Celebrating New Year in 15th Century Bruges

As we usher in a new year, I thought it’d be fun to take a step back to 15th-century Bruges. We can see how Jehanne Bening might have celebrated. Spoiler alert: no champagne or midnight countdowns! But there was plenty of food, faith, and fellowship to go around in her bustling city. Let’s look at how Jehanne and her fellow artisans in the Bening workshop might have welcomed the new year.

Guild Feasts and Good Company

For Jehanne, New Year’s Eve probably began as the workshop wound down for the holiday. Jehanne apprenticed with Simon Bening, one of the finest illuminators. Her days were normally filled with brushes, quills, and pigments. But tonight, there might be a bit more celebration, especially with her fellow artisans and guild members. The guilds of Bruges marked the new year with feasts that brought together everyone from apprentices to master artisans.

Imagine the workshop cozying up for a festive meal. They might share bread and pork—a symbol of abundance. This symbol represents keeping their shelves (and bellies) full throughout the year. Bread was especially symbolic, representing continuity and unity for the year ahead. Jehanne might have shared tales of her favorite illuminations. She did so over a shared meal. She hoped her year’s work would bring prosperity to the Bening family.

A Candle for Blessings

Jehanne’s New Year’s Eve likely included a trip to Bruges’ stunning Church of Our Lady. There, she and other townsfolk could light candles. They offered prayers during their visit. Many of her friends and family brought candles to the altar. They prayed for blessings on their work. They also prayed for their homes and loved ones in the year ahead. This small act held powerful meaning—an acknowledgment of gratitude and hope.

Imagine Jehanne in her best wool gown. She leaves a candle in prayer. She hopes her artistry will flourish and her hands will stay steady in her delicate work. As she gazes at the rows of flickering candles, she might feel a sense of renewal. She looks forward to the year’s creative work and the support of her community.

Tokens of Goodwill

Giving small tokens of goodwill was also part of the tradition. These etrennes—New Year’s gifts—weren’t fancy. They might be tokens like an extra bit of bread. Sometimes, they were a ribbon or even a few coins. In a world where art and labor relied on skill and trust, people exchanged these gifts. This practice helped reinforce ties between patrons, fellow guild members, and friends.

In the Bening workshop, Jehanne might give a small gift to a colleague who inspired her that year. She might also receive something from a friend as a token of appreciation. These gestures were simple but meaningful, a way of saying, “Here’s to another good year together!”

Marking the Workshop Calendar

As New Year’s Day dawned, things would start anew at the workshop, even in small ways. Town officials and guild leaders often took the occasion to update records, renew contracts, and mark transitions. Bruges buzzed with administrative activity. Jehanne’s workshop might prepare for the new year. They sorted their commissions and noted upcoming deadlines.

This wasn’t exactly a “superstition.” For Jehanne, these formalities held their own kind of power. Keeping the workshop organized was a good omen for stable work. An artist’s reputation could hinge on completing works on time. Making plans for the year wasn’t just smart; it was essential for their craft to succeed.

A Medieval New Year’s Eve Wish

So, while Jehanne and her fellow Bruges artisans may not have shouted “Happy New Year!” at midnight, they marked the holiday in their own special ways. Jehanne’s New Year included warm gatherings with guild friends. She also experienced quiet, heartfelt prayers in candlelit churches. It was a time of hope, renewal, and shared community. This is a beautiful reminder of how we, too, gather and hope for new beginnings.

May your own New Year be filled with blessings, good company, and maybe even a candle for luck. Jehanne would be raising her glass (or goblet!) with you. She celebrates the beauty of the past. She embraces the promise of the future. She enjoys the joy of the present moment.

Happy New Year from Jehanne’s workshop to you!