Canadians Celebrate Acadia – Facilitated Activities

This year, as we celebrate Canada 150, we have an opportunity to learn more about our country, its history and its diversity.

National Acadian Day, on August 15, is a day filled with music and songs that resonate throughout the Acadian cities and towns. It expresses the pride of a community shaped by its history, its language and its culture.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage, I wish you a wonderful celebration and a joyous Grand Tintamarre.

The Honourable Mélanie Joly

Note The activities in this guide are designed for youth ages 6 to 12 who attend day camps in Ottawa and Gatineau. These entertaining activities, which involve both written and oral communication, will help participants prepare for the Grand TINTAMARRE on August 15. Day camp leaders can choose from among the suggested activities according to the needs, ages, and number of young people in their groups. The degree of complexity can vary from one activity to another. You can also modify or adapt the activities presented in this guide. You do not have to follow the proposed order of activities in Block 2. These activities aim to provide youth with more information about Acadia and the Grand TINTAMARRE. Please select the ones you think will best prepare them for participating in August 15 event and for completing the final activity in Block 3.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………...……….…4

Block 1 Information modules on Acadia…………………………………………………………………………..……..…………5

Block 2 Activities for learning about Acadia and the Grand TINTAMARRE………………………………………………..…………………..……...……...9

Block 3 Activities to prepare for the Grand TINTAMARRE...... 15

Appendices……………………………………………………………………………...……..20

Introduction This project will help teach youth about Acadian contributions to the Canadian cultural fabric, while helping them recognize the historical presence of Acadians in Canada and appreciate the uniqueness of Acadian culture in all its diversity. It will allow Canadians of all backgrounds to celebrate this historic day. On August 15, 2017, to celebrate Acadian Day in the National Capital Region, the Canadian Foundation for Cross-Cultural Dialogue will be organizing a Grand TINTAMARRE at Jacques-Cartier Park for youth attending day camps in Ottawa and Gatineau. We have prepared this guide to encourage youth participation in the Grand TINTAMARRE. It includes: - Information modules to learn more about Acadia - Various activities to learn about Acadia and the Grand TINTAMARRE - Various activities to prepare young people for the Grand TINTAMARRE

“The Acadians are a people, and a people is stronger than a Country. A Country is an institution, but a people is stronger than an institution, because it has a soul, it has dreams, it is alive....” - Antonine Maillet

Block 1 Information modules on Acadia

Warm-up activity (see Appendix 1) Fill in the first two columns of the following table. Indicate what you already know about Acadia (S) and what you would like to learn about the subject (V). S V A

Module 1 Who are the Acadians? Where do they come from?

The Acadians are the descendants of French settlers who arrived in North America at the beginning of the 17th century. They settled in Acadia and lived mainly from agriculture. With them Mi’kmaq friends, they felt safe.

In 1713, the territory fell into the hands of the British with the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht. From July 28, 1755, the Acadians were deported and scattered throughout the British colonies. From 1755 to 1763, about 10,000 Acadians were sent to various places around the Atlantic. For more than a hundred years, Acadia was the focus of major battles between the French and the English.

A few years later, many Acadians returned to Île Saint-Jean (Prince Edward Island, which was still under French control). Today, the territory of Acadia consists of northeastern New Brunswick, as well as communities in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Today, 500,000 Acadians live in Acadia. They are proud to celebrate their courage, the Francophonie and their unique place within Canadian culture.

There are also more than a million Acadians in Louisiana, one million in the New England states (especially Maine), one million in Quebec, and close to 300,000 in France (especially St-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Saint-Malo and Nantes).

Reference: CyberAcadie: http://cyberacadie.com/cyberacadie.com/index.html Encyclopédie Canada - http://www.encyclopediecanadienne.ca/fr/article/la-deportation-des-acadiens/ 5

Module 2 What does the Acadian flag represent?

The Acadian flag was chosen in Miscouche, Prince Edward Island, in 1884. The blue, white and red tricolour is borrowed from the French flag, representing an attachment to the homeland of Acadia’s first settlers. The golden star (or Stella Maris—Star of the Sea) in the blue section of the flag represents the Virgin Mary. This star also symbolizes a heavenly body that has guided the Acadian colony through storms and other perils at sea. The Acadian flag was officially recognized by New Brunswick in 1982.

