10 santons for a Provençal crib like no other

In addition to the essential santons of the Virgin Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the donkey, the ox, the angel Gabriel and the 3 Wise Men (Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspard), there are many other lesser-known santons that can enrich your crib and make it stand out from the rest. Here are 10 examples.

#1 - The Ravi

The Ravi is a very important santon in Provence. Less well known in the rest of France, this unusual character is characterized by simplicity, joie de vivre and naiveté. Amazed by the birth of Jesus, the Ravi can only express his joy because he has nothing to offer. Modest, this character is usually depicted in simple, unpretentious or even negligee attire. He is also frequently seen with his arms raised to the sky, to further express his joy. He is often placed as close as possible to the crib.

#2 - Le Pistachio

The Pistachié and the Ravi are two characters we often confuse. In fact, like the latter, the Pistachier is often depicted wearing simple, inelegant clothes. What's more, he too is portrayed as being rather naïve by nature. However, unlike the Ravi, this character is not short of money, but spends lavishly on alcohol and dissolute morals. For the birth of Jesus, the Pistachio Tree is generous, offering a basket full of victuals.

#3 - Le Mayor

The mayor is an often-forgotten santon, yet one with an important role to play. It is his role to make Jesus' birth official by registering him with the civil registry. This very elegant santon is usually dressed in fine clothes and a tricolor scarf. He is also frequently seen wearing a top hat.

#4 - The parish priest

The priest's santon appears completely overwhelmed by the birth of Jesus. He can't believe it, and shows his amazement by holding his hat and raising his head slightly to the sky. Dressed in a priest's cassock, he is often depicted as rather paunchy and bald.

#5 - The monk

The monk is a very important santon in the crib. He represents Saint Francis of Assisi. This man is of particular importance in the history of santons. In 1223, he is said to have created the first living nativity scenes, which in turn gave rise to miniature nativity scenes with santons. The monk's santon is usually depicted in his habit. St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of santon makers.

#6 - Le drummer

Nicknamed Guillaume, the santon drummer is the one who animates the Christmas crib with his musical instruments. His vocation is to make the birth of Jesus festive. The tambourinaire is dressed in a vest and pants held together by a red cloth belt. He often wears a hat, not to mention his famous tambourine and galoubet.

#7 - The old man and the old woman

The old man and old woman, also known as Grasset and Grassette, are the village doyens. They are sometimes depicted seated on a bench, sometimes standing, holding each other's arms. Grasset Grassette are richly dressed figures: she with an embroidered shawl, he with a red scarf tied into a cravat and an umbrella.

#8 - Mr Jourdan and the Margarido

Monsieur Jourdan and his wife, La Margarido, are middle-class people with contrasting characters: he's gentle and sympathetic, while she tends to be short-tempered and unkind. They are an elegant-looking couple who bring Little Jesus a basket of victuals.

#9 - The blind man and his son

The blind man and his son are well-known santons in Provence. The blind man has lost his sight through mourning the loss of his eldest son, and sets off with his youngest son to visit Jesus in the hope of being helped. The blind man is usually depicted as elderly, with a beard and gray hair. His son holds a hat in his hand, symbolizing the respect he has for his father.

#10 - The bohemians

Last but not least, bohemians are characters who both fascinate and frighten with their different lifestyles. Criss-crossing villages in their caravans, they are simply passing through and asking for hospitality. They are dressed in brightly colored clothes. The bohemian carries a knife on his belt, and the gypsy woman carries a tambourine in her hand. She is also accompanied by her baby.