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. When St. Francis visited Rome in 1223, he asked for permission from Pope Honorius III to hold a special celebration during Christmas. He constructed a Nativity and around it stood figures of the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph, the donkey, the ox, and the shepherds who came to adore the new-born Savior. On Christmas night a child was placed in a crib as an ox and donkey stood nearby. 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. Nativity scenes were becoming common in all social levels with more and more families eagerly looking forward to displaying their own crib scene. It would not be until the later part of the 19th century that family Nativity scenes would become a home tradition throughout Italy. By that time also, much of Europe had heartily adopted the Christmas tradition. Everywhere, various figures and features, from fisherman and merchants to fountains and particular buildings clearly linked to specific towns, began appearing in Nativity scenes that reflected each place's personal character, their trades, and architecture.

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. The Heirloom Nativity Scenes we offer represent this famous and exacting quality.

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.

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