Reference: Acadian Museum of Prince Edward Island http://museeacadien.org/an/online-resources/frequently-asked-questions/du-drapeau-acadien/

Image Source : https://www.bing.com/images/drapeau+acadien

Module 3 What are the national symbols of Acadia?

“Acadie ma patrie, à ton nom, je me lie, ma vie, ma foi sont à toi, tu me protégeras.” (Acadia my country, in your name, I bind myself, my life, my faith are yours, you will protect me.)

These are the words of the Acadian national anthem, which is an important symbol of Acadia. Other important symbols include National Acadian Day and the Acadian flag.

Another symbol is Our Lady of the Assumption (Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in French), the patron saint of Acadia. There is also Evangeline, the heroine of Longfellow’s poem of the same name, which describes the grief and hardships of the Deportation. Several places in Acadia have been named for Evangeline, including a parish in Louisiana, an Acadian region of Prince Edward Island and a village in New Brunswick’s Acadian Peninsula.

Without question, La Sagouine is another very important symbol of Acadia. She is a character created by Antonine Maillet and personified by Viola Léger. In 1992, the Village of Bouctouche opened Le Pays de la Sagouine, a park that has become a very popular tourist attraction.

You can also read the text of the Acadian national anthem (see Appendix 2) or even play it for participants by clicking on the following link: 6

Video: Acadian national anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnTj4xe8Kjw

References:

Acadian Museum of Prince Edward Island: http://museeacadien.org/an/online-resources/frequently-asked-questions/du- drapeau-acadien/

Fédération acadienne du Québec inc. Les symboles acadiens : http://www.federationacadienneduquebec.com/symboles.php

CyberAcadie : http://cyberacadie.com/cyberacadie.com/index91ec.html?/histoire/L-Origine-du-mot-Acadie.html

Module 4 Why is August 15 National Acadian Day?

August 15 is a very important date for Acadians. It is the day when they commemorate and celebrate their history as a people. The date was chosen at the First National Acadian Convention, held in Memramcook, New Brunswick, in 1881. Acadian Day coincides with Assumption Day—the feast day of Our Lady of the Assumption, patron saint of Acadia.

On August 15, you can hear shouts, songs and music resonating from the hearts of Acadian communities from Caraquet to Shediac, and from Moncton to Tracadie-Sheila.

References: Encyclopedia of French Cultural Heritage in North America http://www.ameriquefrancaise.org/en/article-319/Tintamarre:__a_New_Acadian_“Tradition”__.html

Radio-Canada Archives: http://archives.radio-canada.ca/art_de_vivre/celebrations/clips/15655/

Festival acadien de Caraquet : http://festivalacadien.ca/fr/english

Module 5 What is the Grand TINTAMARRE? What is its origin?

The Acadian celebrations that take place on August 15 are often marked by a tintamarre, kind of charivari. People gather together in their communities to make a whole lot of noise using instruments that are often home-made. The sound of bells, horns, songs and shouts can be heard for miles.

This amusing tradition dates back to 1955, when Moncton hosted a major event to mark the 200th anniversary of the Deportation of the Acadians. On August 10, 1955, church bells rang to announce the official opening of the festivities. Then, families were encouraged to make a joyful noise.

In 1979, Caraquet was the focus of festivities to mark the 375th anniversary of the founding of Acadia.

Once again, a tintamarre was organized. During the years that followed, tintamarres became a tradition. They were organized in various Acadian municipalities on August 15. The number of participants continued to grow, and in 2004, nearly 30,000 people took part in a tintamarre in Caraquet. This festive racket has become a traditional celebration of joy, courage and solidarity for Acadians.

References: Encyclopedia of French Cultural Heritage in North America http://www.ameriquefrancaise.org/en/article-319/Tintamarre:__a_New_Acadian_“Tradition”__.html

Acadian Museum of Prince Edward Island http://museeacadien.org/an/online-resources/frequently-asked-questions/du-drapeau-acadien/

YouTube Video. Semaine acadienne tintamarre 2012 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qew7Sa0grPw YouTube Video. Acadian Tintamarre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3dFR9QqSt4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3dFR9QqSt4

YouTube Video. The first Grand Tintamarre in Miquelon http://dai.ly/x31nilj

Conclusion (see Appendix 1) Now, fill in the third column of the table by showing what you learned about the Acadians.

