The Christmas crib figures (also called “santons”) are these small clay-made statuettes, those traditionally give life to the crib during the yuletide. They originally symbolised Christendom and were considered as worship objects, but nowadays they are regarded as true collection objects and may be represented in everyday life situation.
Making a crib with santons is a tradition that is an heirloom handed down from generation to generation. The santons lovers describe the crib construction as a magical moment, meticulous and considered. Each one can add the Christmas crib figures from his times, to turn the crib into a true reflection of the traditions and the popular history of Provence.
This tradition date from the XIII century, when the santons were introduced in Provence by the Franciscan monks. The idea grows during the Revolution, when the Midnight Mass and the church cribs were forbidden. But on the French Riviera, people were very attached to their cribs! A little factory devoted itself to the Christmas crib figures manufacture, and having a personal crib at home became very popular. From those days dates the tradition of the santons on the French Riviera, and Marseille became the “Christmas Crib Capital City.”! Each year, the town organizes a fair to make the santons tradition known, on December, on the Canebière. Don’t miss it! You will find in these little characters a real personification of the Christmas spirit on the French Riviera…
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