Bon Hiver

Bon hiver from the Valle de Chistau in Alto Aragón in the Pirineo Aragonés.  The phrase “Bon hiver“ is a French expression that directly translates to “Good winter” in English. The phrase is often used as a seasonal greeting or farewell, wishing someone a pleasant or mild winter, particularly in regions where the cold season can be long and harsh.

Etymology and Background

“Bon” originates from the Latin word “bonus,” meaning “good,” while “hiver” comes from the Latin “hibernum,” referring to winter. The term “hiver” is closely related to words like “hibernation,” reinforcing the idea of surviving or thriving during the colder months. Together, “Bon hiver” serves as a way of expressing goodwill during winter, akin to wishing someone a “Happy Holidays” in English-speaking cultures.

Cultural Significance

The phrase is most notably used in Québec, where the arrival of winter is a significant event due to the region’s often extreme cold. People in Québec greet each other with “Bon hiver” as a way of acknowledging the season and wishing for a manageable or enjoyable winter. In this context, the phrase captures the local spirit, where community and warmth are important in facing the harsh winter months.

Northern Exposure and Broader Popularity

“Bon hiver” gained broader recognition outside of French-speaking regions thanks to an episode of the popular TV series Northern Exposure. In the episode titled “First Snow” (season 5, episode 10), the residents of the fictional town of Cicely, Alaska, use the phrase to greet one another as winter approaches. The quirky small-town setting of Northern Exposure, where characters often blend cultures and traditions, made the phrase a perfect fit for the community-oriented show. In Cicely, “Bon hiver” becomes a seasonal farewell, reflecting a collective wish for everyone to endure or enjoy the coming winter.

The phrase also saw a resurgence in popularity through the American indie musician Bon Iver, whose name is a stylized version of “Bon hiver.” The name, like the phrase itself, reflects a deep connection to winter, and the cold, reflective mood is a recurring theme in Bon Iver’s music.

“Bon hiver” remains a warm and thoughtful way to wish someone well during the colder months. Its roots in French culture and its spread through popular media give it a unique place in both everyday language and artistic expression.