It's
Christmas Eve and hopefully everyone can breathe a sigh of relief, slow
down and enjoy the holiday now the time is up.... Take time to see
family and friends, gather around a table, eat favourite foods, sing
songs, play games, read that book, attend a church service or take a
long walk on one of our trails or beaches..... for within a week it's
2015 and New Year's Day heralds not only a change when writing the date
(that takes until February to get right), but a slew of levées.
Research into the origin of the New Year's Day Levée was quite engrossing:
"The word levée (from French, noun use of infinitive lever, "rising", from Latin levāre, "to raise")[1] originated in the Levée du Soleil(Rising of the Sun) of King Louis XIV (1643-1715). It was his custom to receive his male subjects in his bedchamber just after arising..."
With
references to males only, fur traders, boisterous parties and moose
milk, it is apparently only us Canadians that still gather in large
groups on January 1st for hair of the dog, well-wishing and lots of
hugging and kissing to help the spread of germs!
More details if you're interested @wikipedia.
Quite fascinating.
Here's
a list of New Year Levées held within the boundaries of this wee hamlet
alone. It's is possible to visit them all and spread goodwill.
The Playhouse will hold their annual NY Day levée 11am until 1pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The Chester Legion from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Everyone 19 years and older welcome.
The Fo'c'sle Tavern from 12 - 6pm. The Youdens always put on quite a spread.
The Chester Yacht Club from 1pm-4pm with their usual offerings of Moosemilk (egg nog & rum) & seafood chowder!
Maybe there are more?
