I have finally dug out our big Christmas decoration tubs from our little storage only to discover that some of our stuff must be in the big storage. :( I was looking specifically for a few things, including my nativities. I have a small plain unpainted ceramic set and last year I also printed and colored this one. I really enjoyed doing it but I don't have the time to do it again this year so I'm dissapointed that I can't display it. While I searched through the tubs and grumbled to myself, James decided to ask what the Nativity was and what it meant. Oh, wow. Uhmm....Ok. Well, I knew what it meant to my heart but how to explain that to a five year old?
So, I sat down and thought about it. While traditionally the Nativity is celebrating the birth of Jesus, I'm not of that faith and that's not exactly what it says to me. For me, at this time of the year, I am celebrating the return of the light although it's also ironic that it's the true beginning of winter. The Solstice is just a few short days away when the Holly King will be defeated triumphantly by the Oak King. The Holly King represents death and darkness (he takes over from the Oak King at Halloween) and the Oak King is new life, the Light. On this longest night of the year, the Goddess also gives birth to the God, the Divine Child of Promise. He is the return of the Light, the promise of a bountiful summer and warmth. The victory of light and life.
For those of you that are familier with the story, you might also see the relation between Robin Redbreast (King of the Waxing Year / Oak King) and little Wren (King of the Waning Year / Holly King) although, Robin has acquired other attributes as well and you can learn more about that in a post I wrote last year.
So while I don't use the same names, or even the same story, a Nativity is still very beautiful and divine symbol. To all cultures around the world, the Nativity means something a little different although they all tell the same basic story, which is what why the Nativity was started. What a beautiful way to show an important story to many people who couldn't read. The original Nativity was done by St. Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century. It was in an Italian cave with real people and animals and while the Child was life size, it was actually made of wax. (It's also said that at this time were the first Christmas carols sung as everyone gathered around to sing.) It quickly spread to Spain, France and Portugal. From there it made it's way to Europe to England and from there to the Americas. There are many varied names from all around the world:
Italy ~ Presepe
Spain ~ Nacimiento
Germany ~ Krippe
France ~ Creche
Latin America ~ Nacimiento, Pesebres or Portales
English ~ Nativity, Christmas Manger
Czech ~ Jeslicky
Russia ~ Szopka
So, I've explained why I think the Christmas Manger is still important with the Goddess (the Virgin), the Holly King (Joseph) and the Divine Child (Jesus). But what about the three kings? In the Christian faith they each brought a gift: Gold fortelling the advent of a king, Frankincense foretelling a high priest and Myrrh for a healer and a martyr. But since I'm not of that faith, they don't symbolize those gifts. For me, the symbolize reverence, loving and giving. They also stand well for the three stages of life: youth/maiden, warrior/mother, wise man/crone. In fact, in lore the three kings really do represent the stages of life as they are presented in paintings, etc.: Melchior as a wise old man, Blthasar as middle aged father figure and Kaspar a mere youth at about 20. Ok, well, I got off on a tangent here which I didn't mean to do. :D I had meant to do a quick paragraph about what I associate with the Nativity and a few links for Nativities that you can print and make. So here are a few printable Nativities:
Paper Toys
DLTK
Sunday School Fun
Nativity Lapbook
First School
Don't want to make one but would prefer to buy one? Check out Christmas Treasure's HUGE selection of nativities from all around the world. |
Posted by Anonymous 
Dec. 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Jenny
Wildwood Cottage