative. This change took place after King Louis ⅩⅥ and his wife Marie Antoinette were imprisoned and later executed. And before Emperor Napoleon took over.

The Metis, and first nation’s peoples are very well known in Canada for being the first on lots of Canadian land of today; more well-known was Rupert’s land that they lived on for many years then changed to Manitoba. They live in Manitoba still, then moved to Saskatchewan, and to Alberta also. The Metis are the offspring of French-Canadian fur traders and native women. A mixture of European and indigenous ancestry They brought together a proud culture of both people they descended from, even though through hardships the Metis still remained, and became one of the greatest living cultures in Canadian history.

Ah Christmas, it is said to be the most wonderful time of the year. In the United States Christmas is a time of giving and receiving, spending time with your family, and in most Christian families, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is hands-down the most highly commercialized holiday celebrated by Americans. In fact, according to CBS news, the average American will spend $700 on gifts this holiday season, totaling for a whopping $465 billion spent nation-wide. From mall Santas as far as the eye can see, to hearing Christmas music in every retail store you enter. Christmas is a time of high spirits and high spending in the U.S.

During the French Revolution, the National Convention created a new calendar in 1793 based on the beliefs and thoughts of the revolutionists. This French Republican Calendar ended Christian holidays and included new ones that celebrated the overthrow of an absolutist ruler. Although generally well-received by Republicans, the working class and some Catholics detested the calendar, as they thought it was abhorrent and against the Christian faith. The government of France adopted this new calendar in order to promote the morals of the revolution and break from their past despotism. While these radical changes in France seemed meant for the people, the working class and some Republicans viewed it as an oppressive act by the government to increase

Quebec was one of the only provinces in Canada that took the religion, linguistic, and ethnic groups of France. In the 1700’s Britain and France settled the country of Canada.

The Passover in Hebrew is known as Pesach. It begins in the Sunset of Monday, April 10, 2017, and ends at the nightfall of Tuesday, April 18, 2017. The Pesach is depicted in the book of Exodus 12:23. It describes the day when God passed over Israelites. During the Passover, the Israelites usually celebrate their Liberation from the Egyptian bondage. This is when God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. The Passover is also considered to be one of the most theologically important holidays in the Jewish calendar. It normally goes for eight days but in other communities, it lasts for only one week. The Jews are prohibited to eat any bread or leavened food. They are only allowed

Christmas is the annual festival celebrating the birth of Jesus on the 25th December, at least that is what it began as initially. Since it has expanded into an international phenomenon for consumption, taking priority over our everyday practices of life (Michel De Certeau, 1980). Our time we spend divided between work and leisure in accordance to the codes and conventions of society shifts, Christmas derails these expectations. Yet surprisingly Christmas gains little attention in terms of social research, despite the fact that it can be explored diversely. The inquiry ‘What is Christmas?’ links to multiple aspects of social research. The aspects of Christmas can be subdivided into the following; religion, commercialism, gift-giving, social relationships, sensualism and mythology. This essay will analyse these fundamentals of Christmas through both psychological and sociological perspectives, as the theories among these two social sciences are best suited to the elements which make up Christmas itself.

The French are all about preserving their culture and being individualized. They often take great pride in the French products and the French style, and believe in keeping the French culture “pure” so they also limit the amount of foreign goods that are being imported. But during the World Wars the French began to allow foreigners to immigrate into France to take jobs due to an increase in job shortages. The immigration from the World Wars added to the diversity of the French culture. Ever since the 1850’s there has been a steady flow of immigration into France, and now nine percent of the French population is made up of immigrants (Gofen 62). The break down of the cultures in France is eighty-five percent of the French population is Roman

During my last vacation I went to France. My mum arranged this tour for me and my friends. We travelled there by plane. We went France last summer. So the weather was bright and hot around 23- 30 degrees. It was the best weather for camping but we stayed in Champs Elysees hotel. It was the most luxurious hotel I ever been. There was an attached toilet, TV lounge, bed room, balcony and wardrobes in my room.