The origins and meaning of French expression être le ravi de la crèche

If you ever find yourself gazing in awe at the simple things in life or finding magic in everyday moments, you might be described as le ravi de la crèche (the person who is delighted to be at the nativity). 

Nativity scenes (des crèches) are popular decorations for people who celebrate Christmas, depicting different biblical characters visiting Bethlehem for the birth of the baby Jesus. 

We look at how and when to use this phrase and share the history of nativity scenes in France. 

What does être le ravi de la crèche mean?

The word ravi in French, means to be thrilled or overjoyed. For example, you might say: je suis ravi d'être parmi vous (I am thrilled to be here with you all).

Crèche is typically used to refer to a childcare centre or nursery, but can also represent a nativity scene or manger when in the context of Christmas.

Crécher, although unrelated to this particular expression, can be a slang way of saying you will live or stay over at someone else’s home. It is similar to the English term: to crash somewhere. 

Être le ravi de la crèche, literally translates as: to be the delighted one of the nativity.

It does not have a direct English equivalent, however it is similar to the phrase: to be starry-eyed. It describes someone who is naive, innocent or easily amazed.

In some cases it can imply that the person is a bit silly or unintelligent. 

What are the origins of être le ravi de la crèche?

Nativity scenes have been popular in France’s churches during the holiday season since the 13th Century. They come in a range of sizes and typically feature sculpted figures and farm animals marvelling at the birth of the baby Jesus. These figures are referred to as santons, in French. 

In the late 1700s, during the French Revolution, various governments aimed to put an end to Christian religious practice, destroying statues and iconography from places of worship. Families therefore started placing santons in their own homes. 

The crèche was gradually reaccepted as a classic Christmas decoration, bringing rise to the ravi de la crèche saying. 

This joyous character is often depicted with wide eyes and outstretched arms. Rather than offering gifts like the three Wise Men, le ravi is simply happy to be present to celebrate the birth of Jesus. He is the symbol of child-like innocence and purity, being easily impressed and finding wonder in simple things. 

When do you say être le ravi de la crèche?

It is most often said around Christmas time but can also be used throughout the year and apply to a range of different contexts. 

You can say this to describe someone who is naive and believes in the impossible:

• Telle la ravie de la crèche, ma fille croit que les lutins du Père Noël se cachent dans le sapin. – Just like an innocent child, my daughter believes that Santa’s elves are hiding in the Christmas tree

It can also refer to a person who is filled with innocent wonder:

• Il a passé une heure à admirer les illuminations, comme le ravi de la crèche. – He spent an hour admiring the lights, all starry-eyed with wonder. 

To whom do you say être le ravi de la crèche?

It is neutral language and can be used with friends and family in a range of contexts.

Just remember to alter the saying depending on whether it refers to someone who is male (le ravi) or female (la ravie). 

You should also be aware that some people might take offense if deemed naive or silly. This expression can sometimes have condescending undertones. 

Read also: Understanding 'etre gros-jean comme devant': the French Idiom of disappointment

Read also: Mastering 'c'est cadeau': French phrases for easy and free gifts

Read also: Learning French: the different meanings behind guirlande

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