The clean page optimism of a New Year in France.
In the unwritten codes of French social behaviour, the giving and receiving of les voeux is much more meaningful than the cursory “Happy New Year” (or even HNY) of English culture. Instead, wishing people health, wealth and happiness here can sometimes feel more like a solemn vow (the direct translation of the word voeux). Failing to acknowledge the first meeting of a New Year – and delivering sincere voeux – is a serious breach of the behavioural code. International surveys have consistently recorded that French people are world-class pessimists and are proud of it. Cynics say that if January is for formulating and presenting meilleurs voeux, then the other eleven months are for not realising them. Nevertheless, the rejuvenating spirit of les voeux feels, briefly, like a welcome clean page, optimistic and pure.
