Many people want to know what a nativity scene is and what the meaning of this word is. This is a theatrical performance that still exists today, because many people follow enduring traditions. It is not like other types of puppet theaters.
Initially, it is a small but rather spacious cave. In the gospel books you can find information that this is a cave-stable. It was here that shepherds drove their livestock to protect animals from bad weather. The Bible says that next to Bethlehem there was also a cave where the Son of God was born.
In the Middle Ages, this word was used to describe portable puppet theaters. The performers acted out various biblical scenes that date back to the Nativity of Christ. The first theater appeared in Italy at the beginning of the 13th century. In Russia, the mention dates back to the 14th century.
Translated from Old Russian, this is a cave or gorge. It also denotes a folk theater, which is created by Orthodox people who want to perpetuate traditions and convey biblical information to the younger generation.
The Christmas Miniature is a reproduction of nativity scenes using art elements. The word means sculpture, theater. It could also be the cave where Jesus Christ was born. In the Bible you can often find information about the actions of robbers. The word is interpreted differently, depending on the general context.
Wikipedia gives two interpretations of this concept. In the first sense, it is a cave, the word refers to an obsolete use. The meaning of the word nativity scene is the cave of the Nativity.
Christians believe that it was in such a place that Jesus Christ was born. You can also find figurative values on Wikipedia:
- reproduction of the Nativity scene (in addition, the following means of art are used - these are theatrical performances, a nativity scene, sculptures, themed things and products);
- Belarusian puppet theater of folk art;
- a brothel or place of debauchery, as well as a room where crimes are committed;
- slums, poor, not decorated premises.
There is a village with the name Vertep, which is located in the Komi Republic (Izhma district), as well as a village in the Khust district (Transcarpathian region, Ukraine).
Nativity scene
The meaning of the word nativity scene during the Christmas holidays implies a reproduction of the scene of the Nativity of Christ. For this, sculptures, dolls and other elements of art are used. It looks beautiful and unusual during a theatrical scene. This may be an image that relates to the subject of religious worship. To find out what a Christmas nativity scene is, you need to get acquainted with several versions.
There are several common forms:
- Composition. Christmas scenes are reproduced using three-dimensional figures, dolls, which are made from various materials. In Catholic countries, they regularly arrange compositions on this topic. Many people use shapes that are driven by a hidden mechanism.
- Theatre. The nativity scene is based on the means of the puppet theater. Additionally, trained and professional people-actors take part. Such a theater has become widespread in Belarus, Poland, Ukraine, and in some regions of the Russian Federation. To organize the nativity scene, you can use a special box, inside which scenes with the use of dolls are shown.
- Live theatrical scene. The characters are real people.
Note! All performances and varieties of nativity scenes are closely intertwined and are based on stories from the Bible, for example, about the Nativity of Christ, and other events.
Sculptures and decorative compositions are displayed for public viewing. Theatrical compositions are shown only during the Christmas period.
Different materials and techniques can be used to organize the composition. More often, individual technologies are used, which are intertwined with the traditions of a particular area. In some regions of Russia, dolls are made of wood and ceramics. Also paper, metal, wax, plastic are used.
In most cases, complex techniques are involved. In the Neapolitan representation, the faces of the figures are made of terracotta, glass was used as eyes, and the hands were carved from wood.
To create figurines, natural materials can be used - earth, bunches of straw, plants to depict the surrounding nature, stone for decorating the walls in a cave. The compositions are decorated with fir branches.
Useful video: nativity scenes
Wandering nativity scene at the fair
The performance is often held at various fairs. In the evening, people arrange theatrical performances, using the obligatory paraphernalia - these are dolls and a large star with a lot of rays. They sing theme songs, carols. People can watch a drama that will not leave anyone indifferent.
The performance at the fair is divided into several parts - this is a religious part and a comic part. In some regions of the Russian Federation, Christmas marathons are often held in the park. Organize a large fair for the locals to attend the Christmas event.
In addition to the Christmas performance (installation of the scene of the birth of Christ from the Bible), you can buy traditional Russian food products and handmade gifts at the fair. It is important to bear in mind that this is the traditional organization pattern.
As part of the Christmas celebrations, folk carols, performances by folk groups, thematic master classes, and Sunday school performances are held. The wandering nativity scene is found in manuscripts at the beginning of the 18th century. The theater was organized in the form of an avant-garde utopia realization.
Useful video: Nativity scene of the Okolitsa ensemble of the Children's Art School
Nativity doll
The stationary nativity doll is widely used in Catholic countries. There they acquired religious and traditional characteristics. Such dolls are often found in some Protestant countries. On the territory of the Russian Federation, they have gained popularity over the past few years.
Their compositions capture not only a certain moment of the Nativity of Christ, but also a set of other events. This can be the adoration of the Magi or the shepherds. The performances are organized according to Christian traditions. Multi-figure compositions are also popular.
People can use puppets to organize specific gospel stories. The most popular and demanded are Escape to Egypt, Massacre of Babies and many others. The Bible contains information on what a nativity scene is and how to properly organize a performance. In the compositions, various characters often appear, which in most cases remain unchanged - these are the baby Jesus, Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary.
To see what a nativity scene is and how to properly organize performances, you need to look at photos from ready-made performances. The meaning of the word nativity scene is interpreted differently in different regions of Russia, so the dolls are decorated taking into account their traditions.
Other characters may also be involved in the production:
- Ox and donkey. There is information that these animals, with their breath, helped warm the newborn baby. There is no data on this action in the canonical Gospels. Images with animals can be seen in Christian paintings.
- Shepherds and sheep. One of them is shown in the picture as a symbol of the Lamb of God.
