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Celebrating the Sacred Crèche Tradition

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Celebrating the Sacred Crèche Tradition
A details of The Neapolitan crèche, 1725–1775, by various artists. Mixed media including wax, cork, cloth, metal, moss, straw, wood, gouache, watercolor, papier-mâché, and polychrome terracotta; 169 5/16 inches by 183 1/8 inches by 55 1/8 inches. Purchased with funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. James N. Bay and Linda and Vincent Buonanno and family; Eloise W. Martin Legacy Fund; Ruth Ann Gillis and Michael McGuinnis and Mrs. Robert O. Levitt; Charles H. and Mary F. Worcester Collection Fund. Art Institute of Chicago. Public Domain
Lorraine Ferrier
Updated:

For centuries at Christmas, Christians have set up devotional crèches, three-dimensional Nativity scenes that they normally display in their homes, churches, and stores until Jan. 6. That day, Epiphany, is celebrated as the time when the divinity of Jesus was revealed to the Magi, or wise men. These three wise men were the first Gentiles (non-Jews) to meet him.

St. Francis of Assisi (circa 1182–1226) popularized the crèche tradition, which experts believe originated much earlier.

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.
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