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The "Little Saints" of Provence from Family Christmas OnlineTMNo review of Nativity traditions would be complete without a discussion of the "Santons" ("little saints") of Provence (pronounced "proh-VOHSS" with the second "o" sounding very nasal).Geographically and politically isolated from the rest of France, the region of Provence has often had its own government and has always had its own traditions. One of those traditions has been to mix the traditional Provençal ways of life into the traditions of the Nativity. After all, the Provençal farmer's way of life wasn't all that different from that of the ancient Judean shepherds. As an example, one popular Provençal carol, Un Flambeau (Bring a Torch), Jeanette, Isabella calls to two milkmaids to bring a lamp to the stable. This easy interaction between Provençal culture and ancient Judea took on special significance during the French revolution, when many churches were closed and public Nativity displays were outlawed. The santons moved from public displays into private homes, and became even more closely linked to Provençal home and village life. After all, once you have shepherds and milkmaids, it's pretty easy to add field hands, craftsmen, and tradespersons to each Nativity scene. After two centuries of this tradition, most santonniers (santon makers) produce the same classic set of village "characters," some of which even have names. And there are traditions that keep too many new characters from being added too quickly. For example, political figures are "off limits." One popular figure was added as late as the 1950s - a man whose cloak is being blown by a gust of a seasonal northern wind called the "Mistral." This character is now called "Coup de Mistral" (Gust of North Wind). The title photo shows handpainted terra cotta (baked clay) santons from several craftsmen. This is part of the University of Dayton's Marionist Library creche collection. The bread seller, the flower vendors, and even the Gypsy woman all are "standard" characters you might expect to see in any authentic Provençal nativity scene. Click here to see a bigger version of that photo. Santon FairsIn 1803, in Marseille, a fair was held for santonniers to display their wares. The tradition of santons spread, as did the tradition of santon fairs. Now, during Advent, many Provençal towns host "santon fairs," where people can buy new santons to add to their nativities.Example SantonsSantons come in several sizes. Some of the larger sizes are also dressed in authentic Provençal fabrics. The following examples are just to give you an idea of the variety of village characters and of the level of detail. As an example, the first Coup de Mistral figure below is about 12 inches tall and costs nearly $600. The second is just over 2" tall and sells for closer to $80 - remember these are hand-sculpted and hand-painted. The less detailed figures sell for much less, so collecting Santons is a hobby almost anyone can afford at some level.
New World Santons
ConclusionWhen politics forced the 19th-century Provençals to take the Nativity out of the church and put it into their homes, they also found ways to put themselves into the Nativity. If you had to design a santon to represent you in a Nativity scene today, what would it look like? Mine might be carrying writing utensils (as a "clerk" or "scribe"), or it might be carrying a musical instrument of some kind. Or might it be carrying an abacus or other device to symbolize the computer world where I've spent most of my working life? What would YOUR santon look like? Now think of it this way: the 19th-century Provençals could picture every aspect of their society turning out to welcome the infant Jesus, even the "outcasts." How much more should we offer our gifts (including our vocations) to the Newborn King! If you have any photos or ideas you'd like to share on these or related subjects, please contact us. And please enjoy any time you have with your family and friends this Christmas season. Paul and Shelia Race For More Information
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