Thethirteen desserts (Occitan:lei tretze dessèrts) are the traditionaldessert foods used to celebrateChristmas in theFrench region ofProvence. The "big supper" (le gros souper) ends with a ritual 13 desserts, representingJesus Christ and the 12 apostles. The desserts always number thirteen but the exact items vary by local or familial tradition.[1] The food traditionally is set outChristmas Eve and remains on the table three days until December 27.[2]
The first four of these are known as the "four beggars" (les quatre mendiants), representing the fourmendicant monastic orders:Dominicans,Franciscans,Augustinians andCarmelites.[3]
Bayle St. John, writing inThe Purple Tints of Paris (vol. 2) "The dishes are substantial; soup, boiled beef, veal, salad, cheese, apples, and what are called, for some mysterious reason,the four beggars — nuts, figs, almonds, and raisins, mixed together."
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