History of Nativities
The first nativity
was a live historical event. According to St. Luke the Evangelist, a peasant
couple, named Mary and Joseph, arrived in Bethlehem,
late at night. There was no room for them in the inn, and so they were shown a
stable (probably a cave) where animals were kept. It was there that she gave
birth to her first born Son. Having no proper cradle, she laid Him in a manger,
which was simply a feeding trough for animals. The story of this humble birth,
has inspired artists for centuries.
The two oldest surviving depictions of this event, date from the fourth century. One, dating from 380 AD, was discovered in 1877. It was painted on a wall of the catacombs of St. Sebastian Church, in Rome. The other was painted on a sarcophagus in the Basilica of St. Maximin. It shows the Three Wise Men kneeling before the Child.
Nativity plays were popular in the Middle Ages. Dramas, produced by the Church, were generally performed on the steps of the great cathedrals, to entertain and educate the populace. In 1223, St Francis of Assisi, celebrated a midnight mass, out of doors, utilizing a small cave, a manger, and two live animals: an ox and ass. Some say Francis used wooden figures for Mary and Joseph and a wax figure for the Baby. Other scholars say he used real people and an infant. However it was accomplished, the people who gathered, sang and prayed. They were moved by the wonder of it and many claimed that those who took a bit of the hay from the manger, were cured of all manner of disease, and also their cattle. Francis had brought the story to life.
Nativity plays were popular in the Middle Ages. Dramas, produced by the Church, were generally performed on the steps of the great cathedrals, to entertain and educate the populace. In 1223, St Francis of Assisi, celebrated a midnight mass, out of doors, utilizing a small cave, a manger, and two live animals: an ox and ass. Some say Francis used wooden figures for Mary and Joseph and a wax figure for the Baby. Other scholars say he used real people and an infant. However it was accomplished, the people who gathered, sang and prayed. They were moved by the wonder of it and many claimed that those who took a bit of the hay from the manger, were cured of all manner of disease, and also their cattle. Francis had brought the story to life.
The oldest surviving three-dimensional nativity is di Cambio’s marble carvings of Jesus and the ones who came to honour Him. These seven hundred year old figures can be seen in Santa Maria’s Museum, in Italy. The Italian word for nativity is “presepio” which is derived from the Latin word for “enclosure”…or the cradle which surrounds the Child. Generally the presepio is a three-dimensional representation of the Holy Family and as desired, other people and animals are included. Italian nativities, also generally include details like background scenery, plants, flowers, utensils from daily life and additional people from the town. Fontanini Nativities are an example of this. Collectors can literally build a whole city around the Family.
Nativity scenes are also sometimes called “crèches” which is a French word for “infant’s bed.” (In Europe they call daycares “crèche schools.”) When used for a nativity scene, it refers to the manger and also the people and animals who are gathered around it. Generally, this includes the Babe in the manger and Joseph standing beside Mary, who is seated. Joseph often has a walking stick, symbolic of the long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and he usually holds a lamp. (If you’re ever wondering which is the shepherd and which is Joseph, look for the candy-cane shaped crook in the hand of the shepherd, as opposed to the straight walking stick and lamp held by Joseph.) Additional figures can include the donkey, angels, shepherds, sheep, three Wise Men, peasants from the town of Bethlehem, a cow, ox, doves, camels, star, and so on. Nativities can be very simple or extremely detailed and ornate.
Until the 1600’s, nativities were displayed only in churches, but soon, the crèche became a popular scene of devotion in homes, as well. Some families placed the figures a few at a time during Advent (the four weeks prior to Christmas), but did not put the Babe in the manger until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This tradition is still popular today, although in America, we tend to place all the figures together. (For accuracy’s sake, the shepherds arrived first and left, long before the Wise Men arrived.)
Each country has its own style in nativity art. South American nativities are often made of red clay that has been fired, or created from wood and brightly painted. Olive wood nativities come from the Holy Land, and coconut “stables” may house Hawaiian nativity figures. Chinese nativities emphasize figures with darker skins and slant eyes. American Indian nativities often have buffalos and teepees to replace oxen and the dark stable. Whether whimsical, regional, or adhering strictly to the Bible story, nativity scenes tell the same story – in thousands of ways.
The nativity is a primary Christmas decoration in Europe. In America, they are often “lost” amid the wreaths, trees, Santas, bells, snowmen, and reindeer. However there is growing interest in nativities. There are some permanent nativities on display year ‘round, and many people now collect nativities.
Each country has its own style in nativity art. South American nativities are often made of red clay that has been fired, or created from wood and brightly painted. Olive wood nativities come from the Holy Land, and coconut “stables” may house Hawaiian nativity figures. Chinese nativities emphasize figures with darker skins and slant eyes. American Indian nativities often have buffalos and teepees to replace oxen and the dark stable. Whether whimsical, regional, or adhering strictly to the Bible story, nativity scenes tell the same story – in thousands of ways.
The nativity is a primary Christmas decoration in Europe. In America, they are often “lost” amid the wreaths, trees, Santas, bells, snowmen, and reindeer. However there is growing interest in nativities. There are some permanent nativities on display year ‘round, and many people now collect nativities.
If you are interested in additional information about collecting nativity scenes, please try “Friends of the Crèche.” This is a society dedicated to the Christmas nativity. They can be reached at friendsofthecreche.org. (Dues are $35 a year). Additionally, the site crechemania.com introduces the enthusiast to elaborate pop-up, fold-out, and punch-out, 3d paper nativities. Other sites for collectors can also be found on line.
Thank you for visiting my website. I hope it brought you joy, peace and a renewed awareness of what CHRISTmas is all about. And I hope-- in at least one crèche, the Christ Child winked at you.
Blessings at Christmas!
Thank you for visiting my website. I hope it brought you joy, peace and a renewed awareness of what CHRISTmas is all about. And I hope-- in at least one crèche, the Christ Child winked at you.
Blessings at Christmas!
