Some family events according to the Provençal traditions

MEUMORIES PROJECT

ProvenceProvence (Provença or Prouvènço in Provençal language) is a region which recovers about the southeast part of current France from the left bank of the lower Rhône to the border with Italy. It is lined in the South by the Mediterranean Sea and thus corresponds, today, to the largest part of the administrative region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.More widely, in a cultural and touristic sense, Provence extends up to the Gard department (on the West of the Rhône and Nimes) [1] and up to the South of the Drôme department (the Provençal Drôme).

Region Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'AzurSurface: 31 443 km2 , Density: 143,5 inhab / km²

Population: 4 781 000 inhabitants (in January, 2006)Regional capital: Marseille

Main towns: Gap, Nice, Toulon and AvignonWorking population: 1 892 000 inhabitants

Regional Gross Domestic Product: 105,826 million euro (7 % of the national GDP)

Industrial specialities: chemistry, shipbuilding, armamentAgricultural productions: wine, fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants

The Provençal birth basketIt is offered to the parents for their baby like the expression of a particular attention on the newborn child.The elements which composes it express wishes of happiness and protection for the child during all his/her existence. They reprensent a little piece of Provence and its values that the child will give to his own children later.

Baby and his/her mum

The provençal birth basketIt is made of five elements which symbolize five wishes for the

baby. It can be an original and unexpected present.

The egg…It is a symbol of life, of grace and blessing.

Que siègue pièn coume un ioù Let’s hope he/she will be as full as an egg, filled with material and

spiritual possessions.

Honey…It is a symbol of delicacy and distinction

Que siègue dous coume lou meù Let’s hope he/she will be as sweet as honey.

.

The match…It is a symbol of loyalty and honesty

Que siègue dre coume uno brouquetoLet’s hope he/she will be as upright as a match.

Salt…It is a symbol of health and strength

Que siègue dre coume la sauLet’s hope he/she will be as healthy as salt.

Bread…It is a symbol of generosity and kindliness

Que siègue bon coume dou panLet’s hope he/she will be as good as bread.

Scene with figures (« santons de Provence ») representing the baby rounded by neighbours who are bringing their presents.

The Provençal customs and the marriage

Lou Nòvi the bridegroomLou Nòvio the brideLi Nòvi the newlywedsLou Sonto Nòvi the best man Lou Sonto Nòvio the bridesmaid

The Provençal customs and the marriagePopular beliefs

In Provence, according to the tradition, there should be no celebrated marriage during May, July, September and November.We get married neither during the Lent period, nor during the Advent (before Christmas).Lucky days to get married are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We do not celebrate an union on Monday or Friday.The wedding on the same day, of two brothers or two sisters is considerred bringing bad luck.

The wedding dress should not enter the house before the ceremony day.It is considerred that if, during the religious ceremony, at the time of kneeling down, if the bridegroom managed to put knees on the dress of his future wife, he will be the one who would have authority in the couple. But if the girl do not intend to be dominated, she has to fold the finger when the boy put the ring to her finger.

The Provençal customs and the marriagePopular beliefs

The malefic number Number 9 has a malefic meaning, thus Provençal people do not get married on 9th, 19th or 29th of the month.

The salt to push away the evil spellTo push away the evil spell we put some salt in the pocket of the Bridegroom’s costume and in the Bride’s shoes.

Provençal customs and weddingPopular beliefs

At the exit of the church At the exit of the church, the newlyweds have to pass under an arch which is decorated with flowers giving the arm one another. The husband gives the key of the house to his wife. She has to hang othe key on the « clavié » fixed to her belt.A cup of wheat is then given to the bride and she throws the contents on the relatives of her husband to indicate her intention to bring the prosperity in her new family. Then, the newlyweds jump a flowery bar or ribbon, symbol of their entry into a new life." This bar invites you to jump it, joyful and together (you will find one so many times in your life)to get courage, love and union. Lively the future !"

Provençal customs and weddingPopular beliefs

During the wedding meal, the young couple has to eat the soup in the same bowl. Then three bread rolls are given to the bride. She gives two to her family and one to her friends so meaning that she is able to be thrifty and to feed first her family without ignoring her friends.