Appearing for the first time in the 17th century, the Christmas crib figure (the "santon") reflects the spirit of Provence. Derived from the word "santoun" ("little saint" in Provençal), these little biblical characters are made out of baked clay and then painted. They are for decorating Christmas cribs. But since the 19th century a whole series of characters have been appearing : the shepherd, the hunter, the miller, the pistachio grower, the village idiot, the drunkard, the woman carrying a bundle of firewood; all coming to give their presents to the baby Jesus. This handicraft was developed during the French Revolution, that troublesome period when the churches were closed up. The inhabitants celebrate Christmas at home, each family traditionally having its own crib.