Crepes are a typical dish of France, known all over the world, crêpes in Italy are also called crespelle.
The origins of this dish are linked to Candlemas Day, which falls on February 2nd, when each family gathers around the table to celebrate a feast with ancient roots.
The name “Chandeleur”, and l’juxtaposition with crêpes, è the result of the influences of Roman and Celtic culture on French territory.
In fact, the former used to walk in procession holding a candle in their hands to propitiate a milder climate; mild, just during the month; cold of the year.
The latter, on the other hand, cooked wheat discs, similar to today’s crêpes, with a round shape and a mottled yellow-brown colour that represented the solar disc: a thank you to the gods for having granted them a generous harvest of wheat during the year.
Today, the French still have a chance to feast on a truly tasty dish and wish each other good luck.
Tradition has it that on this day, the crê is turned in the pan with the right hand, while a gold coin is squeezed on the left.
It is easy to imagine that, if the crê is returned to the pan without breaking or bending over, luck will be great; insured for the whole year!
