The Origins of Nativity Scenes Around the World
For Christian households, Christmas nativity sets are a must-have festive décor. These portrayals of Christ’s birth in a manger are based on Matthew and Luke’s gospels. Nativity sets come in a variety of materials and levels of sophistication, but they all serve as a reminder of what the Christmas season is all about.
History
The first nativity scene was credited to St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. This scene in Grecco, Italy used living people as the nativity characters. It was an instructional tool to teach about the birth of Jesus. It became a popular display and it use spread across Europe.
Miniature Christmas nativity sets became household decorations for Christian families. They reflected the area culture and were usually made of local materials, such as wood, terracotta or straw. All nativity sets, no matter how they vary in details, have the same basic characters:
- Baby Jesus, who may not be included in the scene until either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
- Virgin Mary
- Joseph
- Shepherds
- The Three Wise Men of Magi, sometimes added after Christmas
- Animals, such as donkeys, cows and sheep
- Angels
Christmas Nativity Sets Around the World
Many countries around the world have added their own special touches to their nativities.
France
A crèche, or crib, is the French word for a nativity scene. It was first used in the 18th century during the French Revolution. These grandiose images symbolize Bethlehem by depicting an entire rural French community. Houses, wells, and businesses are among them. There are tiny townspeople in this scene, all of whom have come to see the Baby Jesus. Crèches in France are frequently fashioned of terracotta or hand-painted porcelain. On Christmas Day, this spectacular display is customarily taken down.
Italy
Italy, as the birthplace of the nativity scene, boasts big, intricate scenes known as presepe or presepi. In Italy, these are the most common Christmas decorations. They usually portray a full village in genuine Italian peasant costume. They are erected on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and removed on January 6, the Epiphany. On Christmas Eve, the Baby Jesus is added.
Austria
Nativity scenes in Austria were originally fashioned of paper or painted tin. The paper nativities started as a marketing tool for home painters, who built them for customers during slow seasons.
Mexico
Nativities, also known as nacimientos in Mexico, are the most common Christmas decorations in homes. They include Mexican Christmas characters like the rooster, who crows at Christ’s birth; Lucifer, the fallen angel, who tries to entice the shepherds; and a fish, who appears in a popular Christmas ballad. Each year, new figures are added to the nacimientos, which are elaborate exhibitions.
Columbia
The scenario is known as a pesebre in Columbia. It has typical Columbian characteristics. The scene is set in the countryside of Columbia, and all of the characters are dressed in traditional Columbian folk garb. The Virgin Mary is dressed in a rustic countrywoman’s shawl and cap. Joseph is dressed in a poncho.
Poland
Poland’s Christmas nativity scenes date from the 13th century. They are known as szopka and are fashioned of simple materials like wood, foil, or cardboard. Carolers traditionally deliver them to each home. Szopkas come in a wide range of sizes, from tiny pocket forms to gigantic, life-size sculptures. Every year in Krakow, a tournament honoring the best szopka is held.
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