What is a Santon in French?
Santons (Provençal: “santoun,” or “little saint”) are small hand-painted terracotta nativity scene figurines produced in the Provence region of southeastern France.
Why are Santons placed in the crèche?
Indeed, in this troubled and very complicated age for the Church, places of worship were closed and believers found themselves unable to pray in front of the figures of the Nativity. They therefore decided to set up the Christmas cot in their own homes. It is from this precise moment that the small Santons appear.
What are Santon dolls?
Santons are hand-painted, terracotta nativity scene doll like figurines, from southeastern France. There are about 55 different people, from various characters in the typical Provençal village.
What traditional French holiday are Santons associated with?
Christmas
Christmas is celebrated in a special way in Provence with little figurines called Santons which are truely a French tradition. Santons are used to create a nativity scene (crèche) with the key religious figurines of Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus together with the people of the south of France.
What kind of santons are displayed at Christmas time?
Nativity scenes featuring the baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Joseph, and other bliblical and secular santons are prominently displayed in churches and other public locations in the communities.
What is a creche in France?
The crèches collectives (also known as “accueil collectif réguilier”) are standard group nurseries that can host up to 60 children. These are either run by local authorities or a private organization such as an association set up by professional childminders.
Why are 13 desserts served at Christmas dinner in the Provence region?
The thirteen desserts are in reference to Jesus and his twelve apostles at the Last Supper. As tradition goes, there must be at least thirteen sweets available. They are all served at once, and each guest must have at least a small bite of each dessert.
What is a crèche in France?
Where is the biggest Christmas market in France?
1. Strasbourg. Strasbourg has the oldest Christmas market in France, which started in 1570. Today, the Strasbourg market is the largest in France with some 300 stalls and a total of 11 markets.
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