Nativity Scenes presumably originated from acted tableau vivants (French for "living picture") in Rome, however Saint Francis of Assisi contributed to the establishment of the tradition by introducing three-dimensional Nativity Scenes after his return to Italy in 1220 from Egypt. In 1223, St. Francis requested his friend Giovanni Velita, a nobleman from the town of Greccio, to it make a Nativity Scene for a Christmas Eve mass he was preaching. The constructed Nativity Scene was comprised of a straw-filled manger (feeding trough), an ox and a donkey (representing the people of Israel and the Gentiles, an allusion to Isaiah 1:3), all placed in a cave near the town of Greccio. Since this time, the Nativity Scene has developed in many varying forms from miniature figures to life-sized, as the tradition is still celebrated worldwide. Multiple Nativity Scenes being made today are commercially produced using porcelain, plaster, plastic, or cardboard to be temporary displayed within a church, home, public place, or natural setting.

You can continue this tradition in your own home or community, or wherever the Christmas Spirit takes you this year. This creche has exceptionally detailed carvings by a very dedicated and skilled craftsman. With 25 different pieces you will be able to set up your own Nativity Scene with Mary and Joseph, Baby Jesus, and the three Wise Men with the Bethlehem Star shining at the top of the manger. Individual pieces are painted by hand and measure from 1.0" to 7.5" Tall. Base Measures approx. 18" x 28".

The manger and the base will require some easy assembling. Every set is crafted individually, an artist spends nearly a month to carve and paint each set. Both size and colors may vary and no two sets are exactly the same. Once assembled it stands approx. 18" Tall and will blend in nicely with the rest of your holiday motif.