Thirteen desserts

The "big supper" (le gros souper) ends with a ritual 13 desserts, representing Jesus 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 out Christmas 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 four mendicant monastic orders: Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustinians and Carmelites.

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."