- Three wise men. There is a Catholic tradition that on the day of the Epiphany it is necessary to worship the Magi. Figures of these animals often take part in the performance on January 6th.
- Angels. The Bible contains information that the news of the birth of the Savior was brought by the archangel Gabriel.
Important! In Orthodox churches, performances with the participation of volumetric figures are also arranged.
Helpful video: example of a nativity scene
Conclusion
Other characters are often included in the performance. It all depends on the scale of the holiday, the organizer's imagination and regional traditions. These can be wise men, camels, horses or elephants. Christmas composition attracts attention with its color and originality. The organizers can play around with different scenes, situations, the birth of Christ.
In contact with
There is a wonderful old tradition - to put a nativity scene in the house at Christmas. This is a model of the Bethlehem cave with dolls inside. Someone buys it in a store or at a fair, someone prefers to tinker themselves. In Europe, this tradition has never been interrupted; it has been for many centuries.
In Russia, nativity scenes were popular before the revolution. But since 1917, anti-religious propaganda began and the first to come under attack were the traditions and rituals associated specifically with Christmas. Alas, many of them have been forgotten for many years.
An angel from the ice den in Yakutia. Photo by Archpriest Sergei Klintsov
The revival of the den took place in the 1980s. Ideological pressure eased, and folklorists had the opportunity to openly engage in the study of traditional folk and religious culture. Nativity scenes are different. In those that are installed at home, most often you can see the figures of the Infant Christ, the Mother of God, Joseph, angels, shepherds, magi and animals. In churches, nativity scenes are made from spruce branches - a kind of tent. It is installed over the festive Christmas icon, and everyone who comes up to bow to the icon finds themselves in this way inside the Christmas cave. And in the coldest regions, for example, in Yakutia, on city squares and near churches, you can see very beautiful nativity scenes made of ice.
The nativity scene is translated from Old Slavonic as a cave. As a rule, this is the name of the only cave in which Christ was born.
The Cave of the Nativity, or the Holy Nativity Scene, is located under the pulpit of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The birthplace of the Savior is marked on the floor with a silver star and an inscription in Latin: "Jesus Christ was born here from the Virgin Mary." Sixteen icon lamps glow in a semicircular niche above the star. And a little further away is the Chapel of the Manger - the place where the Virgin Mary put Christ after birth. Sami Manger, a pet feeder that the Mother of God used as a cradle, was taken to Rome in the 7th century as a great shrine. And the niche where the manger once stood was covered with marble.
This Nativity scene became the prototype for all subsequent people created by art.
Time passed, and now from under the hands of the masters, wooden carved nativity scenes began to come out, made of cardboard and papier-mâché, clay, porcelain, plaster ... illiterate. Some scientists attribute the appearance of such panoramas to Francis of Assisi, who in 1223 met the holy night in the village of Greccio. To remind of the holiday, he created a live "installation" of the den (in Italian - "presepe", "manger"). Since then, not only in Italy, but throughout Europe and in many countries of the world, there has been a tradition to establish nativity scenes in churches and homes of believers. The images of the Infant Christ and the Mother of God, Joseph, angels, shepherds in these static compositions often transfer the viewer from ancient Judea to the realities of modern cities. By the way, there is a whole street in Naples, Italy, which still houses numerous nativity scenes.
In Russia, of course, there were also preseps. However, more popular (especially in the 18th-19th centuries) were theatrical nativity scenes - short puppet shows with a Christmas plot. Nativity scenes were also called wooden two- or three-story portable boxes-houses, where, in fact, the performance was played. The public was shown scenes from the Holy Scriptures - the Christmas mystery. Moreover, the Christmas drama was shown not only in secular houses, but also in the houses of priests. And by the end of the 18th century, a dynasty of criminals had developed in St. Petersburg - the Kolosov family, who for almost a century kept the traditions of performing performances.
The heyday of nativity scenes came in the 19th century, when they became popular not only in central Russia, but also in Siberia. Until the end of the century, the nativity scene wandered through the cities and villages, at the same time experiencing "secularization" and turning from a puppet drama with a biblical plot into a secular folk performance. The nativity scene began to consist of two parts: a Christmas mystery and a fun musical comedy with a local flavor. But by the end of the century, the booth scenes played on the lower floor turned out to be more significant than the events of the “upper tier”. The criminals began to carry a wonderful box at the fairs not only on Christmastide, but went with it until Maslenitsa. It is known that some artists even went with nativity scenes to the Nizhny Novgorod fair, which opened ... on July 15!
The October Revolution of 1917 and the anti-religious campaign that followed it decided the fate of the Christmas performances. They, like the traditional Christmas tree, were under a strict ban. Soon, the texts of the nativity scene were lost and the secrets of driving dolls were forgotten. Only in 1980 did the Dmitry Pokrovsky Folklore Ensemble start restoring the traditional den. Pokrovsky turned for help to the well-known researcher of the puppet theater, director Viktor Novatsky. The folklorist studied the Belarusian, Ukrainian and Russian nativity scenes, carefully examined the nativity scenes at the Sergei Obraztsov Theater, in the Bakhrushin Museum. Gathering bit by bit the elements of the nativity scene, revealing the characteristic features of individual nativity scenes, Novatsky restored the text of the performance and "revived" the Christmas dolls. His version of the action became a model.
How is the nativity scene?
Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226
The nativity scene is very interesting. The drawer-house, picturesquely decorated from the inside, has special slots for driving dolls. Dolls cannot move from one floor to another. In the upper tier, scenes were played out related to the Holy Family, and the lower one depicted the palace of King Herod. In the same part, satirical scenes and comedies were shown in later times. However, the nativity scene is not just a magic box, it is a small model of the universe: the upper world (upper floor), lower world (lower floor), and hell is a hole into which Herod falls.
