| Background on
Nativity Sets
Also know as a crib, prespio or crèche, devotion to nativity
scenes has ancient origins. The popularity of Nativity sets is due
however, thanks to St. Francis who reenacted what was the first
living Nativity scene. 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 set, then almost exclusively life
size, was immediately popular. Initially, churches were the only
ones that erected Nativity sets 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 sets
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 sets were becoming common to 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 sets 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 sets that
reflected each place’s personal character, their trades, and
architecture.
Today, nearly every country and culture now has Nativity traditions
and distinctive style. It is Italy though, that remains the epicenter
of some of the finest crafted Nativity sets available in the world
with workmanship and beauty second to none. The Heirloom Nativity
Sets we offer represent this famous and exacting quality.
Nativity sets 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. |
