The French Nativity called the "Creche" in France is made up of hand-painted clay figures that depict the characters of everyday village life of the eighteen century. The baker, the fisherman, the grocer, the priest, the shepherd, the fishmonger, the weaver, the gatherer of wood for the fire… The figures in clay are called Santons, or little saints in English. The Nativity set in France goes beyond the three kings, drummer boy shepherd, and the holy family it includes the entire village. The santons I like to find at the brocantes are the ones that are loved worn.
This set, incomplete yet adorable is one of the sweetest I have ever found.
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