About the Exhibit
History of the Crèche
A crèche (pronounced “kresh”, a French word for “manger” or “crib”) is a model of the scene at the manger on the first Christmas in the stable at Bethlehem – most particularly the figures of Mary, Joseph and the Baby, Jesus. We have come to know these scenes by our English name: “Nativities.”
It is said that St.Francis of Assisi was the first to make the re-enactment of the Nativity a popular tradition. He made use of live animals and people in his Christmas Eve invitation to “come to the manger.” Since that time in 1223, the display of scenes of the Nativity has become a Christmas tradition of Christians throughout the world. Crèches can be seen in various sizes and shapes in homes, churches and some public areas, too. Christmas crèches appeal to and are loved by peoples of all social status: noble or common, rich or poor. Scenes of the Nativity continue to invite all who view them to “Come to the Manger.”
The Crèche has become an ever-changing art form. They range from simple and humble renditions to those that are large and ornate. Artists create scenes of the Nativity using the medium most readily available to them, or with which they are most comfortable working. The scenes may be made of wood, clay, straw, cloth, porcelain, plastic, recycled paper, scraps of metal or any of a hundred other art forms and mediums. It is not uncommon to find images of animals or people native to the environment of the artist, rather than those of Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth. For example: Peruvians include llama in their scenes; an Eskimo scene may include walrus or seals; the characters in a scene from Africa are all black-skinned; and many crèches reflect the dress of the medieval time period when the custom of displaying the crèche first became popular.
The Crèches you will see in our exhibit are loaned to us for this display. Some are ornate. Some are humble. Some are made by skilled craftsmen, while others are made by beginners – even children. You may find some crèche more appealing to you, and others that aren’t. The most important thing we hope you will see: no matter the art form, every crèche is a clear reminder that Jesus was born to be the Savior of the whole world, and all people have a different way of relating to Him and the event of His birth.