TOSSING THE PANCAKE.
A FRENCH GOLD SHORTAGE. France, with the second largest gold reserve in the world, probably has fewes*. gold coins in circulation. This fact was sharply brought home to the French people last Candlemas Day. The feast of Purification of the Virgin Mary is attended by varied traditional customs and a ritual calculated, it is believed, to have beneficial effects on-i way or another. Candlemas is pancake day, and pancakes are sure to be found on the bills of fare of most restaurants But it is in homes where ceremonial connected with the festival is more thoroughly carried out. The rite prescribes the tossing of pancakes, each member of the family or guest having to manipulate his or her own with the right hand, and at the same time hold a gold coin in the left hand. The pancakes should turn twice. It is impossible, however, to keep strictly to tradition. It is extremely difficult to possess even a French silver coin nowadays, as the money in use that is not paper is either brass, nickel or copper. A gold coin held in the left hand while the pancakes arc being tossed is credited with the power of assuring prosnerity to its owner for the remainder of the year.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310413.2.114
Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 86, 13 April 1931, Page 8
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211TOSSING THE PANCAKE. Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 86, 13 April 1931, Page 8
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