Tradition

We have a lot of traditions here in Provence , I guess it is the same in every part of the world.
For christmas , let's share them

On christmas eve , we have a lot of traditions but let is start by 3 of them:

the christmas log , the " gros souper " and the 13 desserts

The christmas log also called in our provencal language " cacho Fio "

On Christmas Eve , when the table is set , tradition requires that someone picks up a beautiful fruitwood log that the oldest guest of the house , helped by the youngest ( the caganis) puts it in the hearth of the fireplace so that it is consumed untils New Year's Day.

And in Provence we say :

Dieu nous fague la gràci de vèire l'an que vèn, et se noun sian pas mai , que noun fuguen pas mens!

That is to say May God gives us grace to see the coming year . And , if we are not more that we are not less alive.

XVIII th century Painting school of Lancret ,  le " gros souper ". In my show room

The gros souper

on the 24 th , waiting for midnight mass , we eat the Gros souper.

It must be composed by 7 light dishes ( made with vegetables), in recollection of the 7 sorrows of Mary.This meal is a kind of vegeterian meal , I'm sure Corey loves this meal

The table is set on 3 white tableclothes and with 3 large white candles that recall the Holy Trinity. We set an additional setting for the pauper .

The traditional meal is :

Cabbage soup

celery with anchoiade ( Bagna Caudo)

Or Truffle Salad and celery snails

Aigo boulido ( soup of boiled water, garlic , sage, olive oil and bread)

Cod au gratin with spinach

cardoons with truffle's sauce or bechamel

Cheese

Then come the 13 desserts

Well as my parents love to cook , for us as typical provencal , this meal has been a little bit boring . So we have our special meal .

The 13 desserts is the part I love the most I think

Comments

[Rédigé par : Felicia]

Merry Christmas :)

[Rédigé par : Michelle]

I loved reading about these traditions--thanks for sharing!

And Merry Christmas :)

[Rédigé par : MAds]

WoW! Thats great info! And such a beautiful chair in the first photo! Merry Christmas!!! MAds

[Rédigé par : robyn]

Merry Christmas Melanie :) all the best to you & yours...

[Rédigé par : patricia gray]

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!!

[Rédigé par : rochambeau]

Merry Christmas Melanie,
So happy we have met. Do you think I can join you for the dessert course? Thirteen sounds just about right.

Have a beautiful day,
Constance

[Rédigé par : marita]

jouyeuse fête à vous tous, ma chère amie!!
il est temps que je passe mes noël à la provencale!!
lovely southern traditions and... the desserts sound great!
enjoy great gahterings!

[Rédigé par : My Melange]

Very interesting stuff Melanie. Thanks for the lesson!!

[Rédigé par : Britt-Arnhild]

Thanks Melanie for sharing your traditions. I really like the way you use the number 3 to represent the trinity.