In winter, the nativity scene was taken by sleigh, carried from the hut to the hut, and performances were shown at inns. Benches were set up around the den, candles were lit, and the tale began.
The classic "troupe" of the den - the Mother of God, Joseph, Angel, Shepherd, Three Magi Tsars, Herod, Rachel, Soldier, Devil, Death and Sexton, whose duty was to light candles at the den before the show. Each doll was attached to a pin, for which the puppeteer could take from below, like a handle, and move it along special slots in the floor of the stage.
A baby in a nativity scene, as a rule, is a tightly twisted flagellum of white matter; the sheep with which the shepherd comes to worship Christ is a curly ball of yarn. As a rule, the characters in the nativity scene are made of wood or rags, made of simple, cheap material - they are easy to make, easy to carry.
However, among the nativity scene there was an unwritten rule: a doll depicting the Mother of God should be made differently from everyone else, as if it were being made by another artist. Therefore, the images of the Mother of God and the Savior were created by the masters-nativity scenes with great care. Sometimes an icon was placed instead of a doll of the Mother of God.
How does the action take place?
The nativity scene is based on the story of the Savior's coming to earth. An angel announces the birth of God. The Shepherd, three Wise Men come to bow to the Newborn Infant. The latter tell of a meeting with Herod, to whom they informed about the birth of the future great King. The Angel warns the Magi not to “go to Herod”, not to betray Christ to him (Herod is afraid that the born Tsar will take away his power). The enraged Herod commands the Warrior to "beat up the babies" in Bethlehem. Rachel comes to him, begging him not to kill her child: “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and sobbing, and a great cry; Rachel weeps for her children and does not want to be comforted, for they are not there ”(Jer. 31:15, Matt. 2:18). But Herod is deaf to her pleas. An angel comforts Rachel. Death comes to Herod, he asks her for a delay, but Death calls the Devil, and he drags Herod into the underworld.
In the second part of the performance, everyday scenes are shown, then the characters "say goodbye" to the audience.
Modern nativity scene with many characters Naples. Lalupa Photos
According to the researcher of the tradition of the den, Boris Goldovsky, the music in both actions of the performance was no less important than the text. She always gave very accurate characteristics to the heroes and saturates the performance itself with a holiday. The cants were especially popular, in which folk songs and secular dance melodies were combined.
The nativity scene was and remains one of the favorite traditions of celebrating Christmas. And no matter how static, mechanical or even living, with the participation of human actors, for the viewer, first of all, he is a wonderful sign, pointing to the very Bethlehem cave.
Do you know that…
Nativity angel. Photo by Vladimir Yestokin
The prototypes of the den can be found in antiquity - the ancient Hellenes knew something similar. A board was installed on the column, on which scenes were shown, which changed when the curtains were closed.
A two-story box, similar to a nativity scene, was described in the 1st century by the mechanic Heron of Alexandria; the dolls in it were mechanical, set in motion with a special handle. The gods were on the top floor, the Argonauts on the bottom.
According to the researcher Boris Goldovsky, the first stage performances with a Christmas plot appeared in the 5th century, during the time of Pope Sixtus III. The pontiff reasonably reasoned that the most direct way to the hearts of ordinary people who did not know how to read was a graphic illustration of the biblical story. Around that time, three-dimensional panoramas of the Bethlehem Nativity scene began to appear in the temples with the Baby in the manger and the animals bending over him.
According to some scholars, the nativity scene came to Russia along with the adoption of Christianity and, most likely, was in the form of a panorama. Nevertheless, the first reliable information about the existence of nativity scenes dates back to the end of the 16th century. On the territory of the Russian Empire, a crib was discovered with the specified date of manufacture - 1591.
This is how one of the modern nativity scenes looks romantic. Work by Angelo Raco, submitted to the competition of the website www.presepio.it
When the tree was not yet
The tradition of decorating the Christmas tree appeared on the Apennine Peninsula in the 19th century. Before that, each family had united around a small home nativity scene for Christmas.
It is called the Italian word "presepe" or "presepio" from the Latin "praesaepe" - animal feeder, nursery.
At first, it was a miniature image of a Christmas manger. Four other figures depicted Mary and Joseph bowing over the Christ Child, an ox and donkey kneeling.
Eyewitnesses described the empty rooms of the poor, in which there were only figures of the Christmas den. They were carved out of wood and carved out of stone. In different regions of the Apennine Peninsula, terracotta, clay, papier-mâché were used. The figurines were placed on the festive table or on the fireplace. And in the absence of a fireplace and a table - on the windowsill or on the floor.
A small nativity scene made of coral and ivory, created by Andrea and Alberto Tipa in 1700
And in wealthy houses, miniature Christmas nativity scenes were fashionable, which were jewelry masterpieces: they were made from gold and silver, from coral and pearls, from ivory and precious stones.
This technique was especially loved in Sicily: the smallest nativity scenes fit in a thimble; those that are larger - in a matchbox. They could be carried with you in your pocket or on a chain, like an amulet.
Contemporary nativity scene by Luigi Tramontano. Participant in the competition of the website www.presepio.it
By the 18th century, seeing home nativity scenes was considered top-class entertainment for foreign ambassadors and crowned heads.
In January 1734, the Neapolitan chronicler wrote: "The Viceroy, having examined the nativity scenes of our capital, went on Wednesday to contemplate the nativity scene of the royal engineer Desiderio de Bonis ... which, with its splendor, skill of miniature architecture and gracefulness of doll clothes, aroused admiration of the radiant lady ..."
The Viceroy must have spent more than one hour inspecting the nativity scene: his figures were kept in dozens of cabinets and occupied several large rooms.
