The Shepherdess – the Twentieth (20th) Essential Santon for a Provençal Creche

Posted on October 24, 2014 | 0 Comments

The Shepherdess – La Bergere (French) – La Pastresso (Provençaux) is number 20 on the list of the top 20 Essential Santons for a Provençal Creche.

We included her in our very first entry on the 20 Essential Santons, the Shepherd being #1, at the very end of that post, as she is represented by the Carbonel workshops in four pieces, all tendering a lamb - two in Size #3

one in Size #2

and one in Size Puce

The Angel first announced the birth of the Saviour to the Shepherds. The Shepherds were the first to reach the manger, and summoned all the Provencal villagers to follow them. It is because Christ's birth was first revealed to the Shepherds (the Pastors) that the original nativity plays in Provence were called pastorals. "Filled with wonder, the shepherds made their way to the manger carrying jugs of milk, wheels of cheese and a precious lamb. On the way, they stopped at every farm and village to tell of the wondrous happening....Their jubilance and excitement was infectious and it was not long before everyone who could walk was on his way with a gift or to offer assistance." (Foley, p. 83-84)

Posted in Carbonel Santons, Provence Christmas

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