The Nativity History and much more The Nativity

The Nativity History and much more

The Nativity is the representation of the birth of Jesus, set up at Christmas time, having the crib in the centre of the scenery. The main elements in the Nativity are: Mary, Saint Joseph, Baby Jesus , the ox, the donkey, the shepherds, the sheep, the three wise men also called the Magi, the angels.

Statues are made in different materials such as wood, plastic, paper and clay

The Nativity can be performed by local people in «living» representations all around Italy

In the «living» Nativity, people play the role of the various characters. There also people performing ancient jobs dating back to the time when the first Nativity was born, such as carpenters’, blacksmiths’ and tanners’ workshops.

The first representation of the Nativity dates back to 1223, in a small town called Greccio, in the region of Umbria, in the centre of Italy, where Saint Francis decides to celebrate Christmas; he chooses to represent the birth of Christ in a cave, with common people performing the characters.

After the death of the Saint, this tradition spread all over Italy and in many European countries. Today the Nativity is considered an important cultural world heritage.

The city of Naples, in the south of Italy, is well known for its tradition of craftsmen’s statues workshops. At Christmas time people go shopping in open air markets to buy statues and many other things.

Craftsmen working in their shops

From the Eighteenth Century the statues are traditionally dressed according to the fashion of the times.

Every year, at Christmas time, in almost all Italian houses, familes use to set up the Nativity. It’s a magic moment, full of religious meaning, and all the family members participate. According to tradition, Baby Jesus can be put on the crib only on the 24 th December, after midnight.

Here are some photos taken in our homes

These are examples of plastic statues made by some students, using new technological devices, such as the 3 D printer