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The Holiday season is a very important time in Provence.
Santons fairs and Christmas markets
light up the villages,
but the main event remains the Christmas dinner.
The table of Christmas dinner, know in Provence as "Gros Souper",
is decorated with precision and respects a traditional symbolic.
Three white table cloths cover the table, symbolizing celebration and purity.
Three chandeliers lit up the table,
then three saucers of whea germ called « sietoun » are displayed,
they represents nature's renewal and hope of a prosperous year.
Number 3 represented by the table cloths, the saucers and the chandeliers is an evocation of the Trinity.
Number 13 is also very present: it symbolizes Jesus Christ and the aposties.
13 desserts are presented in the Christmas table
and their composition is different from a town to the other.
Generally you may find :
an olive oil and orange blossom brioche called "pompe à huile" (oil pump)
the four "mendiants": dried figs and grapes, almonds and hazelnuts.
white and black nougat
dates, the only exotic fruits permitted
seasonal fruits,
fruit pastes,
samm doughnuts called « oreillettes ».
The 13 desserts of Provence are traditionally accompanied by mulled wine
The table will stay decorated the days following Christmas to respect tradition
and to make the magic of the Holidays last longer.
Fantastic Provence with L'Occitane
Thanks to Joyce Borgmann, l'Oustaou d'Oulivié for er kins welcome. We'd also like to thank François Doucet and Sabine Collet, the voice of the movie.