Nativity scene

Nativity scene in Nazareth, Orthodox Church of the Archangel Gabriel over source Mary (2014)

A nativity scene is a three-dimensional depiction of the Nativity of Jesus. It is also called a crib, manger or crèche. Typically, a large scale scene includes: the Holy Family, the angels, the Magi, the ox and the donkey, and an assortment of shepherds, villagers, servants and others.

There are two types of scenes: static representations of figures made of clay or other material and living scenes. Static scenes are often displayed on a table top in the home. In living scenes, humans and animals portray the characters in the scene.

St. Francis of Assisi is said to have created the first nativity scene in 1223 (a "living" one) near Greccio, Italy. It was a "hit". The scene's popularity inspired communities throughout Catholic countries to stage similar scenes.

In the modern world, nativity scenes have provoked controversy. Animals are said to be abused in living scenes and objections have been placed against static scenes displayed on public lands. In addition, outdoor scenes are often the target of vandals. Theft or destruction of outdoor figures is not uncommon.

Nativity Scene Media

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  Neapolitan presepio at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh

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  Detail of an elaborate Neapolitan presepio in Rome

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  St. Francis at Greccio by Giotto, 1295

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  Crib set by Arnolfo di Cambio, Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome c. 1290

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  Nativity of Cretan School by Victor circa 1676

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  Outdoor nativity scene of life-sized figurines in Barcelona (2009)

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  Living nativity in Sicily, which also contains a mock rural 19th-century village

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  The Australian Nativity Scene at St. Elizabeth's, Dandenong North. Creator, artist Wilson Fernandez inset at top-right.

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  Part of the Krýza's crèche – a castle

Other websites

• Roman presepi Archived 2022-05-25 at the Wayback Machine
• The message of the child — Original Nativity scenes made with natural stones
• The Neapolitan Crib (Presepe)
• International crèche school - History of Nativities and instructions for building them Archived 2009-09-01 at the Wayback Machine
• Nativiti scene - Florece,FaQ - Video details Archived 2008-01-31 at the Wayback Machine