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As Christmas approaches, many homes display nativity scenes that depict the birth or birthplace of Jesus in the village of Bethlehem. 

Christian nativity scenes, also called a crib or creche (meaning crib or manager in French) show Jesus in a manger, with parents Joseph and Mary in a barn (or cave) intended to accommodate farm animals. A mule and an ox accompany them, as described in the Apocryphal Gospels. The scene sometimes includes the Magi (or Three Wise Men), shepherds, angels and the star of Bethlehem.  However, the scenes that show the shepherds and Magi together are not consistent with the story in the Bible since the Magi arrived to present gifts to Jesus after his birth.

 Nativity scenes are presented in two dimensions such as drawings, paintings and icons, or in three-dimensional forms such as sculptures or crafts.  Although St Francis of Assisi is credited with the invention of three-dimensional nativity scenes, drawings and paintings existed earlier. In mid-December 1223, in a natural cave in the town of Greccio, Assisi is said to have prepared a straw-filled manger complete with animals. Accompanied by others, he celebrated Christmas Eve Mass. There were many claims of miraculous healings following this depiction of the birth of Jesus, and reenactment of the Christmas story spread.

The tradition was brought into Spain from Naples during the reign of Charles III of Spain. In the Piazza San Pietro in the Vatican City, a life size nativity is on permanent display.

In Spain and other Hispanic countries, nativity scenes are  called Belen (meaning Bethlehem in Spanish). In Argentina, they are called pesebre.

In Provence, in the south of France, nativity scenes are sometimes composed of hundreds of small painted clay figurines, called santons, representing all the traditional trades and professions of old Provence. Because of their cultural value, the santons are often collected as art or craft objects, regardless of their possible use in a nativity scene.

Those who create nativity scenes in take little shepherds made of clay, usually dressed in indigenous clothing, and place them in a setting that can include replicas of local houses, parks, mountains, rivers and lakes.

Over the years, nativity scenes have become more high-tech by featuring animated characters powered by batteries or electricity.  And it is not uncommon for media outlets to organize contests to recognize people in the community who have created the most elaborate and beautiful nativity scenes. 

Resource: Wikipedia.com, About.com

Today’s Lesson

1)  A navity scene is also called ______________________.

2)  In Spain and hispanic countries, a Nativity scene is called ___________.  In Argentina ______________.

3)  Who is credited with the invention or three-dimensional Nativity Scenes?

4)  How are los nacimientos created in Central American?

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Answers:     1)  Crib or créche.  2)  Belen.  Pesebre.  3)  St. Francis de Assisi.  4)  In Central American the nacimientos are created with little shepherds made of clay, usually dressing typical clothing.  They also include several little houses, parks, mountains, rivers and lakes.