4 legendary Christmas characters in France and where to find them
If you’re spending the festive season in France, you might bump into these legends of French folklore
La Tante Arie
What does her name mean? Aunt Arie
Where can I find her? Franche-Comté
Is she naughty or nice? Nice
This kindly fairy is said to be a reincarnation of medieval aristocrat Countess Henriette de Montbéliard. She is said to have white hair and wear traditional Pays de Montbéliard attire including a diari, an old-fashioned decorative headdress; in winter she is also seen donning a cape for warmth. Accompanied by her trusty donkey Marion, she acts as Franche-Comté’s very own Father (or should that be Mother?) Christmas, responsible for the presents of the lucky children living in the Pays de Montbéliard. You can meet her and Marion for yourself at the Marché de Noël de Montbéliard.
Saint Nicolas
Where can I find him? North-east France
Is he naughty or nice? Nice
On 6 December, glee-filled children across France will be showered with gifts, sweets and biscuits as Saint-Nicolas and his friendly donkey arrive. The original Saint Nicolas was a Christian bishop, thought to be born in the 3rd century and had a reputation as a kind and charitable leader. While there is little known for sure about this man, many legends abound, including one about him bringing three boys back to the dead after a wicked butcher killed and pickled them (more about that soon). The Nicolas we know today has a long, white beard and wears silk robes.
Père Fouettard
What does his name mean? Father Whipper
Where can I find him? North-east France
Is he naughty or nice? Naughty
This mean-spirited chap is often seen with Saint Nicolas – but unlike his companion, he’s not someone you want to meet! On Saint Nicolas Day, his job is to give out lumps of coal to naughty children while Saint Nicolas gives out nice gifts to the well-behaved ones. He usually appears as a sinister-looking man with unkempt hair and a long beard, armed with a stick or a whip. He is said to be the evil butcher from the aforementioned legend who killed and salted the children before they were revived by Saint Nicolas.
Olentzero
What does his name mean? Unknown.
Where can I find him? Pays Basque
Is he naughty or nice? Nice
This legendary coal merchant passes throught the towns and villages of Pays Basque just before Christmas to distribute logs to the poor so that no-one need go cold at Christmas. Some of the French towns that celebrate his arrival include Ciboure, Hendaye, Bayonne and Saint-Jean de Luz, where he rides door-to-door on a local breed of pony, a Pottok, and gives out sweets to children.
Liked this article? You might also like these festive articles…
Share to: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email
Related Articles
