The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the calendar season, a period of reflection in preparation for Christmas.
The 4th of December, on Sainte Barbe’s Day, wheat is sown in three “seitouns” (saucers). It will be placed on the table at Christmas.
On the 13th of December, on Sainte Luce’s day, the days lengthen by a flea’s jump and lanterns and candles light up the windows of the Provençal people every evening.
On the 24th of December, the cot is prepared, the Gros Soupa is eaten, and one waits while staying awake (one wakes up!) until the midnight mass. On the way back, baby Jesus is put in the cot, one discovered his gifts and enjoy the thirteen desserts and the cooked wine. On Christmas Eve, the living cot takes place in the church. The other characters of the cot (shepherds, sheep, donkeys), paraded through the streets of the village in traditional costume.
On the 25th of December, Christmas Day, was the day of the stuffed turkey. After the meal, visits were made or received.
On the 26th of December, which used to be a public holiday, aïoli was eaten with the family.
On the 31st of December, New Year’s Eve, people used to stay up until midnight.
On New Year’s Day, we didn’t work and, above all, we didn’t have to do the laundry!
The 6th of January is the Epiphany. The three wise men have arrived, announced to the village by the galoubets and tambourines. In their honour, a brioche crown with candied fruits is eaten, with a bean hidden inside.
On the 2nd of February, Candlemas marks the end of the calendar period, 40 days after Christmas, and the cot is taken down.
More about the calendar festivals