Favophilie and Favophiles

Favophilie comes from the word “fève” or “fava bean” which was originally used in the Galette des Rois. Today, small trinkets have replaced the bean during the “Tirage des rois” at Epiphany. At first, the theme was more religious with a plastic baby Jesus, which was then replaced by porcelain. The collectors of these porcelain figurines are called “Favophiles” or also “Fabos” from the equivalent term “Fabophiles”.

Each year, new collections of feves are created with a wide array of themes. The original fèves were handcrafted and created in porcelain from Limoges. They are truly miniature works of art. I can understand the collectors’ passion for their huge collections. Some collectors have over 200,000 pieces, and there are over 250,000 collectors in France. Each year, a few thousand new figurines are produced, depending on the theme for the year. Collectors have to narrow down their collections to include only certain types to keep up.

This is a serious and lucrative business in France, offering an opportunity to showcase French artisanship and savoir-faire. For example, the “Atelier de faïence de Clamecy,” established in 1919, is the leading French manufacturer of artisanal fava beans. It is the sole producer that has received the EPV (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant – Living Heritage Company) label. This label is currently the only official validation by the French Republic. It guarantees, among other things, the “Made in France” origin of the product.

Other feves- makers like Prime also preserve the tradition with a huge collection for every year designed in France. For example, the 2026 bean collection is themed: “Life is an art, life is a celebration.” In a spirit of friendship and sharing, it highlights the beauty of values that make life precious. It celebrates their importance. Embrace life as an art, and make every moment a celebration. Check out their amazing collection archives over the years!

These trinkets are more than mere charms; they are miniature works of Art!