Competition work by Giuseppe Porcheluzzi from www.presepio.it. The square of this town has yet to be filled with figures.
Indeed, in the 18th century, new characters were added to the composition of Christmas cribs (actually "presepe") in Italy: shepherds with sheep and dogs, wise men with camels and black servants, and Tsar Herod with his gloomy soldiers. Other heroes were not listed anywhere, except for folk fantasy: among them - the shepherd Benino (who always sleeps), the girl Stephanie, who dreams of worshiping Christ (and for this she is ready to throw a stone at the angel), the drunkard Cicci Bacco, the owners and visitors of the tavern, in which the Holy Family was not allowed ...
Noon. The Holy Family is resting. Entry by Salvatore Maenza Source: website www.presepio.it
In many regions of Italy, Christmas characters of the local tradition have appeared: in Bologna, a female figurine depicting amazement, even confusion, with gestures, is called Meravilla (Surprise).
In Sicily - Zu Innaru (uncle January), in the form of an old man who warms himself by a lighted fire.
In Tuscany - Gioioso, a boy who expresses joy at the sight of a baby being born.
Contemporary nativity scene by Nikola Nicolazzo. Source www.presepio.it
A nativity scene created by a contemporary African master
Finding themselves near the Christmas manger (not always - according to merit), these characters became members of the great community called "presepe". Reflections of the glory of the Holy Family fell on them. And the word "nativity scene" began to be applied to all the events of the mystery of Christmas, which were played out in time and space and will be played out until the end of the century.
At the bottom of the lake
Salt nativity scene Agostino Finki
There is no substance from which a Christmas nativity scene cannot be made.
Christmas figurines are made from gingerbread, from sugar, from fruits, from salt crystals (in places of salt mines). One of these nativity scenes by Agostino Finki is even exhibited in the museum.
In December-January, the aquariums organize exhibitions of underwater nativity scenes. The underwater Christmas sculptures are crafted from sustainable sandstone and mounted on iron platforms.
They are installed in shallow water, in the clearest sea or lake water, so that the Nativity scene can be viewed from a bridge or from a high cliff.
Mary and Joseph kneel before the open seashell, in which lies the Christ child. Two kind, curious dolphins pointed their noses to the sink.
In the north, on Lake Garda, in December-January, from the San Giovanni Bridge near the Peschiera fortress, you can see the characters of the Christmas mystery shining under the night water. Camels, sheep, swaying palms and the shining Christmas star are not forgotten.
According to the belief of some regions of Italy, on Christmas day, the water becomes healing. The presence of nativity scenes on or under water symbolically cleans up water bodies.
Christmas morning in Rimini (Italy) Source: www.patatofriendly.com
In one of the semicircular arches of the ancient bridge of the city of Rimini, worn out from antiquity, a bright red raft with the image of the Sagrada Familia floats. In the silence of Christmas morning, only bare tree crowns and white cloud feathers are reflected in the blue water.
It happened in Greccio
Giotto. The Legend of Saint Francis Miracle in Greccio
And during the Christmas period, live nativity scenes are arranged on the peninsula. A small grotto is being erected on the church porch or in the village square. Black and white sheep, roosters, chickens, shepherd's dogs are comfortably nestled in the hay. A donkey is trumpeting in the corral nearby, demanding attention to its person. In the grotto, Mary rocks the doll depicting the baby Jesus, talks to Joseph and the angels.
Whole families participate in living nativity scenes, dressing up as magi or shepherds, soldiers of Herod, or grieving mothers of Bethlehem. Where this tradition is maintained (for example, in the Gargano National Park in the province of Foggia), Christmas performances stretch for more than half a kilometer in the open air.
When in 2013 the participants of the living den in Caltanisetta (Sicily) decided to take pictures on the long porch of their cathedral, they had to stand in four rows to get into the frame.
The tradition of live nativity scenes dates back to the time of St. Francis of Assisi. The Legend of St. Francis tells that he, nicknamed "povello" ("poor man"), brought an ox and a donkey to the Christmas service and placed them in the church next to a real manger. When the "poor man" began to pray for the birth of the King of the Poor, the hearts of the parishioners trembled. Some saw how Saint Francis, during prayer, took the Infant Christ in his arms from the empty manger and pressed him to his heart.
It happened on Christmas night in 1223 in Greccio (province of Rieti). The miracle at the Divine Service in Greccio was captured in the famous fresco by Giotto. It became the thirteenth fresco among twenty-eight scenes from the life of St. Francis, painted in the upper church of the temple in Assisi (1295-1299). This fresco laid the foundation for the tradition of the nativity scene associated with the name of St. Francis.
With your own hands
A nativity scene made of sand and foam from the TV
At the end of the year, many Italians begin to worry about the question: how to make a Christmas nativity scene if there is no money in the house, but there are skillful hands? Sites that publish DIY tips receive a record number of visits in December.
For example, find a styrofoam TV box, a desert wallpaper, a string of light bulbs, and a box of sand. Put it all in front of you, watch the video and do as we do.
And if there is no room in the house? Take a crystal goblet, put a few glass balls in it, on them - a little moss, fix the miniature figures of the Baby in the manger and the Holy Family on the moss. Place a glass between two candles. Merry Christmas!
Contemporary nativity scene by Pino Bozzarelli, submitted to the competition of the website www.presepio.it
It's okay to fill your nativity scene with your favorite children's toys. Therefore, at the Christmas nursery there are toy cars, little Santa Clauses, and a variety of toys that also come to worship the Infant Christ. And if a child has a toy car, why don't the Magi drive through the desert in a white toy trailer?
DIY nativity scene is one of the most respected arts in the Apennine Peninsula.
The best nativity scenes are kept in art museums, folk art museums and private collections. There are even special museums for them.
