Where did the idea for the Nativity scene under the tree come from?
L’idée d’une grotte aménagée en étable, dans laquelle l’Enfant-Jesus serait né, proviendrait de l’Évangile de Luc dans la Bible. En effet, en parlant de la mangeoire où fut déposé l’Enfant, il y mentionne le mot ‘cripia’ d’où serait, par la suite, issu le mot ‘crèche’.
A little history…
From the third century onwards, Christians began to venerate a manger in Bethlehem, believed to be the true birthplace of Jesus.
In the Middle Ages, plays and stage performances organized by the Church had the Nativity as their main theme, according to the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. These plays were performed during liturgical celebrations to stir the faith of the faithful.
It is only at the 16the siècle que les premières crèches (ressemblant à celle que nous connaissons) font leur apparition dans les lieux liturgiques. Pour Christmas, les Jésuites réalisent des crèches de bois abritant des personnages rappelant la Sainte Famille.
Over time, Christmas tree nativity scenes found their way into homes. The figures were often made of wax, wood, porcelain, Nevers spun glass, and even dried breadcrumbs, then painted and varnished.
When to set up a nursery at home
Traditionally, the nativity scene is set up on the first Sunday of Advent or the last Sunday before Christmas. The grotto can be made of papier-mâché and its decoration is usually made of natural elements such as moss, straw, pieces of wood, pine cones, and white pebbles. Everyone should try, in their own way, to make the nativity scene more personal by adding different decorative elements.
Usually, the crib must remain in the house until February 2 (the date Jesus was presented at the Temple).
Note: Provençal nativity scenes are true works of art (see photo).