Liberté!  Égalité!  Fraternité!

July 14th is the French National Holiday

                                    Bastille  Day

 

Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille, on July 14, 1789 which triggered the beginning of the French Revolution.  The Bastille was a prison wherein were held political prisoners, and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis the 16th.  By capturing this symbol, the people signaled that the power of the absolute monocracy was over.

Although there were only seven prisoners in the Bastille at the time of its capture, the storming was a symbol of liberty and the fight against oppression for all French citizens.  The call of the new Republic became Liberté!  Égalité!  Fraternité! Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.  The Red, White and Blue of the Tricolore, (French flag) represent these three ideals. 

 

Just as the signing of the Deceleration of Independence, established The 4th of July as America’s national holiday of independence from the crown of England; so did the storming of the Bastille establish July 14th as the French national holiday of independence from the absolute power of the monarchy.  

We Americans might take a moment on Bastille Day to consider that we might not be enjoying our independence if it hadn’t been for the Marquis de Lafayette, a young French nobleman who sympathized with the cause of the colonials.  In the beginning years of our struggle for independence his help was a determining factor.

 

As Americans, with an inbred passion for liberty and equality and it is only natural that we may wish to celebrate the successful struggles for liberty and equality of the peoples of other nations as well as our own, and what better way than through their foods.  To celebrate Bastille Day you might enjoy planning an all French menu for dinner on the 14th.  The kitchen is an excellent vehicle for teaching young people about our neighbors on the planet.  Any of the following recipes would be good choice,

 

Quick and Easy Bouchée à la Reine  

Spinach and Mushroom Quiché 

Grilled Scallops on the Halfshell – Brittany 

Chicken Provençal – Provence

Créme Brûlée

 

or visit Recipes of Recipes of France for a larger selection.

  

 

 "Liberty leading the People" by Eugene Delacroix