Every year, making your own nativity scene is a pleasure, but it can also be a little complex when it comes to choosing your santons. Objects of fascination, worship and decoration, santons are certainly the most representative elements of a nativity scene. How do you go about choosing them? What are the main factors to consider? We'll guide you!

How do you choose your santons and what criteria should you take into account?

For many people, choosing a crib figure is a matter of love and aesthetics. However, beyond letting your desires speak for themselves, it's important to take certain criteria into account to avoid making a mistake and ensure the success of your crib. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.

Don't forget the main santons

There are a great many santons representing a wide range of characters, trades and animals. Among them, it would be easy to forget the main ones. So here's a reminder: the santons of the Holy Family, including Jesus, Mary and Joseph, are indispensable in the crib. The angel is also one of the main santons not to be forgotten. The shepherds and the Three Wise Men should also take pride of place in the stable. Finally, the donkey and the ox are also very often present, although there is some debate as to whether they are among the main santons.

Choosing the right size santons

More than you might think, the size of the figures is also a very important consideration. Depending on the space available and the size of your crib, you'll need to opt for figures of varying sizes. Traditional santons range in size from 6 to 9 centimetres. These are the most popular and commercialized. However, there are also miniature santons (flea santons) generally 2 centimetres or less in size, and giant santons over 20 centimetres. Some even reach 170 or 200 centimeters. The latter are generally chosen for display in the streets of certain towns or villages, or in churches, and are often made of plaster rather than clay. The size of the santons you choose will depend not only on the space available, but also on whether you wish to create a discreet or spectacular nativity scene.

Choosing santons to match the style of your crib

Depending on whether you want a classic or modern crib, the choice of santons will differ. Modern cribs are generally much more minimalist and uncluttered. The most important santons are chosen, and that's it. Their dimensions are often reduced for greater discretion.

Choosing authentic santons

There are a multitude of santons to choose from, but not all are made in the traditional way. Traditional santons are made by hand from clay. The first clue to recognizing a genuine santon de Provence is its weight. Clay is heavier than plastic or resin. Another unmistakable element is the stamp inlayed in the clay mentioning the manufacturer's workshop, which will enable you to find the company and even visit it to be sure that the santon is handmade in Provence.

Some manufacturers' labels can also give you assurance of the authenticity of the santons. These include “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”, “Ateliers d'Art de France”, “Métiers d'Art Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur” and “Entreprise du Patrimoine vivant”.

Buy Santons at the right price <h/3>

The success of santons not only in France, but also internationally, has led some sellers to inflate the price of these figurines. A 6 or 7-centimeter santon costs an average of 14 euros, compared with 6 euros for single animals from the same collection.