Holy Family on vacation. Detail of another den by Pino Bozzarelli
Since 1953, the Italian Association of Friends of the Nativity Scene has been publishing the magazine Il Presepio. Its members post their work on the website. The authors, who participate in the competition for the best nativity scene every year, emphasize that they made all the figures with their own hands. “My nativity scene is completely hand made,” says one of the contestants. Liliana Campo. - It can be deployed 360%. Its dimensions are 30 by 40 by 35 cm. It took 90 days to make it. "
Miracle of Christmas
A nativity scene by Joseph Schorra, combining American and Italian traditions. Source www.presepio.it
A small home nativity scene is usually set up in the middle of the living room. It is often placed on a round stand so that children and adults can view it from all sides. Sometimes it looks like a rocky hill, twisting in a spiral. Shepherds with sheep and dogs, wise men with their gifts, peasants, artisans, robbers, descend or ascend in a spiral. They are watched from above by a golden star and a barefoot angel with huge white wings.
Sometimes the spiral winds up the stairs of dilapidated palaces. It was their ruins in the 17-18 centuries that were a refuge for travelers who did not find a place in the hotel. One by one, the Magi climb to the second floor, dragging their precious robes along the chipped steps. And through the front door behind the guests is already a peppy peddler with a tray, who is also in a hurry to bring his gifts to the Holy Family. Now others will seep through the door behind him. Some will bring gifts, others will be curious.
Another nativity scene by Joseph Schorra, in which modernity is at the heart of tradition
Soon you will not be able to find the Holy Family in this crowd. But this is the lesson: we do not know how to discern the heavenly in the earthly.
The story of Christmas appears before us as a story of a community of people who witnessed the most amazing events, but continue to live in everyday life: they wash clothes, prepare food, receive guests. The miracle of Christmas entered the core of their existence, like a shell. Its doors are closed, and the pearl ripens in silence.
The Savior was born for these people. Therefore, they are the main ones here. The nativity scene in its Italian tradition is a view from the height of the Christmas star.
Our cave neighbors
First depiction of the Nativity in the Catacombs of Priscilla, Rome
People often ask: where is the Christmas cave here?
For most southern Italian cities, caves - like the one in which the Holy Family took refuge - were the same prose of life, like a clothesline across the street from window to window or a potted basil on a windowsill.
In Naples, in order to go down into the catacombs, it is enough to turn the corner and take the keys to the gate from the gatekeeper. In Italian Basilicata, the caves are ordinary village dwellings.
Ah, Maria and Giuseppe? Of course we know! They occupied a nearby cave. These are our neighbors through the wall!
A modern nativity scene made by Pino Bozzarelli tells about this neighborhood. It contains two parts, enclosed in a wooden frame with the inscription "Per loro non c'era posto ..." ("There was no room for them in the hotel").
On the left - a hotel that could not receive the Holy Family on Christmas night. On the ground floor, the hostess feeds the chickens, and her daughter hugs a calf that has just left the nursery. Behind a brick wall is a stable in which the Holy Family took refuge. Everything looks the same in the stable, only more comfortable: hay is drying in the gallery, a tired donkey is happily lying on the straw, a lantern suspended from a beam is on ... And white doves are sitting in the window niches here and there.
Day or night?
Neapolitan nativity scene
In 1707, the Viceroy of Austria, who visited Naples, admired the nativity scene with an unusual lighting system: it allowed day and night to alternate. The cosmic essence of the nativity scene is such that after the night, morning must surely come. And after an alarming sunset, a night of peace embraces the earth,
Nativity scene in the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Castellammare
The Neapolitan nativity scene must be dark. It is illuminated only by the long tail of the Christmas star, cutting through the sky like a curved blade.
In the nativity scene of the Bologna school, a cold winter morning can reign: a pale, anxious dawn, a street in a poor Italian town, sheep looking for food between street stones, kneeling magi kings in golden crowns and mothers with babies who have come to worship the newborn God.
In Christmas nativity scenes from the province of Marche, the mystery of Christmas is played out on a bright day at the marina. The shepherds descend a steep cliff to the azure pier, where the Holy Family took refuge in a boat shed. The boat under sail is ready to be launched. On the seat is a wicker basket with apples.
Sweet taste of details
Bologna. Adoration of the Magi
In 1825, under the king of Naples, Francis 1 of Bourbon, an amazing document was drawn up, which was called "Inventory of all shepherds, magi, animals, gifts and provisions of the Royal Nativity."
The nativity scene is not only about wise men and shepherds. It's also gifts and food!
The world, in which the Holy Family lives, is filled with various carts with fruits and flowers, piles of watermelons and melons. The ceiling beams of the houses are bursting with cheeses, sausages, onions, tomatoes in nets, dried vegetables and fruits, snow-white fringes hung from them to dry spaghetti.
19th century nativity scene in Rome on the Plaza de España
The Christmas miracle, embodied in the nativity scene, is born out of love for every inch of the surrounding world. Boxes of flowers on a small wooden balcony, a pot on the hearth, dishes on the shelf, even shovels leaning against the wall - each item should feel like you are in love with it!
Today, online Christmas figurine stores offer miniature plates with traditional dishes and racks of all kinds of food. For those who create a home nativity scene with their own hands, master classes are announced: what dishes should be “put” on plates in order to keep the tradition?
Genoa. Fragment of the den. Nativity Scene Saleswomen
The artists so carefully reproduced the details of historical feasts, were so attentive to the details of costumes or to the furnishings of peasant houses of the 18-20th centuries, that it is now possible to study the history of everyday life in a particular region using Christmas nativity scenes.
