History of Nativity Scenes

Nativity scenes, also known as Krippen, Cribs and Crèche, are based on descriptions of the birth of Jesus as told in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in the Bible. Nativities are influenced by religious writings, oral and cultural traditions, and the artistic expression and cultural interpretation by the artist who creates each scene.

Want to know more about nativity scenes and see examples from around the world? Ask your local library to borrow:

Krippen: Nativity Scenes, Creches, written by Nina Gockerell, published by Taschen in 1999.

Common to nativity scenes are the Holy Family – Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, a manger, the star of Bethlehem, shepherds and sheep, and the Magi or Wise Men. More elaborate nativity scenes may include angels, more animals, buildings and plants. Traditionally, the figure of Jesus is not placed in the manger, or crib, until Christmas Day. Living nativities that include people representing various roles and live animals first began in Italy in the 1200s.

Want to know the history of the Nativity? Ask your local library to borrow:

The Christmas Creche: Treasure of Faith, Art, and Theater, written by Matthew Powell, published by Pauline Books in 1997.

Word of the Day

Krippenspiel 

Nativity scene

The "Christmas Star" in 2020

As we come closer to the end of 2020, there may be a rare light at the end that may bring us a glimpse of hope for all to come in 2021. Jupiter and Saturn will align so closely in the night sky that they will create a radiant point of light, often known as the "Star of Bethlehem" or the "Christmas Star".

"Alignments between these two planets are rather rare, occurring once every 20 years or so, but this conjunction is exceptionally rare because of how close the planets will appear to be to one another," said Patrick Hartigan, an astronomer at Rice University. "You'd have to go all the way back to just before dawn on March 4, 1226, to see a closer alignment between these objects visible in the night sky." Read more here: Jupiter and Saturn Will Align to Create the First "Christmas Star" in Nearly 800 Years

Grab a blanket, head outside and experience the phenomenon for yourself. With a clear view, look to the southwest about 45 minutes after sunset. The two planets will be at their closest on December 21st but the "Christmas Star" can be seen for about one hour after sunset in the northern hemisphere for the entire fourth week of December.

International Collections of Nativity Scenes 

From the warmth and comfort of your own home, learn and explore different nativity collections displayed all over the world.

Take a trip to Rome and see 100 of the most unique nativity scenes on display in Rome, here are more than 200 displayed from around the world at The Jubilee Museum and Catholic Cultural Center and view one of the largest nativity collections at the University of Dayton Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute.

Do you have a favorite nativity scene? Share it with us on Facebook.

Midtown Radio and Lost & Found Theatre proudly present:

Radio Leacock Caroline's Christmas

Sunday, December 20th, 7:00 pm on midtownradio.ca

Turn the light down low, get comfy and tune in to Midtown Radio this Sunday and get transported back to Christmas Eve, 1943.