Christmas Nativity Scene: Daniel Ferrier shares passion and tradition in a spectacular setting in Beaulieu

Daniel Ferrier présente la crèche provençale et biblique de l’église de Beaulieu. – S.A.

Ce Beaulieurois, qui signe une œuvre de 20 m2 et 3 m de haut, réalise depuis vingt ans la crèche de l'église Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens. Mais pas seulement…

A native of Beaulieu, Daniel Ferrier has been creating the nativity scene in the village church for over twenty years. At 78, this enthusiast brings a new touch to it, from Christmas to Christmas. “This year, I think the evocation of Pic Saint Loup is quite successful”, he confides with a smile, in front of the 2024 creation, on 20 m2 and 3 m high!

“Villagers surprised to learn that the niston was born”

Beyond his village, the Beaulieurois has been part of the organizing team of the International Santon Makers' Show in Arles since 2007. “I am thus contributing to maintaining a tradition,he explains, giving meaning to the picturesque scenes of the little people of the santons, these villagers astonished to learn that this niston – “young child” in Provençal – who is said to be the savior of humanity was born among them.”

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Daniel Ferrier's expertise is also visible at the Castries crèche, or at the Saint-Trophime church in Arles. He also works, with his Arlesian friends, on crèches in churches further afield, such as at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in 2017 and 2018, or this year with two 100 m2 Provençal crèches in Italy and at the International Santon Makers' Show in Arles.

“Respecting the message of this representation”

The spirit of this tradition has fascinated Daniel Ferrier since his childhood. “I marveled at the humble family nativity scene that my older brother made, he confides.I made my first nativity scene on my grandmother's sideboard! I became passionate about the history of the Provençal nativity scene and I strive to respect the spiritual message of this representation, by creating decorations that arouse both contemplation and genuine emotion.”

No multi-colored garlands or bling-bling here, but rather “a celebration of nature celebrating life emerging from the depths of a cave or a miserable stable.”

Perspectives and natural materials

The nativity scenes created by master santon makers in Séguret, in the Vaucluse, helped him find his style. Since then, the artist has been building them with detailed perspectives. He works on optical effects depending on the size of the santons. He recreates the natural decor of the countryside with natural materials: cork, moss, thyme, rosemary, lichens, olive tree stumps, driftwood. Wind, water and light, three essential elements for life, are precisely positioned, with a mill and the heat of a fire on the shepherds' camp.

For the future, Daniel Ferrier is now looking for who he will pass the baton to when the time comes: “Passing on knowledge is essential. I am expanding my contacts to all those who are passionate about Provençal, local and bouvine traditions.”

As for the nativity scene in the Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens church in Beaulieu, it will remain visible, in the purest tradition, until Candlemas, Sunday, February 2, 2025.

To contact Daniel Ferrier: 06 46 47 80 61 or at eldanifer@gmail.com

 

And also the “chemin des crèches”

&In Beaulieu, Daniel Ferrier has also been leading the organizing team of the "chemin des crèches" since 2009. This event offers, from the church, to visit a dozen residents to discover their family nativity scenes. This year, the Beaulieurois “nativity scene path” will be used on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 December, from 2 to 6 p.m.