True story of December 8th

Over time, the roots of the December 8 festivities, between the plague, there war against Prussia and theinauguration of Fourvière, are mixed up in collective memories. Despite the official narrative and tradition, forgotten events contributed to giving birth to the Festival of Lights.

It's not the plague

In 1638, faced with the threat of a scurvy epidemic affecting the children of the Hôtel-Dieu, a major procession took place on the hill, foreshadowing the one that would remain etched in memories in 1643. On March 12 of that same year, fearing a new plague epidemic, the aldermen requested the protection of the Virgin for the city. In exchange, they agreed to organize a procession every September 8, the day of the nativity of the virgin. Lyon is preserved, partly thanks to medical advances and the legacy of the dreaded plague of 1628, which prompted the municipal authorities to introduce rigorous measures. Despite everything, the promise made is scrupulously honored.

This is not a war against Prussia

The promise made by the people of Lyon to the Virgin Mary in 1870 to protect Lyon from war with Prussia is not linked to the celebrations of December 8. Prussian troops invaded Lyon in 1870, two decades after the founding event of December 8. However, during this period, the authorities committed to erecting the Basilica of Fourvière, a project that came to fruition in 1872.

The real reason

At the end of the 1840s, the church of Fourvière was in a pitiful state, having suffered the ravages of time as well as the after-effects of the various bombardments during the Revolution and the canuts' revolts. Without any direct link to a request or a wish expressed to Mary, the ecclesiastical authorities decided to rebuild the bell tower in more imposing proportions. To complete this work, the idea of adding an imposing statue of the Virgin, measuring five meters high and dominating the city, was adopted. A competition was launched for this achievement, won by the sculptor Fabisch.

The date of the inauguration then gave rise to debates and discussions. The day of the inauguration had to coincide with a Marian feast. Thus, the religious authorities opted for the first Marian celebration that follows in the calendar: September 8. Despite meticulous planning, weather conditions disrupted the course of events on several occasions. During the summer of 1852, devastating floods engulfed the city, impacting the workshop of the founder in charge of the statue. The decision was then made to postpone the festivities to the next Marian feast! December 8, the day of the conception of the virgin according to the Bible, is then chosen as a fallback solution.

Already a business 

The long-awaited date is fast approaching. The religious authorities intend to mark this special day by relying on pyrotechnic effects and Bengal lights to illuminate the statue. The private illuminations are supposed to be the highlight of this event. The newspapers of the time praise the merits of the sellers of candles and other lighting, some going so far as to publish advertisements in the press, thus signaling the beginning of a commercial dimension for the festival. It should be noted that, on December 2, Napoleon proclaims the Second Empire, and some illuminations are planned throughout France for December 5. However, Lyon is not following this movement: the working class, originating from the canuts, refuses to pay homage to the man they consider to have distorted their revolution, and the religious authorities are concentrating mainly on the upcoming December 8. Consequently, candles and votive candles are kept for the planned event.

The people decide, the church follows

The weather once again played a crucial role. On December 8, powerful storms broke out. Faced with this situation, the religious authorities decided to postpone the festivities until the following Sunday, the 12th, and asked the faithful to abstain. However, the inhabitants of Lyon no longer tolerated being directed in their behavior. After already three months of waiting, their determination was firm: they would follow the initial program. On the evening of the 8th, the clouds dissipated while candlelight emerged in the windows. The population invaded the streets and the shops offering illuminations were stormed. The dynamic changed: it was no longer the religious authorities who dictated the course of events in the city, but the other way around. Faced with this, they had no choice but to follow the movement and finally illuminated the chapel of Fourvière.

As for the official celebrations, they take place on December 12 and continue until the 19th. However, it is the date finally selected by the inhabitants of Lyon (December 8) which will remain anchored in tradition, rather than that decreed by the authorities.

The use of illuminations dates back to antiquity

Illuminations were a common practice in the Mediterranean basin, observed among the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. During antiquity, these special lights marked festivities and glorious moments. The inhabitants of cities decorated their windows with lamps and small lights to celebrate important events. These illuminations persisted through traditions, lasting from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, retaining both their symbolism and their practical aspect. In Lyon, as in other cities of the kingdom of France, the arrival of an eminent personality was highlighted by the illumination of the city. The splendor and fame of a city were then measured according to the quality and quantity of its lights.

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Pierre Bossan

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