
Have you ever heard of ‘santons’? Well they are massive for Christmas collectors in Europe. Santon is derived from the word ‘santouon’ which means ‘small saint’. They are clay figures, hand painted and about 70 millimeter high representing 19th century French Provencal characters.
Quite a few people today have a real passion for collecting these figures. There are hundreds of various figures, animals and accessories from which to select. There are bakers, millers, fishermen, water carriers and even bear trainers! It is well-liked for most families to add a piece or two each and every year to their house collections. Santon collections are considered family heirlooms which are passed down lovingly from parent to child by means of the generations. Each and every year families take pleasure in the fun of selecting a new addition or two for their collections.
Santon making is said to have began as a common act of resistance throughout the French Revolution to the closing of churches throughout this time. Creches had been just before the French Revolution huge organization and had been displayed in the churches where crowds flocked to view the elaborate designs. With the churches closed the individuals’s beloved creches had been no longer readily available for public access. It was Jean-Louise Lagnel (1764-1822) from Marseilles who started to make the beloved creche figures for individuals to buy for display in their own homes. Jean-Louise was in demand with his reasonably priced priced figures.
Jean-Louise Lagnel employed the province of Marseille’s and Aubagne’s fine clay. He employed little moulds and the casts had been hand painted. It didn’t take long for other people to start perfecting his method. The figures had been referred to as ‘creches for the people today’. Soon santon makers added local characters and trades which became preferred. The santon makers concept of utilizing ordinary individuals from every single day life on their way to pay homage to the Holy Family became an instant hit. Later santon fairs had been held during regions. These days the oldest and also the largest (founded in 1803) is still alive and well-liked These days in Marseille. It is held from Advent via to Epiphany. It is an event not to be missed!
Still well-liked to this very day is the art of santon making with workshops in Numerous regions across Provence which visitors are welcomed as participants of workshops or to browse and buy. The exact same strategies that have been practiced for centuries are still practiced Nowadays. It is an chance to see very first hand works of art in the making as well as the chance to buy santons as prized presents or for 1′s residence.
Marcel Carbonel is renowned as 1 of the oldest and most well-known santon makers in Marseille in France These days. Santon Boutiques and workshops such as Marcel’s are open all year. You can even buy santons on-line from most main workshop stores and boutiques in their on the internet stores. Here are some you can Google:
Santons in Marseille – Atelier Arterra, Cabanon des Accoules and Marcel Carbonel
Santons in Aubagne – Lei Santoun Castelin Peirano, Santons Magali. Santons scaturro Daniel
Santons in Aix en Provence – Santons Cavasse, Santons Fouque, Santons Jouve, Santons Richard
As 1 would expect santon’s are not inexpensive! There are essentially two styles:
1. Santons ‘d’argile’ which are hand painted clay figures, in six unique sizes (from 1 inch to six inches). These are the most preferred for French collectors and specifically in size 2.
2. Santons ‘habilles’ which resemble tiny dolls dressed in cloth typically carrying everyday items which includes baskets.
So why not introduce ‘santons’ into your family this festive season. They are an chance to participate in a significantly beloved tradition that could soon grow to be a tradition for your family. Collect and have fun. Share stories and folk tales related to the santons with your family and you too can get pleasure from this a lot beloved tradition Nowadays!
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