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Jennifer Leu wanted to do a topic on the life of a typical family in France. Since "typical" only exists in statistics, she'll settle for a "real" family instead. She has interviewed my brother- and sister-in-law, Antoine and Géraldine Crêtaux. She makes many discoveries, including the French distinction between civil and religious marriages. Legally, only civil marriages conducted in town hall are binding. Due to the separation of church and state, priests, preachers, and rabbis perform separate religious rites that are then recognized in the spiritual community. Jennifer also tells us about the "Livret de Famille", which is the official document that contains the record of family member's parents, children, place of residence, etc. This is the document that every family needs for school inscriptions, passports, insurance, etc. Jennifer also notes that, at least in this family, every one gathers for meals and may not be excused until the repast is over. She notes that often meals can be quite long in France, but typically a family dinner only lasts an hour or so. Like French vacations, though, this is an important time for a family to be together. |
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This page last updated on 6/25/2004 12:30:14 PM.