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Background
on Nativity Scenes
Also know as a crib, prespio or crèche, devotion to nativity
scenes has ancient origins. The popularity of Nativity scenes is
due however, thanks to St. Francis who reenacted what was the first
living Nativity. Writings from St. Bonaventure and Thomas of Celano
give us detailed accounts of the first Nativity scene.
The idea of a having a Nativity scene, then almost exclusively
life size, was immediately popular. Initially, churches were the
only ones that erected Nativity scenes during Christmas, but soon
the more affluent and prominent citizens began having their own
created. Well known sculptors were hired on occasion to make Nativity
scenes that would not only honor the Incarnation, but raise the
bar for others able to compete in the good spirited zeal of the
season.
Today nearly every country and culture now has a Nativity tradition
and distinctive style. It is Italy though, that remains the epicenter
of some of the finest crafted Nativity scenes available in the world
with workmanship and beauty second to none.
Nativity scenes are traditionally put on display from Christmas
eve until the end of Epiphany. The Nativity has many purposes, but
fundamentally it is to remind the faithful of the mystery of the
Incarnation and to recall the Gospel and historical events connected
with the birth of the Redeemer. |
