December 21, 2012. (Romereports.com) “Start preparing your Nativity scenes in your homes, with the expectation and warmth with which Mary awaited the arrival in this world of the Savior of all mankind,” Benedict XVI recommended just a few days ago.
One of the elements that cannot be missing on Christmas time is the Nativity scene. The depiction of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus can be found in homes and churches. But, when did that tradition begin?
Along the catacombs of early Christians, there are images of Nativity scenes. But St. Francis of Assisi is considered the first promoter of this tradition.
ROBERTO FABRIZI
Associazione Italiana Amici del Presepio
“St. Francis asked Pope Honorius III for permission to make an image depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Although, we can't consider this a Nativity scene because it only showed the baby, the bull and the donkey.”
Because of the large number of people who did not know how to read or write at the time, St. Francis found a solution to explain the meaning of Christmas. However, it was a living depiction, and not figurines. There had to be a 67 year wait for them to develop.
ROBERTO FABRIZI
Associazione Italiana Amici del Presepio
“The very first we can historically call a Nativity scene with figurines that stand out from the landscape is the Nativity set build by Arnolfo di Cambio, from the year 1290.”
The Council of Trent pushed to install the Nativity scenes in Churches during Christmas. Slowly, families also started doing it at home, and the figurines began adapting to each country.
Today, it is considered an propelled art, protected by cultural associations. There are even classes designed to learn how to make them. They can be very original, or build in a more traditional style. But the important part is taking care of the details, such as the moss, rocks and light to have the figurines come to life.
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