Christmas Countdown Day 14

A Christmas Wish:

Away In A Manger

A few years ago, actually about 37, I sold items made from dried herbs and flowers. I made little packets of these ingredients. They were put into nativity scenes and added a lovely smell. This was before I had a computer, so all my labels were hand printed. I know, it looks a little bit tacky now, but I had a lot of fun with my little business until my allergies took over.

Nativity sets, also known as a creche, (from the word for crib) are an important part of Christmas decorations for many people. They can be a simple depiction of the Christmas story or very elaborate. They have been featured in paintings and sculptures since the early centuries A.D. Many families like to make their own traditions with their Nativities. Some don't place the Baby into the scene until Christmas Eve. Others put a piece of straw in the Manger when anyone does a good deed. Other families just like to play with them. I guess that's why you often see a statue with missing hands. Or heads.

The first "live" nativity scene is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. He arranged for a manger to be set up in a cave with live animals. Those who visited were able to see and feel the conditions of Jesus' birth.

This is recreated in the same town of Greccio, Italy every year for the past fifty years. There are several performances each December and January. Many churches today present live nativities with all the characters at Christmas time.

I have several small nativities placed around my house. This one has small plaster figures. The one in the box is heavy cardboard. Some years I set it up and other years it stays in the box.

The tiny one with lots of pieces came from the gift shop in St Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. It seemed like a great souvenir. Below it is one that was sold at the old dimestores like Woolworths. Each piece was individually priced.

A variation of a basic nativity is the Moravian Putz. This comes from the German word "putzen" which means "to decorate". The Moravians settled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in the eighteenth century and brought the tradition with them. A Putz is essentially a village featuring the stable and Holy Family. Houses and businesses and families and pets all become a part of it. Landscaping is done with rocks and moss and driftwood. 

When you shop for a Nativity today, just about anything is available. I've seen them with all the characters as children, or as teddy bears or dogs and cats. The strangest one I ever saw was one where every character was a lobster. 

This one came from Mexico. It is about two inches square, but very detailed.