What is a crèche?

Whether called the French crèche, the Italian presipio, the German krippe, the Spanish nacimiento, or the English crib, the depiction of the nativity scene is one of the oldest and most beloved Christmas traditions. A crèche is a three-dimensional artistic representation of the birth of Jesus. While focusing on the central figures of the mother Mary and the Christ Child, crèche artists often telescope time and place to bring together a host of earthly and heavenly participants - shepherds, animals, angels, wise men, and commoners.

How did the tradition begin?

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with popularizing the crèche tradition. In 1223, St. Francis was traveling to the Italian village Greccio, when the sight of shepherds in moonlit fields evoked images of the first Christmas. Inspired by the midnight scene, he beckoned villagers that Christmas Eve to light the sky with their torches, bring their animals, and re-enact the Nativity.

How has the crèche as a form of discipleship and art evolved?

During succeeding centuries, the tradition spread from Italy to France and Germany, and then from Europe to other continents. The art form flourished in homes and churches, among kings and commoners. Whether scenes of the 19th century Italian villagers dressed in silks and jewels or contemporary African animal herders formed in clay, each crèche reflects that time and culture of the artist and draws us to Jesus. For it is Jesus - born of Mary, the Son of God, our Savior - who gives cause around the world to rejoice this Christmas season and always.