Gardengirl Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 I was sent an email by a French friend just now - saying that her son in law had just announced it for 19th February, and she will try to come for it. I can't be a real pig - they don't have any. It sounds political - but whats happening on that date? Any thoughts please - I'm stumped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex H Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/19_f%C3%A9vrier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NormanH Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 There may be a second meaning such as 'having a big party', but in fact the tradition of killing a real pig still exists in some places, though I am not too sure if it is legal anymore.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pachapapa Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 February is a cold month favourable for slaughtering the pig;http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3vr4w_le-tue-cochon-dans-le-tarn_news Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardengirl Posted February 5, 2012 Author Share Posted February 5, 2012 Thanks all of you. I suppose it's possible that the son-in-law has obtained a pig in the last 3 months when we've been missing from France. But I can't imagine that my aged friend, in poor health, will be planning to come all the way from Switzerland for a pig-killing in the middle of winter, then return there. That's why I thought there must be another meaning, although my trusty large Oxfrd Hachette dictionary couldn't help out this time. I'm now waiting for further elucidation in the next email. I did suggest to her that it might be code for a bank robbery - that might be worth the journey from Switzerland! [:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pachapapa Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 But it is also an important social event when family and friends will gather with eats, drinks and celebration. The invitation to someone of the family far away does not necessarily imlpy that they would be expected to attend. A reply expressing good wishes for the success of the event would be sufficient. It can be disconcerting to some people, as a pig squeals loudly even as the throat is cut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NormanH Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 That's what I meant by a second meaning...a bit like 'killing the fatted calf' in English. Could just be a big family party Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cendrillon Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 Norman, that's exactly the thought I had, a "fatted calf event".[:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 Yes, Norman, I feel that is right somehow, though it is just possible that, as my dear old French peasant neighbours do, the pig is raised elsewhere and brought to them to settle down and then be killed. This is followed by a couple of days of preparing and cooking. All the family attend what turns out to be a very gluttinous and drunken feast, though the freezer is always full to bustin' by the end and there are plenty of bits for people to take home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancer Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 On tue le cochon to me at least means to make a big occasion out of a normal gathering, perhaps because someone special will be there or someone is making a long trip to be there, a bit like "we are pushing the boat out this time".Of course if you decide to go they may then have to up their game and actually kill a pig in your honour! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardengirl Posted February 5, 2012 Author Share Posted February 5, 2012 A second email has arrived in answer to my query; it really is a pig - apparently some of their friends have a forest, and the SIL had decided to have one of the friend's pigs. My friend was sounding quite determined to travel to it, rather than just having been invited. She says she's looking forward to boudin with apples just like in her childhood.Thanks everyone - it's been interesting learning more. If we're invited by any chance, I'll be back with more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pachapapa Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 [quote user="Chancer"]On tue le cochon to me at least means to make a big occasion out of a normal gathering, perhaps because someone special will be there or someone is making a long trip to be there, a bit like "we are pushing the boat out this time".Of course if you decide to go they may then have to up their game and actually kill a pig in your honour![/quote]And the principal guest gets to eat the eyes....uncooked.[:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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