Unique Donation Shares French Christmas Culture

Portion of a Santons de Provence nativity scene

Many people who have spent Christmas in Minnesota know what a nativity scene is – a collection of figurines that surround a Baby Jesus and his family in a manger scene. These are traditionally set out during the Christmas season, but there are many variations. The World Languages and Cultures French Office recently received a unique nativity scene through an alumni donation.

The traditional arrangement of figurines comes from southern France and is known collectively as Santons de Provence. Unlike nativity scenes frequently seen in the United States, Santons de Provence feature people from the entire town because the people of the area believe that the celebration of Jesus’ birth is something everyone should be welcome to share. Santons de Provence therefore contain people and animals from all walks of life, going about their daily routines, dressed as they would be on any average day. These sets are extremely detailed and contain everything from functioning windmills to individual, hand-painted baguettes and fruit.

French student workers have set up the complete set in the World Language Lounge so that students are able to enjoy this gift.

Brynn Kamarainen, a French Major who graduated December 2022, was extremely excited to look through the set. “I think the Santons de Provence are absolutely amazing and just another cool little piece of French culture that even I haven’t heard of before! It is amazing the craftsmanship put into each individual figure, some with very intricate details, and all hand painted. We are very lucky to have received this large collection from a past Concordia alum.”

The addition of the Santons de Provence to the French program has allowed for a new glimpse into French culture that many people would not otherwise have been able to learn about or enjoy. Students and faculty are touched by this generous donation and would like to thank the family of Concordia French alum JoAnn Guccione for sending it to the department in her memory. Plans are being made to find a safe and accessible space to permanently display the Santons de Provence so that people across Concordia’s campus community can enjoy this gift.

Written by Emma Skuza, World Languages and Cultures Administrative Assistant