The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 370 Iroquois will be hosting a New Year's Day Levee on Tuesday, January 1st, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. The annual New Years Levee is open to residents who wish to come and exchange New Year’s wishes (Must be of Legal Drinking Age).
The tradition of having a New Year’s Levée in Canada traces its roots back nearly four centuries, before Canada as a country actually existed. The first recorded levée in what would become Canada was held on Jan. 1, 1646 in Quebec City at the Chateau St. Louis by Charles Huault de Montmagny, the governor of what was known as New France at the time. The ritual of hosting a levée is thought to have originated with King Louis XIV and his custom of receiving his subjects in his bedchamber shortly after rising. The word levée itself derives from the Latin “lavare” means rising or simply to raise.
In the early days, levees were predominantly attended by men and followed a strict dress code, “Sunday Best” and “Ties” was a must. As years passed levees have become much more casual and can be attended by anyone.
While Levee’s may have changed over the years, they still remain a great way for people to get out after New Year’s Eve, mingle with friends, family and strangers, and ring in the New Year with a cup of ‘Moose Milk’ (eggnog and rum).
Happy New Year!