{"id":5189,"date":"2024-12-13T16:00:38","date_gmt":"2024-12-13T15:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/les-chenes-blancs.pausado.com\/?p=5189"},"modified":"2025-12-18T13:46:38","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T12:46:38","slug":"christmas-traditions-in-provence-between-family-celebrations-and-unique-festivities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/les-chenes-blancs.pausado.com\/en\/regional-events\/christmas-traditions-in-provence-between-family-celebrations-and-unique-festivities","title":{"rendered":"Christmas traditions in Provence: between family celebrations and unique festivities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every season has its charm in Provence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

But if there is one time of the year when we particularly love this region<\/strong>, it\u2019s at Christmas<\/strong>. What a joy to see old customs mingle with more recent festivities! Altogether, it forms a unique experience<\/strong> that makes December<\/strong> a month full of celebrations in the South. This is what we want to share with you today. We take you to the heart of Christmas traditions<\/strong> in Provence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christmas traditions in Provence within families<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Clearly, there are two types of Christmas traditions in Provence: those experienced at home that strengthen family bonds, and those that animate the region. Let\u2019s start with the first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparing a Proven\u00e7al Christmas according to tradition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Provence, Christmas is not limited to the festivities around December 25. And it\u2019s no exaggeration to say that we devote the entire last month of the year to it. Traditional Proven\u00e7al Christmas begins on December 4 with a regional ritual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saint Barbara<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most Christmas traditions in Provence are linked to Christianity. Saint Barbara is a tangible example. Every December 4, Proven\u00e7als place wheat grains in three small bowls (representing the Trinity), hoping they will sprout. Three weeks later, by Christmas, strong shoots indicate a good harvest to come. The three bowls are displayed on the table for the Gros Souper, which we will discuss later in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The santons of Provence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to tradition, the nativity scene should be set up in homes on the Sunday before Christmas. In earlier times, the nativity scene of ancestors was passed down from generation to generation\u2014a tradition that is fading, as everyone wants their own nativity. One habit that remains is adding a new santon or accessory each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of the santons of Provence! Did you know that their creation is linked to the French Revolution? Here\u2019s why. In 1793, revolutionaries closed churches to weaken the power of the clergy. People, no longer able to see nativity scenes in religious buildings, decided to create miniature versions at home. The figures were made of bread dough or papier-m\u00e2ch\u00e9 and were called \u201clittle saints\u201d\u2014santouns in Proven\u00e7al, which later became \u201csanton.\u201d The profession of santonnier was established by sculptor Louis Lagnel, who noticed one winter evening in 1798 that the clay stuck to his shoes could be shaped into santons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back to the nativity scene: although it is linked to Christianity, it is not composed only of religious elements. It depicts the Nativity scene but also old trades and important figures from Proven\u00e7al history. Accessories, as essential as the santons themselves, include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n