Draft:Bonhomme Sept Heures

Bonhomme Sept Heures, also known as the Seven O'Clock Man, is a mythical figure in French Canadian folklore, particularly prevalent in Quebec. This ominous character is said to roam the streets after nightfall, seeking out children who have stayed out past their bedtime.The Bonhomme Sept Heures is typically described as an elderly man wearing a hat, carrying a cane, and draped in a cape. His most distinctive feature is the large burlap sack he carries over his shoulder, which he uses to capture disobedient children.According to legend, any child found outside after 7:00 PM risks being snatched by the Bonhomme Sept Heures and stuffed into his sack, never to be seen again. This tale served as a cautionary story for parents to ensure their children returned home before dark.The origins of the Bonhomme Sept Heures are debated. One theory suggests it may be derived from similar French expressions like "Bonhomme la nuit" or "Couche huit-heures". Another hypothesis links the name to English terms like "bone setter" or "boom setter," though these are generally dismissed by linguists.Regardless of its origins, the Bonhomme Sept Heures remains an integral part of Quebec's cultural heritage, embodying the archetypal bogeyman figure used to instill discipline in children. While the belief in this character has waned in modern times, it continues to be referenced in Quebec's literature and popular culture.