The history of Santons

One might think that originaly santos come from Provence,and even the best crafts men santons are from Provence, Historically their origine elswhere...

Francois of Assisi was the first to celebrate the midnight mass surrounded by a reconstitution of the nativity scene composed of alive animals, the first real exib took place in the town in Italy in 1223.

Honorius III the pop didnt appreciate it.

During a stay in Napoli Francis of Assis had th idea to create three figures of the nativity by mixing salt ,flour, and water,( the blessed virgin , Saint-Joseph and the baby Jesus)He called them three Santi billi.

He added to the scenary the donkey, the cow and three wise men.The origin of santons are then from Napoly, it is on this region that he can admire the most beautiful cribs.

During the french revolution, the cribs disappear with th closing down of churhes.

They reappear in 1810.

In 1820,Louis Lagnel creates the Provencal santons,maide on clay,and in 1830,the first santons fair , with three exbitions, too place in the cannebiere in Marselle.

Since that period the craftmen santons have developed a lot of imaginiation by addin to the biblical character of the daily life.

Still today The craft men santons agreed by the santons union of Provence, honour the of traditionnal way of maikin Santons.