Lot de trois nappes pour le "gros souper" de Noël

These tablecloths have been made by a historic French manufacturer specializing in high-quality linens.

Specially designed for Maison Empereur, they feature an elegant feathered jacquard, with the famous Maison Empereur crest and its three wolf heads on the two larger tablecloths, and the Maison Empereur coat of arms in damask on the smallest of the three.

The Provençal tradition of three tablecloths at Christmas is part of a set of profound and symbolic rituals surrounding the "big supper" on December 24, a lean, meatless, no-fuss meal.

This meal is served on a table covered with three superimposed white tablecloths, representing the Holy Trinity, a spiritual tribute shared with other elements of the table décor, such as the three white candlesticks and the three saucers of sprouted wheat planted on Saint Barbara's Day, December 4.

The purity of the white tablecloth reinforces the sacred importance of this moment.

Once supper is over, the Provençals leave the tablecloths in place with the thirteen desserts, a tradition rooted in the symbolism of Jesus' last meal with his apostles.

These desserts must remain until December 27, to mark the continuity of the celebration and recall the benevolent presence of the deceased, who, according to belief, come to share this moment in communion with their loved ones.