The santons de Provence are the fruit of a long Provencal tradition. A century-old craft preserved and passed down through the years, they make unforgettable gifts for friends and family. Find out which santons are essential before Christmas in this article.

The essential characters of a Christmas crib

To choose the right gift, first consider the person you're giving it to. Is it a relative, friend or acquaintance? Does she already have a crib to install? Does he or she have the space to install a large crib, or should you turn to smaller models for a smaller space?

If you want to hit the nail on the head every time, opt for the essential characters of the traditional Christmas crib.

Choose from the baby Jesus, Joseph and Mary, the donkey and the ox, the Three Wise Men and the angel.

The Christ Child

The central figure in a traditional crib It's a great gift idea for someone just starting out with a crib, as well as for an enthusiast.

The santon representing the infant Jesus in his panier is often one of the smallest pieces in a nativity scene. It is not uncommon for it to be lost, stolen or broken by a child at Christmas time.

What's more, offering the Baby Jesus santon encompasses the whole symbolism of the Christmas crib. It's a good idea for someone who wants to start a traditional crib before the holidays. Of course, there's nothing to stop you offering several.

Joseph and Mary

Jesus' parents are also essential characters in a traditional Christmas crib.

Mary is usually depicted kneeling beside her child. She wears a white scarf and a light-blue dress.

Joseph, for his part, is dressed simply and holds a staff.

The two santons surround the newborn and look on him with a benevolent gaze. A beautiful symbolic gift that can mean a lot to a parent or a child making their confirmation, for example.

The donkey and the ox 

For a complete traditional nativity scene, don't forget the donkey and the ox. They too are key figures in the nativity scene.

The donkey carries Mary to the stable, and the ox breathes warmth into the baby Jesus.

The mage King

Melchior, Gaspard and Balthazar are the three wise men who followed a star from the East to Bethlehem.

They are particularly important in a nativity scene, as they are a central element of the nativity. They bring gifts to the infant Jesus and represent the different peoples of the world.

Their clothing is biblical and particularly detailed Each santon wears a crown, a cape, a tunic and holds in his hands the gift destined for the newborn.

The angel

The angel represents the presence of God. He is the finishing touch to a traditional nativity scene. He is positioned high up, usually in the form of a cherub.

The emblematic characters of the Provencal crib

The Provencal crib is unique in that it depicts the life of an entire village. The nativity scene takes center stage, of course, but there are also various playlets featuring folkloric characters representing different inhabitants of the small village.

You'll find the mayor, the pistachio tree, one or more shepherds, fishermen, the priest... and many more. If you're not sure which one to give, here are some ideas for emblematic santons de Provence:

The shepherds

The shepherds are very important characters in the Provencal Christmas crib. They are present in the Bible and are warned by angels of Jesus' birth.

There are several types of shepherd. They are sometimes depicted with a sheep in their arms.

Fouque has also created one of the most iconic shepherd's figures: le coup de mistral.

A santon that perfectly captures the pastoral spirit of the Provencal crib. It depicts a shepherd holding his hat in the wind. A mini masterpiece that has now become a must-have and the very emblem of the Maison Fouque.

The Ravi 

He's sometimes called the village idiot. The “ravi” is a resident who has no real trade, and who does odd jobs. Since he can't afford to give the baby Jesus a present, he simply brings him his happiness. He is often depicted in simple clothes, with a cap on his head and his arms in the air, to underline his delight and immense joy at Jesus' birth.

Le pistachié

Emblematic of Provencal tradition, this santon represents a farm hand. The particularity of the pistachié is that he's far from healthy. In fact, he has a rather bad reputation. He's said to be a womanizer, a poltroon and a drunkard. But he's also known for his generosity, welcoming the baby Jesus with a basket full of victuals. A gesture that earns him a place in the nativity scene.

There are, of course, many other characters that can be added to a Provençal crib. Depending on the occasion, the person or the context, you can find a santon that means a lot to its recipient.