by Elizabeth Eagleton

Created on: June 22, 2008

History

Bastille day is celebrated on July 14th every year in France. In the year 1780, France was influenced by ineffective upper class, was nearing economic failure. The indigent in this country suffered, and the middle-class in this country remained powerless. A group of Parisians, the cohabitants of France, felt that their country was falling into a stigma that their country could not recover from and in a coordinated sneak attack against the hierarchy, the Parisians, "stormed the Bastille prison, releasing the seven prisoners inside" (About.com, 2008, p. 1). After this incredible feat, King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette knew they were not welcomed, knew the danger they were in, and pursued a trip to Versailles for safe haven. This monumental event produced a proclamation denouncing double standards and mismanagement of funds, and gave the French people a new outlook on life and his or her life in France. The end result of this influence opted a new outlook and gave the French people their individual rights to live as they see fit.

Fun Foods for Bastille Day

Since this is a national holiday, going out for a bite to eat is one way to go. A great idea to celebrate this holiday in style is to recognize the French cuisine. The French are known for their crusty breads, love of fruit, delicate concoctions made with French pastry, and of course their daily dose of exquisite wine. Once he or she enjoys the food culture of Bastille Day, he or she will go back for more every year.

If you cannot visit France on Bastille Day?

Often times French restaurants are eager to celebrate this holiday and can offer information to those who are trying to find a restaurant serving certain Bastille Day foods. If you want to celebrate at home, call French restaurants in an effort to find foods closely related to the French and those particularly associated with Bastille Day. Save ideas from each year to the next so he or she can celebrate their French heritage year after year. Bastille Day is not only for the French but also for those who are interested in worldly culture.

For the Kids

Arts and crafts are a big promotion for Bastille Day activities. Children can truly get creative by using French templates for the art that is shown on this day. The French pride themselves on "bug craft projects" (About.com, 2008, p. 1) and this ideology teaches children the value of insects, that insects are all not harmful, and an in depth look at French culture. No matter what the project, the French will greatly appreciate the effort.

Conclusion

Bastille Day is a wonderful cultural and ethnic holiday. Many persons can learn a thing or two about the French and how his or her roots and upbringing brought on this interesting holiday.

References

About.com (2008) Family Crafts. Bastille Day. Retrieved June 22, 2008 from http://familycrafts.about.com/od/bugcrafts/Bug_Craft _Projects.htm

About.com (2008) Celebrate Bastille Day. Genealogy. Retrieved June 22, 2008 from http://genealogy.about.com/library/blbastille.htm

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