Finally, how can we mention Christmas without talking about Christmas in Provence and the thirteen desserts. Does 13 give bad luck? Not on Christmas Eve as they symbolize Jesus and the 12 apostles. The desserts must include: raisins, figs, nuts and almonds, prunes, pears, apples, candied fruit, quince jam, white nougat, black nougat, yellow melon, unleven bread or "pompe". Some variants include marzipan cakes, "papillottes" which are chocolate candies wrapped in colourful paper , dates and stuffed nuts, instead of prunes, pears and apples. These feasts are accompanied by various festivities in which the population participates.