If you grew up with a nativity set in your home that was a family heirloom, chances are pretty good that is was a Fontanini Nativity set. The Fontanini tradition dates back to the late 1800s when company founder Emanuele Fontanini began creating crèche figures in the little town of Bagni di Lucca located in
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How Fontanini Became the Most Famous Nativity Sets in the World
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How Nativity Scenes Reflect Local Cultures
In a moving testimony to the power of faith and to the promise of Christmas, nativity scenes are a holiday tradition all over the world. While their basic elements – the Holy Family, animals, shepherds, and the Magi – are similar, their designs and materials vary dramatically. In fact, nativity sets can even be collectible pieces
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The Art of the Nativity: Paintings
It comes as no surprise that one of the world’s best-loved stories – the story of the birth of Jesus – has been the subject of many artists’ 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 – 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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What are Presepios? (And What Are Politicians Doing in the Manger?)
Every year on December 8 – a day known as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception – 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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