The classic 19th century nativity scene, which is exhibited at Christmas in Rome (on the stairs leading to the Church of the Trinity in the Hills), seems to be a "time machine": if you look closely, you can see the Roman outfits from the times of Giuseppe Gioachino Belli and his friend Nikolai Gogol: here is the dandy in a top hat and a romantic cloak, and girls in dresses that the beautiful Annunziata from Gogol's story "Rome" could wear.
Peacocks, cheetahs, monkeys, elephants ...
Arnolfo di Cambio. Nativity scene in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome
One of the first nativity scenes in which the sculptor attempted to depict animals was the "grotto of the Nativity" by Arnolfo di Cambio (1289) in the Roman Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The attempt was not the most successful: only the heads remained of the ox and the donkey. In 1478, the court pharmacist of the Duke of Calabria did not share a distrust of the depiction of animals. Maybe the pharmacist had children or grandchildren. But he ordered forty-one figurines for his home den, including eleven sheep and two dogs!
In the same 15th century, peacocks and cheetahs first appear among the witnesses of Christmas in Europe. A dark blue peacock, flying onto the wicker roof above the manger, bends its neck, looking at its magnificent tail folded in a sign of humility, in the famous round painting Adoration of the Magi (1440-1460) by Fra Filippo Lippi and Fra Beato Angelico.
In the early years of the 15th century, the Limburg brothers depicted on the page of the famous "Luxurious Book of Hours" of the Duke of Berry a pair of cheetahs in red collars, trustingly sitting at the feet of the Mother of God. Cheetahs, then called hunting leopards, were considered the only big cats that could be tamed. In Europe, kings and dukes hunted with cheetahs (Pardus); in Russia - princes. Cheetahs, as a symbol of the humility of the recalcitrant nature, were brought with them to the Christmas manger by the kings-magi.
One of the last depictions of cheetahs as a symbolic animal of Christmas remains the miniatures of the "Book of Hours", made in 1546 by the Croatian artist Giulio Clovio.
Later, in the 17th century, monkeys became guests of the Christmas den. Then lions and elephants marched with an important step to the manger, whom the servants of the kings-magi brought on leashes from Africa. In Naples, buffaloes played a role in the mysteries of Christmas, from whose milk the mozzarella cheese was already prepared.
Bologna school nativity scene
In the 18th century, the brothers Nicola and Saverio Vassallo were famous among the craftsmen who made sculptures for the Neapolitan nativity scenes: Saverio liked to make figurines of goats and sheep. Nicola carved camels, dogs, mules, bulls and even pigs from wood.
By the way, modern creators of nativity scenes from time to time launch a pink piglet into the Christmas world, which trustingly moves a piglet, in the hope that they will not make sausages out of it for the holiday.
Together
This is what an underwater nativity scene looks like in the imagination of children. Collage
For several centuries, figurines of the Nativity scene have personified the holiday of Christmas for all children of the Apennine Peninsula - with faith, miracle, gifts, and a starry night. Then the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree came to Italy. But one tradition did not negate the other.
More recently, in the commune of Rivodutri (province of Rieti), located 80 kilometers from Rome, a small underwater nativity scene was again erected in honor of Christmas, which recalls the times of St. Francis.
Underwater nativity scene on Lake Garda (Italy)
In the water of the spring of Santa Susanna, penetrated by the sun, figures of the Sagrada Familia, an ox and a donkey are guessed. Everything is quiet; guests are sleeping, no one will disturb their peace.
Underwater nativity scene in Liguria (Italy)
Around them - fish, green algae and stones, in which you can guess the obscure outlines of the manger. The ox and the donkey knelt in their underwater silence, as if they saw something. and the sun plays on their backs.
An underwater nativity scene in the waters of the spring of Santa Susanna, in the commune of Rivodutri (Italy). Photo: Massimo Renzi
Montreal is famous for its churches. Among them there are many striking rich decorations. The splendor of Montreal's Notre Dame Basilica attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. But on the eve of Christmas and New Years, Montreal churches get even more ornate. They are decorated with garlands, wreaths of mistletoe and holly, bouquets of Christmas poinsettia ... And almost every church makes presepio or nativity scenes. This is what our today's story is about.
I. Lapina's collection
I. Lapina's collection
I. Lapina's collection
I. Lapina's collection
Nativity scene
The nativity scene is a picture of the Nativity of the baby Jesus: a small cave, in it is a stable, there are three main figures: Jesus himself, the Virgin Mary and Joseph. In addition to them, there are often images of shepherds, magi, angels, as well as animals: bulls, donkeys, goats and sheep. Sometimes details of the surrounding landscape or cityscape are added.
CHRISTMAS
I slept in the manger on fresh hay
Quiet tiny Christ.
A month, emerging from the shadows,
I stroked the flax of his hair ...
The bull breathed into the baby's face
And, rustling like straw,
On an elastic knee
I looked at it, barely breathing.
Sparrows through the roof rails
They poured into the manger in a crowd,
And the bull, huddled against a niche,
I crumpled the blanket with my lip.
The dog, sneaking up to the warm leg,
Licked her secretly.
The cat was more comfortable
In the manger to warm the child sideways ...
Quiet White Goat
I breathed on his forehead,
Only a stupid gray donkey
He pushed everyone helplessly:
"Look at the child
At least a minute for me! "
And he cried loudly and loudly
In the silence of the dawn ...
And Christ, opening his eyes,
Suddenly pushed apart the circle of beasts
And with a smile full of affection
He whispered: "Look soon! .."
S. Black
Budapest, St. Matthias Cathedral. Photo by A. Baranova
Nativity scene on Cathedral Square in Vilnius. Photo by V. Leonov
Nativity scenes in Italy
Italy - the birthplace of nativity scenes
The nativity scenes came to us from Italy. According to tradition, after December 8, or rather, after one of the main Catholic church holidays, the Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, presepio (it.) - sculptural scenes depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, begin to be made in homes, churches and squares.