S V A

Block 2 Activities for learning about Acadia and the Grand TINTAMARRE

Activity 1 The flexible sentence

Description Participants learn about Acadia and review the content of the information modules.

Directions - Divide the group into small teams. - Give the first team an introductory sentence, such as “The Acadian flag has three colours.” - The first team repeats the sentence and adds words at the beginning, in the middle or at the end. For example, “The Acadian flag has three colours: blue, white and red.” - The second team repeats the sentence and adds even more words at the beginning, in the middle or at the end. Continue by having all teams contribute in the same way.

Required material Prepare a few supplementary introductory sentences.

References The preceding information modules.

Activity 2 Who am I?

Description Teach participants about some Acadian musical artists.

Instructions - Read the short descriptions in Appendix 3 and have participants guess who is being described. - Give participants hints if they have trouble finding the answer. For example, give the first letter of the name, a word that rhymes or some song titles; act out the answer; sing a song; etc.

Required material Appendix 3

References The Canadian Encyclopedia—Acadian Music http://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca 9

Activity 3 The onomatopoeia game

Description Create a rallying cry using as much onomatopoeia as possible.

Instructions - Explain the meaning of onomatopoeia: when the sound of a word imitates a particular noise made by a being, an animal, a thing or an object. For example, cheep cheep (cry of a baby bird), bzzz (buzzing of an insect), blablabla (conversation). - Form small teams. - Have them discover examples of onomatopoeia based on the hints in Appendix 4. - Then invite each team to add some of their own examples to the list. - Next, give the teams a few minutes to create a rallying cry using as much onomatopoeia as possible. - Ask each team to share its rallying cry. - Vote to choose the most original rallying cry.

Required material Appendix 4

Reference Onomatopoeia list: http://www.les-onomatopees.fr/onomatopee-anglais.php

Activity 4 Find small words in a big one: TINTAMARRE

Description Play with the letters in the word TINTAMARRE to find other words that are hidden within.

Instructions - Form small teams. - Write the word TINTAMARRE in big letters so it is very visible. - Give the definitions of the words in Appendix 5. Tell participants that they can find new words by using the letters in the big word TINTAMARRE. They can rearrange the letters as necessary. For example, find a four-letter word in the big word TINTAMARRE whose definition is “A female horse.” Answer: mare (TINTAMARRE) - Invite the team that finds the right word to celebrate with the rallying cry it came up with during the rallying cry activity.

Required material: Appendix 5

Activity 5 Synonyms for TINTAMARRE

Description To help participants really understand what a tintamarre is, have them find synonyms for this “NOISY!” word

Instructions — Form teams. — Cut out the 10 synonyms in Appendix 6 and give one to each team. — Invite each team to guess the synonym with the help of clues, miming, noises, rhymes, songs...

Required material: Appendix 6

Activity 6 Anagrams

Description Spell the names of Acadian communities by putting the letters in order.

Instructions Divide the group into teams of 2 or 3. Hand out Appendix 7.

Required material: Appendices 7 and 8

Activity 7 Evangeline

Description Without a doubt, one of the most popular symbols of Acadia is Evangeline, a poem that American author Henry Longfellow published in 1847. It tells the story of two Acadian lovers, Evangeline Bellefontaine and Gabriel Lajeunesse. Shortly after their engagement, they find themselves separated by of the Deportation of the Acadians. Did you know that many Acadian communities hold annual competitions to choose an Evangeline and a Gabriel? In 1971, Evangeline inspired Michel Conte to write a song that has been recorded by Natasha St-Pierre, Marie-Jo Thério and Annie Blanchard, among others.

Instructions - Find the missing words to complete the song “Évangéline”, performed by Annie Blanchard. - Form teams. - Have them listen to the song once or twice. - Next, read each passage aloud. - Ask each team to find the missing word.

