Thursday 21 November 2013

THe History of Nativity Sets

The first-ever Nativity scene recorded in history was created by St. Francis of Assisi.
Determined to remind people of the true meaning of Christmas, St Francis set about creating the world’s first known Nativity scene to help tell people of The Nativity Story. It was created in a cave near Greccio, Italy, and involved real people and animals, making it a living Nativity scene.
While living Nativity scenes still exist today, static and smaller versions are more popular and easier to manage!
Some of the most famous Nativity scenes can be found at the Vatican, the White House and in Bethlehem.
How Nativity Scenes Came to our Homes
Nativity scenes and sets as we know them today found their roots in the 1300′s and started as display pieces for Italian churches - often made out of terracotta.
In the mid-1500′s, Nativity sets also began to appear in the homes of wealthier citizens. These were much smaller versions than the large statues found in churches and were often made using wax and wood instead of terracotta.
Over the years, the nativity scenes spread across to most Christian countries, each adding its own influence and unique style. Traditions were also developed in some countries, most notably in Central American and Mediterranean countries.
It is still traditional in Germany to display all pieces of the Nativity set with the exception of baby Jesus, who is only displayed after Christmas Eve, as before that time he is not yet been born.
Today’s Nativity Sets
Today, the typical Nativity set is made out of more modern materials and a basic nativity set should consist of at least five pieces. The stable is the setting and the manger where baby Jesus will rest, is usually placed front and centre in the stable. This is because Jesus is the most significant piece in any Nativity set. Mary and Joseph are also prominent, but not as prominent. Mary is often placed right beside the manger, fondly looking over her son, while Joseph is usually placed on the other side of the manger looking down on Jesus. Together, these five pieces, stable, manger, Christ child, Mary and Joseph, make a complete yet basic set.
In addition to the basic set, it is not uncommon for homes to have larger sets that include the star of Bethlehem, the Angel Gabriel, the shepherds, the Wisemen, and various barn animals.
Please visit our website to see our full range of nativity sets now available.









No comments: