Christmas in Provence
The month of December is a special month when Provence and its surroundings take on a thousand fires.Being "Lyonnaise "of origin, the festival of lights has always been something extraordinary and unique, it is a sparkling atmosphere where we find scents like those of chestnuts or mulled wine with cinnamon, all this reminds us the magic of Christmas.In Provence, I discovered typical traditions that I did not know as Ste Barbe.The Wheat of Sainte Barbe (I explain what it is) !!On December 4th, the Provencals dot a few grains of wheat on cotton lying in a saucer, some also do with lentils. Every 2 days it is necessary to water slightly the wheat.If December 25 the grains have germinated then the harvest will be good and it is a sign of luck for the year to come.Look below what looks like wheat that grows ...
The tradition wants that in Provence the Christmas period lasts 40 days is from the Holy Beard to the candlemas. (December 4 at Candlemas February 2)December 24 is the typical Provencal meal and it's called "the big dinner" which is composed of 7 thin dishes in memory of the 7 pains of the Virgin Mary.The oldest meal of the table takes a log of wood,poured wine cooked on it, the youngest light it and at the beginning of the meal he pronounces a small ritual formula.This meal is followed by 13 desserts,the presentation of the 13 desserts and the one that is most celebrated in the thatched cottages of Provence, even if today the Yule log has replaced this tradition that dates from 1683, this custom still persists in Provence where many families strive to transmit this ritual.Arranged on 3 different tablecloths, 3 candles and cups (the wheat of the st. Barbe)Depending on the regions of Provence 13 desserts can vary but we find more often:Nougat, dates, grapes, ear buds, figs, walnuts or hazelnuts, Aix calissons ...These desserts must stay 3 days on the table and the guests must all to taste !!Christmas markets are also present on the Old Port of Marseille or on the Cours Mirabeau in Aix en Provence, the perfect opportunity to find Provencal specialities and local producers.So are you ready to indulge in the magic of Provençal Christmas?Have a great holiday, a very happy Christmas to everyone and as they say in Provence« Bon nouvé ! »Linda
The tradition wants that in Provence the Christmas period lasts 40 days is from the Holy Beard to the candlemas. (December 4 at Candlemas February 2)December 24 is the typical Provencal meal and it's called "the big dinner" which is composed of 7 thin dishes in memory of the 7 pains of the Virgin Mary.The oldest meal of the table takes a log of wood,poured wine cooked on it, the youngest light it and at the beginning of the meal he pronounces a small ritual formula.This meal is followed by 13 desserts,the presentation of the 13 desserts and the one that is most celebrated in the thatched cottages of Provence, even if today the Yule log has replaced this tradition that dates from 1683, this custom still persists in Provence where many families strive to transmit this ritual.Arranged on 3 different tablecloths, 3 candles and cups (the wheat of the st. Barbe)Depending on the regions of Provence 13 desserts can vary but we find more often:Nougat, dates, grapes, ear buds, figs, walnuts or hazelnuts, Aix calissons ...These desserts must stay 3 days on the table and the guests must all to taste !!Christmas markets are also present on the Old Port of Marseille or on the Cours Mirabeau in Aix en Provence, the perfect opportunity to find Provencal specialities and local producers.So are you ready to indulge in the magic of Provençal Christmas?Have a great holiday, a very happy Christmas to everyone and as they say in Provence« Bon nouvé ! »Linda
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