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Traditions of Provence
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Traditions of Provence : living nativity scene in Baux de Provence
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Christmas Eve in the Alpilles assumes a particular intensity, notably in Baux de Provence, a magnificent village where in the church a moment of grace and ardor is played out that will leave you filled with wonder. |
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Many people of Baux, involved in their traditions, participate in the fete, become actors in a well-codified play.
The "Noël aux Baux" in the Saint-Vincent church takes place during the midnight mass. It is first of all a living nativity scene (the costumed actors play specific characters), in front of which unfolds the "pastrage", a ritual that developed in the rural world and goes back to the 16th century. This traditional ceremony, abandoned during the 19th century, was picked up again and has been played since 1902.
Christmas is above all a pastoral ceremony. Don't forget that the winter solstice naturally corresponds to the lambing season. Consequently, the presentation of a lamb during the midnight mass can not be dissociated from the concerns of a population that lived essentially from ovine breeding.
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The vigil starts around 11:30pm. It presents, in turns, carols and troubadour songs played with galoubet pipes and tambourines, and carols sung in Provençal.
- Aniue nosti vesin (invitation on the trip to Bethlehem)
- C'est le bon lever (herald – in French – by the angel, made to a shepherd, who answers in Provençal)
- Li pastourèu (depatrure of the shepherds)
- Hou de l'oustau ! (dialogue between Saint Joseph and the innkeeper)
- Pèr noun langui long dou camin (arrival in Bethlehem)
©José Nicolas
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Traditions of Provence : living nativity scene
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Traditions of Provence
in Baux de Provence
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