âAnd she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.â â Luke 2:7 Since the early 4th century, artists have attempted to capture the wondrous night of Jesusâ birth. Prior to that time early Christians focused
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The Art of the Nativity: Sculpture and Carvings
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The Art of the Nativity: Paintings
It comes as no surprise that one of the worldâs best-loved stories â the story of the birth of Jesus â has been the subject of many artistsâ work over the centuries. One of the oldest known paintings of the Nativity is a faded fresco on the Roman catacombs of St. Sebastiano. It bears the
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The History of Live Nativities: From Sacrilegious Plays to Beloved Tradition
Although live dramatizations of the Nativity were popular during the Middle Ages, they began to decline in popularity by the end of the era. One reason was that Church authorities denounced the humor that was sometimes added into the presentations. In addition, Protestant Reformers disapproved of theatrical performances in general. In England, for example, the
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Medieval Theater and the Creche
During the Middle Ages, in the days before the printing press, church services were in Latin and the few Bibles that existed were kept in the church â often chained to a lectern. Even if Bibles were available, most laypeople people would not have been able to read them, as illiteracy rates were high during
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Meet the “God Squad” Defending Public Nativity Displays
âOur country was founded on freedom of religion, not freedom from religion,â says Jim Finnegan, the founder of American Nativity Scene. âI am not intimidated by people who say otherwise… It is rewarding to stand up to bullies.â Using the precedent-setting court case Grutzmacher vs Chicago Building Commission from 1989, which protects the rights of private
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What are Presepios? (And What Are Politicians Doing in the Manger?)
Every year on December 8 â a day known as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception â many Italian families take pride in displaying a presepio, or nativity scene, in their homes. In addition to the Holy Family, shepherds and animals, Italian presepios include townspeople and elaborate details such as lighting and even running water.
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