History
The first Nativity scene was attributed to Saint. Francis of Assisi in 1223. This scene is located in Grecce, Italy used living people as the nativity’s main characters. It was an educational tool for teaching about Christmas and the birth of Jesus. It became a popular display and its use spread across Europe.
Miniature Christmas sets for nativity became decorative items for households of Christian families. They were a reflection of the local culture and were typically made from local materials like wood straw, terracotta, or straw. Every nativity set, no regardless of the particulars, share the same essential characteristics:
- Baby Jesus is a baby Jesus who will not be included in the scene until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
- Virgin Mary
- Joseph
- Shepherds
- The 3 Wise Men of the Magi, sometimes added after Christmas
- Animals, including donkeys, cows, as well as sheep
- Angels
Christmas Nativity Sets Around the World
A variety of countries across the globe have added unique touches to their annual celebrations.
France
In France, the scene of a nativity is known as a creche in French. creche and means crib. It was first used during the French Revolution in the 18th century. These beautiful scenes depict the whole rural French village that symbolizes Bethlehem. They feature houses, wells, and shops. There are tiny villages on the list, and they all come to view the Baby Jesus. French creches are often constructed using terracotta, or hand-painted porcelain. The elaborate displays are typically taken down on Christmas Day.
Italy
In the country that was the birthplace of the first nativity exhibit, Italy has large, detailed scenes called presepe or present. These are the most prominent decorations used for celebrations of Christmas throughout Italy. They also depict a complete village, usually with traditional Italian costumes. They are set up on December 8, which is an important day in the Feast of Immaculate Conception, and taken down at the end of January 6 on Epiphany. The Baby Jesus is added on Christmas Eve.
Austria
In Austria Nativity scenes in Austria were made out of paint or tin. The paper nativities started as an advertisement for the business of house artists who created they sold to their clients during downtimes of business.
Mexico
They are also known as Nacimiento called a Nacimiento Mexico The nativities are the most prominent decorations for Christmas at home. They include Mexican Christmas characters, including the rooster, who is seen crowing at the birth of Christ; Lucifer, the fallen angel who appears to tempt the shepherds; and a fish, a character in a Christmas song that is popular. The nacimientos are elaborate displays and characters are added to the collection every year.
Columbia
In Columbia, the scene is known as pesebre. It features typical Columbian elements. The scenery is Columbian countryside and all figures are dressed in traditional Columbian clothing. In the scene, Virgin Mary wears the shawl and the hat worn by a rural lady. Joseph wears his poncho. In Colombia its common to see nativity yard signs all over the country during holidays.
Poland
The Christmas Nativity sets in Poland originate from 14th-century Poland. Called szopka and are made out of basic materials, like foil, wood or even cardboard. They are traditionally carried by carolers to each house. The szopka’s appearance can vary in size, from tiny handheld versions , to large pieces of life-size. Every year, there is the annual contest in Krakow with prizes awarded to the most impressive szopka.