If you’re looking for a unique holiday tradition to add to your family’s celebrations, you might want to consider the thirteen Christmas desserts of Provence.

The tradition of serving thirteen desserts at Christmas is said to have originated in the region of Provence in the south of France. The desserts are typically made from local ingredients and represent various aspects of the Christmas story.

The number thirteen is believed to symbolize the number of people at the Last Supper, including Jesus and his 12 disciples. Each of the desserts has a specific meaning and is arranged in a specific way on the table.

The first three desserts are known as les quatre mendiants (the four beggars). They are figs, almonds, raisins, and walnuts, and represent the four religious orders (Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustinians, and Carmelites) that beg for food and money during the Christmas season.

Next come les calissons d’Aix, which are a specialty of the town of Aix-en-Provence. They are diamond-shaped sweets made from ground almonds, candied fruit, and sugar, and are said to symbolize the gifts of the Magi.

Les nougats blanc et noir are white and black nougats made from honey, almonds, and pistachios. They represent the good and bad sides of human nature, and are a reminder that temptation is always present.

Les oranges confites (candied oranges) are a popular Christmas treat in Provence. They are said to symbolize the golden apples of the Garden of Hesperides.

Les dattes (dates) are a reminder that Palestine, where Jesus was born, is known for its date palms.

Les pommes (apples) represent the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden.

Les poires cuites (cooked pears) are often served with a red wine sauce, and represent the fruit of the Tree of Life.

Les raisins frais (fresh grapes) represent the bounty of the harvest and the abundance of God’s love.

Les oreillettes are fried dough strips that are often served sprinkled with powdered sugar. They represent the ears of wheat that symbolize the bread of life.

Les fougasses are sweet breads that are filled with raisins and anise, and are said to represent the shepherds who came to visit the baby Jesus.

Finally, there is the la bûche de Noël (yule log), which is a dessert made from sponge cake rolled with cream or buttercream filling. It is decorated to look like a log and is said to represent the warmth of the hearth and the renewal of life.

The thirteen desserts are meant to be shared with family and friends after the Christmas Eve meal. Each person is meant to taste each dessert, representing the unity of people in sharing food.

While the tradition of the thirteen Christmas desserts of Provence may seem overwhelming, it is a special way of celebrating the holiday season and connecting with family and friends. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try to incorporate some of these desserts into your own holiday celebrations?

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