History
The first nativity scene was believed to be attributed to St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. The scene was set in Grecco, Italy used living people to play the characters of the nativity. It was used as an educational tool for teaching about Christmas and the birth of Jesus. It became a hit display and its use spread across Europe.
Across Europe, for many many years during the Christmas holidays the kneeling Santa outdoor nativity set was the most used decoration and it still remains today.
Miniature Christmas nativity sets became household decorations for Christian families. They reflected the culture of the area and were typically made from local materials, such as wood straw, terracotta or straw. All nativity sets, no matter how they vary in details, share the same essential characteristics:
- Baby Jesus could not be part of the scene until either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
- Virgin Mary
- Joseph
- Shepherds
- The three Wise Men of the Magi Sometimes, they are added after Christmas
- Animals, like donkeys, cows, as well as sheep
- Angels
Christmas Nativity Sets Around the World
Many countries around the world have added special features to their annual celebrations.
France
In France, a nativity story is known as a creche in French. creche or crib, which translates to crib. The first time it was used was during the French Revolution in the 18th century. These beautiful scenes depict the whole rural French village that is Bethlehem. The scenes include wells, houses, and stores. Tiny villagers are included and all have come to observe the birth of Jesus. French creches are generally constructed of terracotta or painted porcelain. The elaborate displays are typically removed on Christmas Day.
Italy
As the place of the very first nativity show, Italy has large, detailed scenes known as Praesepe or present. These are the primary decorations used for the Christmas season in Italy. They also depict the entire village generally with traditional Italian costumes. They are erected on December 8 which is The Feast of Immaculate Conception. They are removed on the day of Epiphany, January 6. The Baby Jesus is added on Christmas Eve.
Austria
In Austria, Nativity scenes were made out of paint or tin. Paper nativities first appeared as a business promotion of house painters who made these for their customers during periods of low business.
Mexico
Also known as a Nacimiento In Mexico Nacimientos are the principal ornaments used in the Christmas season. They include Mexican Christmas characters such as the rooster that will crow at the birth of Christ; Lucifer, the fallen angel who appears to the shepherds and tries to entice them and the fish, a figure from a popular Christmas carol. The Nacimientos are elaborate displays, and characters are included in the collection each year.
Columbia
In Columbia, the scene is called a pesebre. It is a typical Columbian feature. The landscape is the Columbian countryside, and all the figures are in traditional Columbian costumes. It is the Virgin Mary wearing the shawl and cap of a country woman from the countryside. Joseph wears a Poncho.
Poland
The Christmas nativity sets that are found in Poland go back to in the 13th century. These are known as szopka They are made using simple materials which include foil, wood, or cardboard. They are traditionally carried by carolers to each home. The szopka’s design can vary in size, starting from tiny hand-held versions to massive, life-size pieces. Each year there is an event in Krakow which awards prizes to the best szopka.