Losing a dear one or a person whom we admire is a source of sorrow. Yet it is also an opportunity for people to unite and celebrate the departed.
Minting "Joies" in memory of the latter to give to one's friends and family is to extend this moment of togetherness and to give birth to new life.
The association Pour la Joie itself has been founded to honor Jean-Pierre Joussemet (photo provided)
1 November 2026
Festival of the Dead
Spread the joy of reaching out to friends and family.
What our readers say.
We read every letter. If your words add to the conversation, we may publish them here — with your name, exactly as you sign your message.
I feel real joy when I send members of my family or friends an expression of my gratitude. In everyday life, I feel as though I am rushing along so fast, without having the time, without taking the time, to give my attention to others. Or just a few minutes, before moving on to something more urgent.
With "Pour la Joie", it is different. I stop, I calmly picture a particular person in my mind and ask myself: how can I tell this person all the good they have brought me? This practice brings me serenity.
Of course, it is only half of the journey that the "Pour la Joie" approach offers. There is the joy of receiving, the joy of passing on friendship and gratitude. But let us take this first joy as a starting point and as encouragement to keep going.
Bernard G. ·