Concept

Nativity scene

Overview

In the Christian tradition, a nativity scene, also known as a manger scene, crib or crèche ( or , from French; in Italian presepio or presepe; in some other languages also called a "Bethlehem") is the special exhibition, particularly during Christmastide, of art objects representing the birth of Jesus Christ. While the term nativity scene may be used of any representation of the very common subject of the Nativity of Jesus in art, it has a more specialized sense referring to seasonal displays, in particular sets of individual sculptural figures and props that are arranged for display.

Other characters from the nativity story, such as shepherds, sheep, and angels may be displayed near the manger in a barn (or a cave) intended to accommodate farm animals, as described in the Gospel of Luke. A donkey and an ox are typically depicted in the scene, and the Magi and their camels, described in the Gospel of Matthew, are also included. Many also include a representation of the Star of Bethlehem. Several cultures add other characters and objects that may or may not be biblical.

The first nativity scene featuring live actors was organized by Francis of Assisi in 1223 in the Italian town of Greccio. Francis had been inspired by his visit to the Holy Land, where he had been shown the Grotto of the Nativity.

Distinctive nativity scenes and traditions have been created around the world, and are displayed during the Christmas season in churches, homes, shopping malls and other venues, and occasionally on public lands and in public buildings. Nativity scenes have not escaped controversy, and in some countries their inclusion on public lands or in public buildings has provoked court challenges.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0; see the article history for authors).

Possible passages

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28:3; and as angels are also described by the Psalmist, when he says, "Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flaming fire," Ps. 104:4. And again, it is said, Luke 2:9, "That when the angel of the Lord came to the shepherds, the glory of the Lord shone round about them." Of the same description also was the countenance of Christ at his transfiguration on Mount Tabor, of whom it is said, "And his face did…
Martin Luther, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1
States what Nativity scene is.
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So when children play horse, play store, play house or making calls, they are subordinating the physically present to the ideally signified. In this way, a world of meanings, a store of concepts (so fundamental to all intellectual achievement), is defined and built up. Moreover, not only do meanings thus become familiar acquaintances, but they are organized, arranged in groups, made to cohere in connected ways. A…
John Dewey, How We Think
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This applies most conspicuously to the intellect, the action of which remains in the intelligent agent. For whenever we understand, by the very fact of understanding there proceeds something within us, which is a conception of the object understood, a conception issuing from our intellectual power and proceeding from our knowledge of that object. This conception is signified by the spoken word; and it is called the…
Aquinas Thomas, Summa Theologica, Part I
States what Nativity scene is.
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Philosophers who discussed Nativity scene

Freedom from Religion Foundation

Related ideas

Place in the tradition

Part of Fundamentalism.

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