The tradition of santons and nativity scenes in Provence dates back to the French Revolution, when church nativity displays were banned and families began creating their own crèches at home. The santons, small clay figurines (santoun meaning “little saint”), first represented the characters of the Nativity, and later the everyday people of a Provençal village: the miller, the washerwoman, the fisherman, the ravi…

The Provençal crèche has thus become a miniature landscape, featuring farmhouses, mills, hills, and scenes of daily life. Today, santon makers continue this artisanal craft, especially during the annual santon fairs, and families enrich their crèche year after year—keeping this tradition alive as a cherished symbol of Provençal identity.

              LE BLE de L ESPERANCE

The tradition of December 4th in Provence is that of Saint Barbara, a very ancient ritual that marks the beginning of the Provençal Christmas celebrations.

🎋 Growing Saint Barbara’s wheat

On December 4th, people plant wheat (or lentils) in three small dishes. A few seeds are placed on damp cotton and lightly watered each day.

These three dishes are then set on the Christmas table, symbolizing life, abundance, and hope for the coming year.

🌾 Meaning

If the wheat grows well: it is said that the year will be prosperous.

If it grows poorly: it is seen as a sign of harder times ahead.

🌟 In Provençal tradition

These dishes then accompany the Gros Souper on December 24th and are placed near the Nativity scene. The three dishes often represent the Holy Trinity.

It is a simple, poetic gesture that connects each home to the earth, to the passage of time, and to the hope for brighter days.