From Napoleon to the present day, the history of cigars in France narrates the evolution of festivities and social symbols. Introduced under Napoleon as a symbol of military celebration, cigars have traversed epochs, from the elegant soirées of the Belle Époque to the extravagant festivities of the Roaring Twenties to their popularization during the Glorious Thirty and the assertion of success in the 1980s. Each period reflects a unique facet of celebration and luxury associated with cigars.
THE NAPOLEONIC ERA: CIGARS AS SYMBOLS OF CELEBRATION
The popularity of cigars in France owes much to Napoleon. Returning from the campaigns in Spain, his officers brought the tradition of Cuban cigars, which quickly became essential to military celebrations and victories. During post-battle banquets, cigars were smoked, adding a touch of solemnity and camaraderie to these festive occasions. Certain places, such as salons or cafes, such as Café de Foy, served as settings for these celebrations.
As a quote from the time highlights, cigars were seen as a rare and exotic luxury: "The cigar is a symbol of discovery and conquest, a treasure brought back from the new lands conquered by the empire."
THE BELLE ÉPOQUE: ELEGANCE AND HIGH-SOCIETY SOIRÉES
At the turn of the 20th century, the use of cigars was part of high-society soirées where the Parisian elite gathered. Inspired by innovations like cigar bands introduced by Empress Catherine II to avoid staining her fingers, the cigar became an essential fashion accessory for conversation and reflection. Alexandre Dumas captured this spirit by saying: "A cigar is a divine pleasure. It is the fruit of the union between fire and air. It must be savored with respect."
Cigars circulated among guests at literary salons, operas, and grand balls of the Belle Époque, symbolizing refinement and prestige. At the Ritz, the Grand Vefour, or the Café de la Paix, cigars completed the elegant atmosphere of grand receptions. Proust, Charles Hass, and Reynaldo Hahn could be seen chatting happily, all three avid cigar enthusiasts.
THE ROARING TWENTIES: FREEDOM AND EXTRAVAGANCE
Cigars flourished in the context of the post-World War I era, hungry for freedom and extravagance. The massive importation of Cuban cigars and the elegance associated with their consumption made them ubiquitous in Paris's clubs and jazz soirées. At the Moulin Rouge, in the white parties of Montparnasse, at the Boeuf sur le toit, or Maxim's, the party was in full swing amidst the smoke of cigars, adding an aura of mystery and decadence. Soon, the Second World War would loom, and passionate discussions would be drowned in smoke.
THE GLORIOUS THIRTY: CIGARS FOR ALL
Post-war prosperity made the luxury of cigars accessible to a broader audience in France. Innovations in cigar production, such as those initiated by the large Cuban tobacco plantations, allowed for wider distribution. At Harry's Bar, Fouquet's, or the Montana, successes were celebrated with a cigar in hand. In families, cigars were smoked during significant events like weddings or baptisms to express joy and success.
Winston Churchill perfectly illustrated this popularity: "Smoking cigars is like falling in love. First, you are attracted by its shape; you stay for its flavor and always remember not to let the flame go out!"
THE 1980s: CIGARS AS SYMBOLS OF SUCCESS
In the 1980s, cigars became symbols of financial success and power. Influences from Victorian elegance persisted, and figures like Bernard Tapie used cigars as status symbols. Zino Davidoff summed up this period: "The cigar is the perfect indicator of pleasure and time well spent." Dancing with a cigar at the Palace or Régine's, the nights were soft and hazy.
TODAY: NOSTALGIA AND MODERNITY
Cigars retain a special status at parties, representing both tradition and luxury. Arnold Schwarzenegger summed up the contemporary sentiment: "Some moments demand a cigar." This statement underscores that the cigar remains a powerful symbol of celebration and prestige for connoisseurs despite social changes and health concerns.
CONCLUSION: CIGARS, BETWEEN TRADITION AND MODERNITY
The cigar has served as a symbol of status, power, relaxation, or rebellion throughout the ages. Innovations and historical figures have enriched its heritage, shaping the cultural perception of cigars in France and worldwide. Today, it captures the imagination, remaining a cherished luxury and an indispensable element of festive celebrations.
Victor Lesvenan www.cubancigarsparis.fr
@victorccparis
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