Order of Good Cheer
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The Order of Good Cheer was a social club established by French explorer Samuel de Champlain to improve the sprits and the diets of the colonists of Port-Royal (in what is now Nova Scotia during the difficult winter of 1606-1607. "Order of Good Cheer" is actually only the common English Translation; it was called Ordre de bon temps in French.
Winter in North America was much harsher than European explorers were accustomed to back home, and over-wintering in the New World was difficult at first. During Champlain's first winter, many of his colonists died of malnutrition or exposure. Mindful of this, Champlain created a fraternity in which a community meal was held on a regular basis, with each colonist taking a turn at responsibility. Soon, the colonists attempted to out-do each other, and the meals became grand events with feasting -- such as could be done on the limited provisions available -- speeches, and merry-making. In time, the local Mikma'q people were also invited. With something to look forward to, the colonists could feel less disheartened by the severe and protracted cold, and with sharing of the various foodstuffs, nutrition was more effective. That winter, none of the colonists died. The Order lasted only that one season; Champlain moved on to other exploits the next year.
[edit] Modern Revival
In recent years, the Order of Good Cheer has seen a revival in a limited way, with small numbers of people across Canada taking it as a new holiday or winter tradition in one form or another. Still very uncommon, it sometimes takes the form of a single potluck meal in mid-winter among a small group of friends or neighbors. Practitioners often have as a motivation either a desire for community-building and brightening the dark nights of the long Canadian winter, or simply interest in history. The modern interest in the Order of Good Cheer may in part be due to its popularisation on the CBC Radio program Ideas. The show's host, Paul Kennedy, declared a modern Order a fitting new holiday for the frigid month of February.