The word "presepio" comes from the Latin praesepire (to enclose) or praesaepium (stall, stable, manger). Now the second meaning of this word is more commonly used - "nursery" and "crib".
Who does not know the ancient Roman Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. But few people know that from the 7th century it was known under a different name "Sancta Maria ad Praesepe". It is believed that it is in it that the fragments of the wooden manger are kept, in which the Virgin Mary put the little Jesus Christ. The oldest presepio that has survived to this day is also preserved in this basilica. In 1280, commissioned by Pope Honorius IV, it was carved out of marble by the sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio.
And in Umbria, in the town of Assisi, they are sure that the emergence of nativity scenes is associated with St. Francis of Assisi, who established the first "manger" in 1223 in Greccio. According to testimony, in the same year, Pope Honorius III gave his blessing for the creation of nativity scenes before Christmas. A hundred years after Francis of Assisi, the nativity scene was already done in all Italian churches during the Christmas holidays.
Photo by E. Lapina
Photo by E. Lapina
Photo by E. Lapina
Photo by E. Lapina
Even kings made nativity scenes - traditions and peculiarities
Gradually, each Italian city developed its own customs and features of the construction of nativity scenes. It is curious that even the kings themselves made them! So, in Naples in the 18th century, King Charles III of Bourbon personally made figurines for nativity scenes, and the ladies of the court decorated them. During his reign, the creation of nativity scenes became a real profession. Special craftsmen sculpted the characters from clay, wax or wood. The clay ones were then fired. Artists painted figurines. There were even tailors who prepared clothes for them with decorations and embroidery. Since then, the tradition has arisen to dress the figurines in festive vestments. At the same time, "live" nativity scenes arose. The rich and aristocrats, wearing special costumes, acted out scenes of Christmas.
Until now, in Naples, antique dealerships sell figurines for a home nativity scene. There are traditional handmade figurines of all sizes and all kinds. These shops are open all year round.
Modern masters engaged in the creation of nativity scenes are diligently breaking record after record! They somehow put miniature nativity scenes in old light bulbs, mussel shells ... The Neapolitan artist Aldo Carilo made, perhaps, the smallest nativity scene in the world: the size of a pinhead.
The tradition of nativity scenes in Bologna dates back to the 16th century. A nativity scene from 1560 has survived here, where the figures are 60 cm high. At Christmas markets in this city, many different figurines for nativity scenes are still sold today. But they are different from the luxuriously dressed neopolitan. They are made from scrap materials: clay, plaster, papier-march, but they are skillfully painted.
In Genoa, since the 18th century, they began to make figurines not only for churches, but also for ordinary residents. Anton Maria Maragliano is one of the most famous masters of the nativity scene of that time. He created a still-preserved presepio that can be seen in the Santuario di Nostra Signora di Carbonara temple.
In Sicily, the art of nativity scenes was strongly influenced by the Neapolitan school. The first presepios appeared in the 15th century. All local residents know the name of the master Andrea Mancino. His works are still kept in the Chiesa dell'Annunziata church in Termini Imerese. In the first half of the 17th century, moving figures carved from wood began to be made in Sicily. During this period, nativity scenes appeared and outside the church their characters became more realistic and richer decorated. Artists began to use precious materials such as gold, silver, mother of pearl, ivory and coral for them.
Giuseppe Vaccaro Bongiovanni
(Giuseppe Vaccaro Bongiovanni), 19th century.
Photo by O. Popova
In northern Italy, in the town of Lutago (province of Bolzano), the Maranatha Museum houses the largest collection of nativity scenes in Europe. There are old and ultra-modern nativity scenes, for example, the Swarovski nativity scene. There is a nativity scene sent from Russia. There is a hall with an exhibition of miniature nativity scenes telling about the life of Jesus. There are nativity scenes with life-size wooden figures.
In the Vatican, during the reign of Pope Pius XII and John XXIII, large figures of wood were created for nativity scenes. They are now kept in the Vatican Museums. But on St. Peter's Square, the first nativity scene was erected under Pope Paul VI. Curiously, the full-scale wooden figures for him were made from the same wood as the Stradivarius violins.
Live nativity scenes
Nowadays, the traditions of "living nativity scenes" have also been preserved. Since the days of Francis of Assisi, in big cities and small villages, parishioners, monks, locals or professional actors have acted out small scenes or performances on the evangelical theme from Christmas to the Epiphany.
Live nativity scenes can be seen throughout Italy. The largest in the world in Frasassi. A few years ago, 160 people took part in his scenes. Since 1336, the Christmas action has been played out in Milan. The ministers of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie ride horses from one church to another, depicting the Magi, and bring gifts and gifts to the impromptu birthplace of Jesus.
Since 1972, the tradition of live nativity scenes in Greccio has been renewed. All scenes and dialogues are taken from the texts of Tommaso da Cellano, who studied the biography of Saint Francesco. Six live pictures, live scenes are presented here - a magnificent historical performance is obtained.
It is impossible to tell about all the nativity scenes in Italian cities. Each of them has its own traditions, its own zest.
Roman Exhibition - nativity scenes made of sugar, cork and corn leaves ...
Two years ago, on the eve of Christmas in Rome, on the Piazza del Popolo, the international exhibition "100 nativity scenes" was held. There one could see a nativity scene made of 890 corks, nativity scenes made of sugar, corn leaves, gypsum, toothpicks, cloth, rice, dry bread, and even an ostrich egg. The exhibition features nativity scenes made from traditional materials by professional artists from 14 regions of Italy and 16 foreign countries. The exhibition "100 nativity scenes" has been held since 1976, and it was initiated by the journalist Manlio Menaglia.
