It’s a new year and in Provence people are telling each otherl Diéu nous fague la gràci de vèire l’an que vèn, e se noun sian pas mai, que noun fugen pas mens ! 

This is in the Provençal language and translates as “May God grant us the grace to see the new year, and if there are not more, let there be not be less!” In other words, even if no babies are born, let’s hope nobody dies!

I’ve always liked this expression and have learned a few more in my time in Provence. Most are in French, and some are pretty funny.

Read about 15 fun Provençal expressions in Frenchly!