Aubagne in Provence is renowned for clay pottery and handmade santons. The rich clay soil surrounding the town has enabled craftsmen to produce and manufacture fine amphoras and ceramics for centuries. Even today, many ceramists, faience manufacturers, potters and santonniers are installed there.
The Provençal santons were born during the French Revolution to replace the crèches of the churches which were closed during this period.
Instead of celebrating Christmas in the church, people created their own nativity scenes and celebrated in the home.
"Santon" comes from the Provençal word "santoun" meaning little saint. A santon is formed from clay, then baked.
The Santon makers (known as "Santonniers") paint each piece by hand in meticulous detail. No two santons are identical.
Nowadays, nearly every French home at Christmastime displays a Nativity scene or creche, which serves as the focus for the Christmas celebration. The creche is always peopled with santons. In addition to the usual Holy Family, shepherds, and Magi, the craftsmen also produce figures in the form of local dignitaries and characters. The craftsmanship involved in creating the brightly coloured santons is quite astounding and the moulds have been passed from generation to generation since the seventeenth century.
Throughout December the figures are sold at annual Christmas fairs in Marseille, Aubagne and Aix.
Holiday properties in this area
The Provençal santons were born during the French Revolution to replace the crèches of the churches which were closed during this period.
Instead of celebrating Christmas in the church, people created their own nativity scenes and celebrated in the home.
"Santon" comes from the Provençal word "santoun" meaning little saint. A santon is formed from clay, then baked.
The Santon makers (known as "Santonniers") paint each piece by hand in meticulous detail. No two santons are identical.
Nowadays, nearly every French home at Christmastime displays a Nativity scene or creche, which serves as the focus for the Christmas celebration. The creche is always peopled with santons. In addition to the usual Holy Family, shepherds, and Magi, the craftsmen also produce figures in the form of local dignitaries and characters. The craftsmanship involved in creating the brightly coloured santons is quite astounding and the moulds have been passed from generation to generation since the seventeenth century.
Throughout December the figures are sold at annual Christmas fairs in Marseille, Aubagne and Aix.
Holiday properties in this area