Have you ever heard of the ‘saints’? Well, they are great for Christmas collectors in Europe. Santon is derived from the word ‘santouon’ which means ‘little saint’. They are clay figures, hand-painted and about 70 millimeters high that represent French Provençal characters from the 19th century.

Many people have a real passion for collecting these figures. There are hundreds of different figures, animals and accessories to choose from. There are bakers, millers, fishermen, water carriers, and even bear trainers! It is popular for most families to add a piece or two each year to their home collections. Santon’s collections are considered family heirlooms that are lovingly passed down from father to son from generation to generation. Each year, families have the fun of choosing one or two new additions to their collections.

Santon making is said to have begun as a popular act of resistance during the French Revolution to the closure of churches during this time. Nurseries were big business before the French Revolution and were displayed in churches where crowds flocked to see the elaborate designs. With the churches closed, the people’s beloved nurseries were no longer available for public access. It was Jean-Louise Lagnel (1764-1822) of Marseille who began making the beloved nativity figures for people to buy and display in their own homes. Jean-Louise was in demand with his figures at affordable prices.

Jean-Louise Lagnel used fine clay from the province of Marseille and Aubagne. He used small molds and the castings were hand painted. It didn’t take long for others to begin perfecting his technique. The figures were referred to as ‘nurseries for the people’. Soon, santon makers added local characters and crafts that became popular. The santonmakers’ idea of ​​using ordinary people from everyday life on their way to pay homage to the Holy Family became an instant hit. Later, santon fairs were held in all regions. Today the oldest and also the largest (founded in 1803) is still alive and popular today in Marseille. It is celebrated from Advent to Epiphany. It is an event that you cannot miss!

Still popular to this day is the art of santon making with workshops in many regions of Provence that visitors are welcome to either as workshop participants or to browse and shop. The same techniques that have been practiced for centuries are still practiced today. It’s a chance to see first-hand artwork in the making, as well as a chance to purchase figurines as treasured gifts or for the home.

Marcel Carbonel is recognized as one of the oldest and most famous Santon makers from Marseille in France today. Santon’s boutiques and workshops, including Marcel’s, are open all year. You can even buy figurines online from most major workshop stores and boutiques in their online 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
Unsurprisingly, santons don’t come cheap! There are basically two styles:
1. Santons ‘d’argile’ which are hand-painted clay figures, in six different sizes (from one inch to six inches). These are the most popular for French collectors and especially in size 2.
2. ‘Dressed’ figurines resembling small cloth-clad dolls usually carrying everyday items such as baskets.

So why not introduce holy men to your family this holiday season? They are an opportunity to participate in a much-loved tradition that could soon become a tradition for your family. Collect and have fun. Share santon-related stories and folktales with your family and you, too, can enjoy this much-loved tradition today!

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