Nativity scene facts for kids
A nativity scene is a special display that shows the birth of Jesus. It's like a 3D picture of that famous event. People also call it a crib, manger, or crèche. These scenes usually include the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary, and Joseph). You might also see angels, the Three Wise Men (Magi), an ox, and a donkey. Often, there are shepherds, villagers, and other people too.
There are two main types of nativity scenes. Some are made with figures from clay or other materials. These are called static scenes and are often set up on a table at home. Other scenes are "living" ones. In these, real people and animals act out the story.
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How Nativity Scenes Started
The very first nativity scene was created by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1223. He made a "living" scene near Greccio, Italy. It was a big success! People loved it so much that communities in many Catholic countries started making their own scenes. This tradition then spread around the world.
Different Kinds of Scenes
Nativity scenes come in many styles and sizes. Some are small and simple, while others are very large and detailed.
Static Scenes
Static scenes use figures that don't move. These figures can be made from many different materials. Some are carved from wood, while others are made of clay, porcelain, or even paper. These scenes can be found in homes, churches, and public places. They are often set up during the Christmas season.
Living Nativity Scenes
Living nativity scenes use real people and animals to show the story. These are often put on in churches or community centers. People dress up as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and angels. Sometimes, real donkeys, sheep, or oxen are part of the scene. These can be a fun way to experience the Christmas story.
Images for kids
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Neapolitan presepio at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh
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Detail of an elaborate Neapolitan presepio in Rome
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Neapolitan presepe of Maiori
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Moravian paper nativity scene from Třebíč, 1885
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At Church and College of São Lourenço or Church of the Crickets or Major Seminary of the Cathedral of Porto, Portugal, 2007
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St. Francis at Greccio by Giotto
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Outdoor nativity scene of life-sized figurines in Barcelona (2009)
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Peruvian crucifix with nativity scene at its base, c.1960
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Living nativity in Sicily, which also contains a mock rural 19th-century village
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Living nativity in Bascara
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Christmas crib parish Church St. James in Ebing, Germany
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Living scene in Germany
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Nativity Scene at St. Elizabeth's, Dandenong North. Creator and Artist Wilson Fernandez
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Part of the Krýza's crèche – a castle
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A santon produce seller
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A Belén set up in the altar of the Candon Church with a parol above it
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Szopka in Kraków
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Třebechovice's Bethlehem
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White House nativity scene, 2008
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A static outdoor nativity scene in the United States, (Christkindlmarket, Chicago, Illinois)
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Christmas crib on the Saint Peter's square, Vatican
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Living nativity at St. Wojciech Church, Wyszków, Poland, 2006
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Christmas crib inside the Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican
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Nativity scene in Buchach, Ukraine
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Nativity scene in Buenos Aires (1924)
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Nativity scene in St. Wendel
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Nativity scene in the Netherlands
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Christmas Crib
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Crib family with shepherds at the crib exhibition in Bamberg 2015
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Abstract Nativity display in a home.
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Nativity display at the St. Xavier's Church of St. Xavier's College, Kolkata.
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Christmas Crib outside a Catholic church Goa, India
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Christmas Crib & Tree display in House Mumbai, India.
See also
In Spanish: Belenismo para niños