Oratorio Saint-Joseph in Montreal - a museum of nativity scenes from around the world
Now I want to be transported to Montreal. I think very few people in Italy, in the homeland of nativity scenes, know that across the ocean, in French Canada, in Montreal, in the largest basilica of the city, the Oratorio Saint-Joseph (St. Joseph) there is a magnificent museum where nativity scenes from many countries of the world are kept. Every year on the days of Christmas I visit her with great pleasure. Several years ago I was doubly happy: the Peruvians sent not only their nativity scene, but also beautiful brightly colored nativity scenes. Several I brought as a present to the participants of the "Bell Gallery".
This Museum exhibits more than 300 exhibits from all continents, from many countries of the world. The picture is fantastic! What kind of craftsmen who work with amazing love and invention. And the materials? The nativity scenes are made of wood, metal, bronze, stone, clay, porcelain, papier-mâché. There are large scenes here, there are miniature ones - for example, in a jug.
The Belarusian master made everything from straw. Russia has sent a traditional egg with Christmas painting. Ukrainians are famous for wood carving.
The Africans made a nativity scene from the famous ebony. The exhibition features paintings, woodwork, silk, weaving. The nativity scene makes you smile, where all the figures are penguins: mom, dad, baby, even guests with gifts. Apparently, he came from Antarctica. And from Australia? Well, of course, famous Australian animals are involved there as heroes: koala bear, wombat, platypus. And instead of donkeys or camels - ostriches.
48 more photos:
The Nativity Theater is a puppet Christmas drama, which was played at fairs and festivities accompanied by the singing of psalms, interspersed with the pronunciation of individual words. During Christmas carols, children walked with the nativity scene from house to house, transporting the nativity scene (a specially designed theater screen) on a sleigh.
Nativity scene device
The Nativity Box is a kind of a theater screen the height of a man's height, made especially for the Christmas event. The puppeteer stands in the back and sees the scene through secret holes in the back of the box. Most often it was made in two tiers: on the upper shelf there were scenes with the participation of the Holy Family; and on the bottom - the chambers of King Herod were located.
photo credit: booth.ru
The dolls were made with wooden or wire sticks from below - holding on to them, the puppeteer moved the dolls along special slots in the floor (the audience could not see them, so the impression was that the dolls were moving independently).
To make the dolls visible, short candles were placed at the edge of each of the two "scenes". The clerk either lit them himself, or a doll came out with a torch-torch and lit each candle. The reflections of the candles played on the faces of the dolls and brought them to life. Therefore, even in modern nativity scenes, people who are reviving the tradition still use candles - static electric light drains the show.
photo credit: booth.ru
The Star of Bethlehem was installed over the nativity scene. A candle was hidden inside it, so the light of the star was twinkling.
How did the nativity scene come about?
In many European countries, a manger with figurines of the baby Jesus, the Mother of God, shepherds, sheep and bulls was installed in churches at Christmas. This tradition is still alive - nativity scenes in Catholic countries are staged in churches and even at home.
Then these "installations" (in modern terms) grew into performances. This was also the name for the folk puppet theater, where the story of Christmas was told with the help of puppets.
How did the nativity scene come to Russia
The nativity scene came to the Russian Empire from Poland: first to Ukraine and Belarus, and then to Russia. He was played at city festivities and fairs, with him children went from house to house on Christmastide - caroling.
In Ukraine and Belarus, the traditions of performing the nativity scene differed, respectively, and in Russia the nativity scene was played differently - depending on where the tradition of performance came from to the region. In Siberia, the nativity scene was played according to the Ukrainian tradition, for example, and in the Smolensk, Pskov and Novgorod provinces - according to Belorusskaya.
Did the nativity scene play in Nizhny Novgorod
The nativity scene was also shown at the Nizhny Novgorod fair.
At the end of the 19th century N.N. Vinogradov, a researcher of crib drama, met Novgorod cadets on the Volga, who were traveling to Nizhny Novgorod to the fair. They showed their "King Herod" right on the deck of the ship.
Each of the clerks knew the play by heart with minor changes (and in their version of the play there were 17 scenes at that time, seven of them were comic). They said that at that time there were several nativity scenes in Novgorod that traveled around the country, periodically visiting Nizhny Novgorod. Unfortunately, there is no information about the Nizhny Novgorod crib workers of that time.
Is the nativity scene played now in Nizhny Novgorod
The tradition began to revive in the 1980s. Parish and Sunday schools and, of course, folklore and ethnographic groups make their own nativity scenes. Among them are the Nizhny Novgorod: the youth folklore theater "Evening", the folklore and ethnographic ensemble "Bird-Zhar", the folklore ensemble "Zhuraleika", the folklore and ethnographic ensemble "Sveti-Tsvet".
Nativity scene performed by the youth folklore theater "Evening".
In early 2015, in the Dmitrievskaya tower of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin, there was even a festival of Christmas crib theaters.
You can make a nativity scene yourself and play with your children.
Where in Nizhny Novgorod to see the nativity scene on New Year's holidays
From January 5 to January 16, 2016, the nativity scene can be seen in Nizhny Novgorod as part of the Christmas-time interactive program "Karakulka" at the Shelokovsky farm. In addition to the nativity scene, the program includes singing "carols and tausenek", Christmas festivities, winter peasant games and horseback riding.
Video: Death of King Herod (Christmas Nativity Scene)
And for dessert we invite you to watch the Christmas performance performed by the Moscow theater "The Wandering Nativity": Alexander Gref and Elena Slonimskaya stood at the origins of the revival of the den; The Christmas mystery came to life largely thanks to them.
Happy viewing!