Required material - Appendices 9 and 10 - “Évangéline” (performed by Annie Blanchard) www.youtube.com/watch?v=f49XU6HETyc

Activity 8 TRUE or FALSE

1. Acadia was founded in 1604. True

2. Acadia was ceded to the United Kingdom in the Treaty of Utrecht and renamed Nova Scotia. True

3. In 1847, American poet Henry Longfellow wrote Evangeline, a poem that Acadians identify with. True

4. Our Lady of the Assumption is the patron saint of Acadia. True

5. National Acadian Day is celebrated on August 15 in honour of Assumption Day. True

6. Acadia’s motto is “Unity is strength.” True

7. In 2005, Canada declared July 28 an official Day of Commemoration of the Great Upheaval, in memory of the day in 1755 when the Acadians were deported. True

8. The town of Grand-Pré was the first capital of Acadia. True

9. The Acadian community of Clare in Nova Scotia is also called Baie Sainte- Marie. True

10. The Acadian community of Prince Edward Island is concentrated mainly in Prince County. True

11. Halifax is the largest city in the Atlantic provinces. Most of the 7,000 Francophones who live there are Acadian. True

Activity 9 Quiz on Acadia (Multiple-choice questions)

1. Acadia is comprised of how many Canadian provinces? a) 4 b) 6 c) 7

2. Which Atlantic province is home to the largest number of Acadians? a) Nova Scotia b) New Brunswick c) Prince Edward Island

3. Approximately how many Acadians are there in the Atlantic provinces? a) 300,000 b) 700,000 c) 500,000

4. What bridge links Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick? a) Acadian Peninsula Bridge b) Confederation Bridge c) Acadia Bridge

5. Which of these Acadian municipalities have the highest percentage of Francophones? a) Moncton, Clare, Shediac b) Grand-Sault, Caraquet, Edmunston c) Saint-Quentin, Caraquet, Shippagan

6. Which Acadian communities are all located in Nova Scotia? a) Argyle, Minudie, Pomquet, Tracadie b) Clare, Nappan, Maccan, Cap St-Jacques c) Chéticamp, Isle Madame, Havre Boucher, Mainland

7. What is the name of the Francophone newspaper in Newfoundland and Labrador? a) Le Courrier b) Le Gaboteur c) L’Écho

8. Which Acadian communities are all located in Newfoundland and Labrador? a) St. John’s, Black Duck Brook, Argyle b) Black Duck Brook, Clare, Tracadie c) Mainland, Cape St. George, St. John’s

9. Which Acadian communities are all located in Prince Edward Island? a) Wellington, Abram-Village, Summerside b) Mont-Carmel, Maccan, Charlottetown c) Rustico, Tignish, Baie Sainte-Marie

Block 3 Activities to prepare for the Grand TINTAMARRE

Activity 1 An Acadian road trip

Description In small groups, participants set out on the road to Acadia and discover its treasures by visiting various historical and cultural sites. They work together to answer riddles as they enjoy the scenery. Note: This activity can be adapted into a quiz or another type of guessing game.

Instructions — Before the activity, set up six tables (stations) representing six different Acadian regions or tourist sites. At each station, glue one of the riddles onto the table (see Appendix 11—Riddles). — Form teams of 5–6 and invite them to set out and discover the Acadian coast. Explain that they will have to answer a riddle at each table and that they should write down the answer. — Invite participants to begin the journey and organize the station rotations. — Pool the answers once all the teams have answered the riddles. — Take the time to discuss Acadia’s places, people, coastal landscape, tourist attractions and culture with the larger group.

Required material — Appendix 11: Riddles — Six tables or designated stations

References http://www.peninsuleacadienne.ca http://www.acadiene.ca http://www.passeurculturel.ca

Answers

Station 1: Halifax Harbour

Station 2: Confederation Bridge at Cape Tormentine Station 3: Miramichi Station 4: Bay of Fundy Station 5: Le Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche Station 6: Port au Port Peninsula

Activity 2 Wampum: A symbol of friendship and respect

Description Participants explore the meaning of the wampum belt, the history of Indigenous peoples in Acadia, the importance of diversity in Canada and cooperation among nations. They create their own wampum, a symbol of friendship and respect, which they can wear with pride during on August 15 to highlight the importance of Indigenous peoples in Acadian history.

Instructions - Show photos of wampum belts to the participants. Explain the meaning of this symbolic article of clothing (see References). — Ask participants to make their own wampum using the materials provided. — Encourage participants to be creative and use whatever materials they want. — At the end of the activity, have participants present their wampum to the group. — Encourage participants to wear them during the activities on August 15.

