Traditional Culture

4 Fun Facts About the Crèche (Nativity) Tradition

Exploring centuries of nativity scenes from around the world at Christmas.
4 Fun Facts About the Crèche (Nativity) Tradition
A large Christ Child figurine is surrounded by other crèche figurines on a market stall in Duomo Square, Milan. Paolo Bona/Shutterstock
Lorraine Ferrier
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For centuries at Christmastime, Christians around the world have set up three-dimensional Nativity scenes in their churches, public spaces, and homes. Not everyone knows the history of this beloved crèche tradition.

Romans Painted It First

According to the Universalis Foederatio Presepisticaor or International Friends of the Crib Federation (IFCF), Romans first painted Nativity scenes in second-century funeral frescoes. In the Catacombs of Domitilla, one fresco shows a seated Virgin Mary holding Christ while the Magi wait in line to pay their respects.
"Adoration of the Magi,” a 4th-century fresco in the Catacombs of Domitilla, Rome. (Public Domain)
"Adoration of the Magi,” a 4th-century fresco in the Catacombs of Domitilla, Rome. Public Domain
Lorraine Ferrier
Lorraine Ferrier
Author
Lorraine Ferrier writes about fine arts and craftsmanship for The Epoch Times. She focuses on artists and artisans, primarily in North America and Europe, who imbue their works with beauty and traditional values. She's especially interested in giving a voice to the rare and lesser-known arts and crafts, in the hope that we can preserve our traditional art heritage. She lives and writes in a London suburb, in England.