Seasonal Rhythms
Rhythm of the Seasons
Do you enjoy the changing of the seasons?
I know that I do and this year remains no different!
Where I grew up in the United States there are four distinct seasons. And depending on which month you are in, you will know just about what to expect from the rhythms of life around you
- what flowers will be in bloom,
- what local foods will be ready for harvest, or
- what type of possible weather might be on the horizon for the current month.
Living in the states, I would enjoy the current season we would be in as each displayed a beauty all its own.
I don’t know about for you, but there would also be a forward-looking anticipation for the next one, yet to come.
Rhythm of the South
These rhythms of the seasons have been the same here in the south of France.
John and I have delighted in celebrating each new time of year. They each bring a vibrancy of life that displays different colors and evokes different emotions from those looking on.
Yet, over the years of living in the south, I have begun to observe a potential mysterious “fifth” season that mysteriously moves in and out of the yearly calendar. It can leave the inhabitants caught unaware and may I say, a little unprepared.
the elusive rhythm
This elusive season is not officially listed and seems to be a moving target, invading people’s lives when they least expect it. It doesn’t tend to last very long in duration. And even though you do not know when it might occur, it gives a powerful distinct punch to all in its way.
(a slight pause of clarification: 2025 defies everything I am about to say, as this 5th season has lasted longer than one would like. And it is about to break records regarding the soaring temps! Yikes!)
Rhythm of the Canicule
It’s official title in French is the “Canicule” or “heatwave.”
Just the mention of this word evokes the beginning of many conversations, whether you are a native, long-time expat, or a vacationing tourist.
Anyway you say it, the result remains the same–
- heads nodding in agreement
- empathy over the veracity of this temperature swing and
- a reiteration of the local forecast predicting some hope of when it will all end!
Rhythm of Choosing your Option
Now, in order to find relief from the sweltering heat, you have four options:
- run to the hills;
- run to the beach;
- run to the mall or workplace where you might find air conditioning OR
- remain at home in a lockdown situation.
(For us, option four remains the most viable option.)
If you so choose Option #4, then the following is the century-old remedy to beating the heat and to keeping your house cool throughout most of the day.
NOTE: If however, the other options are your preference, then the following will be educational for you when you arrive in France in the dead of summer and you are left with the feeling that life has completely stopped the moment you stepped foot on French soil.
Rhythm of Option #4
In France, all the homes have what is known as “volets” for their window fittings. You will find that they are either
- the classic painted Parisian wooden shutters that open outward or
- they are made of aluminum and roll-up into a fitted track in the window itself.
Because of these delightful volets, you have no need to worry about closing out the light when it becomes necessary.
This actually leads us into the solution for just “How the French survive the heatwaves when they might not have air conditioning in their homes.” It’s not a perfect or easy fix, but it has seemed to work for generations.
So as the adage says, … “when in Rome!”
The secret to summertime sanity
if you remain at home:
The old-time remedy from the summertime heatwave is this:
All the volets in the house are opened during the predawn hours of the morning
and then completely shut down by 9 am.
One drawback to this tried and true remedy is that unfortunately your daytime household light is brief, consisting of just your early morning wakeup hours when you are sipping your first coffee.
However, by the time the second cup is a needed commodity, the volets are rolled down and you begin your day in the secluded darkness to escape the heat.
However, as day wanes, neighbors will emerge from their homes to enjoy the cool of the evening and the last of the fading sunlight.
So when you arrive to France, anytime between May and September to begin your holiday vacation, and you see that all the windows are shut and that there is little movement of people on the streets … just breathe.
The entire country has not gone on holiday, no matter what you may have heard.
Rest assured, you are not alone. Once the afternoon heat has abated,
- nighttime get togethers will be everywhere;
- people will be laughing and enjoying the local wines under the clear dark skies;
- and the point of discussion at almost every table will be the evasive “Canicule” that is invading the rhythm of the present summer season.
But, no worries… the next season is just around the corner!
A Summertime Cultural Outing Option
https://simplysud.org/les-joutes-a-southern-french-spin-on-the-medieval-joust/
