How to Manifest the French Way

Today was a national day of mourning in France after the attacks in Paris yesterday.  
Above, citizens in Lille observe a minute of silence at noon to show solidarity for the victims.

A couple months ago I was talking with a French friend about cultural differences between France and the US, and I mentioned my surprise at the frequency with which I encounter manifestations (peaceful demonstrations or protests) here.  The next time I saw her, she jokingly asked if I had succeeded in joining a manifestation yet.  Well, tonight, I did!

At 6:00 pm, citizens gathered in La Place de la République, just about a five minute walk from my apartment, to show solidarity for those attacked yesterday in Paris.  When I arrived I saw the place was fairly crowded with people, most of whom were gathered in small groups, talking, smoking, or even laughing.  Is this it? I thought.  Not really what I expected.

However, another cultural observation I’ve made in my time here so far is that the French seem to have a sixth sense for knowing information.  I might be waiting for someone to give instructions, and suddenly, everyone else just seems to know what to do.  Et voilà...at 6:13 pm (I checked my phone) everyone stopped talking, then moved together to the center of the place.  Someone must have moved first or given a signal, but I didn’t see it.  People pressed together, raising pens, colored pencils, and “Je suis Charlie” signs.  

The silence lasted for about five minutes, after which someone started a slow clap (really), gradually picking up speed, and then a chant of “Charlie!  Charlie!”  Then everyone joined together in singing La Marseillaise (the national anthem), followed by another round of applause.  After that, I thought everyone was starting to leave, but they actually spread out and joined hands to form a giant circle around La Place de la République.  There were a few more minutes of silence, after which some people gradually started to leave, and others stayed behind with their signs and candles.

The overall mood seemed peaceful, hopeful, and determined.  No one looked angry.  I got the impression that they weren’t gathered to protest against anything; rather, to show solidarity and support for something—for their countrymen, for freedom of speech, for peace.

I took advantage of the silence to pray for France, as I was reminded that only Christ can truly bring the freedom, justice, and peace for which we all long.

"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.  They will come in and go out, and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."  -Jesus (John 10:9-10)