Required material - Shells, beads - Strips of fabric (long enough to go around the waist) - Paint - Paintbrushes, markers - Glue

References

New Brunswick, Aboriginal Affairs http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/aboriginal_affairs/wolastoqiyik/wampum.html

The Canadian Encyclopedia http://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/wampum/?sessionid=

Activity 3 Let your voice be heard!

Note: You could also choose instead to do Activity 3 in Block 2.

Description In small groups, participants create a cheer for the Grand TINTAMARRE. Using their knowledge of Acadian symbols, participants compose a rallying cry, a rhyme, a song, a slam…

Instructions — Lead a large group discussion by asking the following questions: What is a cheer? Why do people have cheers? Does your school have a cheer? How do you feel when you hear your school’s cheer? — Ask a few participants to share their school’s cheer or their favourite sports team’s cheer. — Form small teams. — Have each team create a cheer for Acadian Day. Guide students and provide examples (For example: 1-2-3 Acadians, 4-5-6 We support!) — Give the teams 15–20 minutes to complete the task. — Have the teams share their cheers with the larger group. — Choose one or two cheers and practise them in the larger group to prepare for the August 15 celebrations.

Required material None

References YouTube Video. Acadian festival-Caraquet, New Brunswick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cw-kxuzX38

YouTube Video. Acadian Tintamarre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3dFR9QqSt4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3dFR9QqSt4

Activity 4 A banner that represents us!

Description In small groups, participants create a banner and posters representing Acadia. They can carry them with pride during the Grand TINTAMARRE. Symbols and videos provide inspiration for the banner and signs.

Instructions — In a large group, make a list of symbols that represent the Acadian people (see the information modules). — Describe how Acadian communities often hold parades during Acadian celebrations, especially on August 15. Explain that participants will be making posters and a banner for the activity taking place in Ottawa on August 15. — Form teams. — Give participants one hour to complete the activity. — Ask the teams to present their posters and banner to the larger group. — Keep the banner and the posters for the activities on August 15.

Required material — Markers — Posters — Cardboard — Roll of paper for drawing (banner) — Wood to hold posters — Information module on Acadian symbols

References Tête à modeler http://www.teteamodeler.com/activite/collage/banderole-tricolore.asp

There you have it! We have arrived at the final activity in preparation for the Grand TINTAMARRE. It’s time to make noise to celebrate the vitality of Acadian society! Everyone grab their pots, spoons and whistles! And remember your rallying cries. It’s time to make noise!

Activity 5 Noisemakers

Description Participants make noisemakers for the Grand TINTAMARRE. This activity can follow the rallying cry activity.

Execution — If possible, show clips from past tintamarres held in Acadia (see References). Explain the origins of the Grand TINTAMARRE and describe how, every year, Acadians make noise during Acadian celebrations to demonstrate their pride. — Form teams. — Invite teams to prepare for the Grand TINTAMARRE in Ottawa on August 15 by designing instruments or noisemakers to go along with their cries, songs, banners, posters and other accessories. — Have participants reflect on all the previous activities to help them better prepare for August 15. — Idea: Hold a “Top Ten Noisemakers” competition — Tell the students that they may use any of the items at their disposal to create their noisemakers. — Pool ideas and ask participants to demonstrate their noisemakers.

Required material - Sticks - Pots and pans - Whistles - Spoons - …

References

YouTube Video. Acadian festival-Caraquet, New Brunswick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cw-kxuzX38

You Tube Video. Acadian Tintamarre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3dFR9QqSt4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3dFR9QqSt4

Appendix 1 TABLE S-V-A S V A

Appendix 2 Acadian National Anthem—Ave Maris Stella (English translation in italics)

In 1994, the Société nationale de l’Acadie held a national anthem contest and selected the entry by Jacinthe Laforest, a journalist for La Voix acadienne. Here are the French lyrics (with English translation in italics) that she composed to the tune of Ave Maris Stella.

