The crèche Santons from Provence is famous in France. Crèche means “Nativity Scene,” and it’s also the word used for “daycare.” Before attending Maternelle, Petit Prince used to go to crèche. It’s pronounced cresh.
The notion of the crèche started with St Francis in the early 13th century in Italy. He constructed a live nativity scene in the mountains, which inspired congregations to replicate it afterwards with statues, and later, with figurines.
The crèche pieces of Santons are known for their vivid colors and attention to detail. They go beyond the typical wisemen and shepherds, and bring out the entire traditional French townsfolk in droves – milkmaids, drummer boys, glass-makers, etc.
We prepared the scene
and allowed each child to unwrap one figurine
which have been kept in the extended family in an old cigar box.
See here?
Petit Prince got to unwrap Mary
(which is Marie in French).
And then we unwrapped the rest
and completed this gorgeous scene with weeping angels.
“And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them”
(This reminds me of Charlie Brown’s Christmas, which the children spurn – “It’s so stupid – they just have dots for the eyes!”).
When the traditional figures were in, the less traditional ones moseyed over.
Say – how did that frog get in there?
When Sir and I were dating in the early days, I told him that all Frenchies were frogs anyway, which led to this eventual token.
Eyes twinkling, he quipped, “But you know what happens when you kiss a frog!”
Love and joy from our family in France.
I loved this one, Jennie! I wish we had more traditions. We need to make some…maybe we’ll start tonight (even though Hanukkah is over)…we have family coming into town and it’s winter break, etc…
thanks for the share.
p.s. J’adore le grenouille (sp?) et la vache!
You spelled grenouille perfectly. Bravo!
I have high tradition aspirations, but the kids are not into it. No special foods for them, they don’t want to dress up – nothin! The only thing we really do is decorate the tree, and, of course open presents. (Until my husband’s aunt gave us this crèche set).
Do you light the candles and have special foods for Hanukkah? And do you cook? I read another blogger who buys pajamas each year for the holidays, which I think is adorable.
We had the same tradition growing up! I’ll have to send you a picture of my Mom’s set up. (she has about 200 of them)
Joyeux Noel!
Are yours Santons too?
Love the frog!
Merry Christmas, my friend.
Oh the frog! What is a crèche without the frog? 😉
Love this one! Merry Christmas!
Hey, why are the angels weeping?
Why Maman, the angels are weeping with joy! 😉
I love this post. I don’t have a “real” nativity, just a tiny little one, and it makes me sad. I say each year that I’ll get one, but it falls down to the bottom of other needs. Sigh. My mom has a set my grandma painted (she has a matching set.) I keep reminding her that I should get that in the will one day ;-P
I have collected nutcrackers since I was five. Seeing the ballet partially inspired me, but I also wanted my own Christmas collection since my Mom collects crèche from around the world. (And she even uses the word crèche when talking about them!) She has moved into a high-rise in Chicago after giving up her suburban house and giving up many from her collection. But she will not give up the figures she bought in France and Italy. Her cast includes some crazy characters too. I love that yours has been passed down in a cigar tin and you added your kids angels in the background… what a beautiful tradition