InsideOut and About: Christmas Traditions

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December 23, 2004

Christmas Traditions

I'm back in San Francisco after a few days away visiting family. Seeing my uncle, aunt and cousins visiting from France made me think of things my family used to do for Christmas in Provence.

I knew about the 13 desserts and some Christmas traditions but found that About.com gave a very good explanation on Provencal traditions. Although we never followed these rules so strictly, we always had some of these dishes in our Christmas menu.

Here is a description, if you're interested in giving your Christmas dinner a little Provencal touch:

Noel in Provence

"In Provence, the season actually starts on December 4th, St. Barbe's day. Children wrap wheat or lentil seeds in a damp cloth so that they germinate. The tiny seedlings are transplanted and then placed in a sunny window to grow. The plants portend prosperity for the family during the coming year and are used to decorate the crèche as well as the table for Christmas Eve supper.

A week before Christmas the Santons will be unpacked and placed on the mantel or on a table. A little stable with the Holy Family is added and then the table is decorated with the plants. The theaters in many of the towns stage little plays, called presepi in which all the characters (represented by the santons) of the crèche play a part.

On Christmas Eve, before leaving for Midnight Mass, the family gathers for the gros souper which celebrates all the things the family is thankful for, yet maintains a religious symbolism. It is composed of seven meatless meals, which represent the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mother. The table itself is set with 3 white tablecloths and 3 candles, representing the Trinity. The St. Barbe's wheat also decorates the table. Before sitting down to the table, the oldest member and the youngest member of the family walk around the table 3 times carrying a fruitwood log. It is blessed with some of the vin cuit and then placed in the fireplace. After the souper, the Treize Desserts (13 Desserts) are served. This also has a religious meaning, representing all those present at the Last Supper. Before leaving for Midnight mass, the thirteen desserts are set on a clean tablecloth at another table ready for neighbors, beggars or the souls of the ancestors to taste while everyone is at church. The leftover wine is poured on the fire, the log removed, wrapped and put away until next Christmas.

After the mass, the family returns for the "Repas Gras". For this feast, assorted game, a variety of roasts and many different wines from the region are served. On Christmas day, a roast turkey or capon is served and for dessert a bûche de Noël, usually purchased from the local pâtissier is served along with the 13 desserts. After two full days of feasting, a simple bowl of l'aigo bouido - garlic soup - is served for Christmas dinner."

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate this holiday!

www.insideoutmag.com

Posted by insideoutmag at December 23, 2004 08:40 AM

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