Ave Maris Stella (Hail, star of the sea) Dei Mater Alma (August Mother of God) Atque Semper Virgo (Always a virgin) Felix Coeli Porta (bis) (Sweet gate of Heaven)

Acadie ma patrie (Acadia my homeland) À ton nom, je me lie (I bind myself to your name) Ma vie, ma foi sont à toi (My life, my faith are yours) Tu me protégeras (bis) (You will protect me)

Acadie ma patrie (Acadia my homeland) Ma terre et mon défi (My land and my challenge) De près, de loin tu me tiens (From near, from far you hold me) Mon cœur est acadien (bis) (My heart is Acadian)

Acadie ma patrie (Acadia my homeland) Ton histoire, je la vis (Your story, I live it) La fierté, je te la dois (Pride, I owe it to you) En l’avenir, je crois (bis) (I believe in the future)

(Refrain)

Video: Acadian National Anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnTj4xe8Kjw

Appendix 3 Who Am I?

1) I am a singer-songwriter born in Rosaireville, New Brunswick which was named Juno's Francophone Album of the Year in 2013. Answer: Lisa Leblanc

2) We are a rap electro music group from Acadia. Among other songs, we sing “Jacuzzi”. Answer: Radio Radio

3) In 2014, I was the spokesperson for the Congrès mondial acadien. I am a famous singer since the 1990s Answer: Roch Voisine

4) I am an Acadian singer who won the 2003 edition of Star Académie. Answer: Wilfred LeBouthillier

5) I am a singer from Moncton, New Brunswick. My most popular song is Espionne Russe. Answer: Joseph Edgar

Appendix 4 Onomatopoeia

1. Drip drip water 2. Hurray! cheering 3. Clap clap applause 4. Crack breaking branch 5. Quack quack duck call 6. Tickle tickle tickles 7. Hoo hoo cry of an owl 8. Boom falling object 9. Plop! objet landing in water 10. Zap electric current 11. Yippee! Yay! cry of joy 12. Achoo sneeze 13. Ding dong doorbell 14. Ouch! cry of pain 15. Clippity clop sound of a running horse

Appendix 5 Small words in a big word

Three-letter word TIN: A soft, silvery-white metal.

Four-letter words MARE: Female horse. TINT: A small amount of colour. MIRE: Dirt or mud

Five-letter words TRAIN: A locomotive that carries people or goods. REMIT: To hand in. TIMER: A device that measures time. TIARA: Type of crown. ARENA: A place where sports competitions, concerts and other public events take place.

Six-letter words MITTEN: A glove with only two sections to cover your fingers and thumb.

Appendix 6 TINTAMARRE synonymns

HULLABALOO BUZZ Deafening noise, din. Deafening and continuous noise with shouts and bursts of sound.

CRASH DIN Noisy agitation, violent and sudden noise Racket, deafening noise. of something that is breaking. The ... of waves.

CACOPHONY HUBBUB Unpleasant effect produced by voices or Noise of confused voices coming from a untuned instruments devoid of harmony. crowd.

ROW UPROAR Disorderly din, intense and tumultuous Great din, often accompanied by noise whose origin is difficult to identify. disorder.

RACKET JUMBLE Noise, uproar, noisy protest. Disorder and confusion.

Appendix 7 Anagrams—Acadian communities

1) cnoMton ______

2) ehCitpmac ______

3) hSedica ______

4) tarauqeC ______

5) lCera _ _ _ _ _

6) phipSanag ______

7) moPqteu ______

8) eoucuotchB ______

9) nigTihs ______

10) tatsurhB ______

Appendix 8 Anagrams—Acadian communities Answers

1) Moncton

2) Cheticamp

3) Shediac

4) Caraquet

5) Clare

6) Shippagan

7) Pomquet

8) Bouctouche

9) Tignish

10) Bathurst

Appendix 9 Évangéline (English translation in italics)

Les étoiles étaient dans le ciel (The stars were in the sky) Toi dans les bras de Gabriel (You were in Gabriel’s arms) Il faisait beau, c’était dimanche (the weather was fine, it was Sunday) Les cloches allaient bientôt sonner (The bells would soon be ringing) Et tu allais te marier (You were to be married) Dans ta première robe blanche (In your first white dress) L’automne était bien commencé (Autumn was well underway) Les troupeaux étaient tous rentrés (The flocks had all returned) Et parties toutes les sarcelles (And the blue-winged teals departed) Et le soir au son du violon (And at night the sound of a violin) Les filles et surtout les garçons (The girls and especially the boys) T’auraient dit que tu étais belle (Would have told you that you were pretty)