The tradition of Christmas invites many families to set up a holiday home Belen o Bethlehem portal, also known as nativity. This custom is so deeply rooted that it has become one of the main symbols of Christmas throughout the world. Although each country has its own special way of representing it, they all agree on a common goal: to recreate the moment of the birth of Jesus Christ.
When is the Nativity scene set up and taken down?
According to Christian tradition, the Belén It must be assembled on the first Sunday of Advent, which marks the beginning of the Christmas season. Alternatively, some families choose to put it up on December 6, St. Nicholas Day, or the last Sunday before Christmas. According to the most observed customs, the Bethlehem portal must remain mounted until February 2, in commemoration of the presentation of Jesus in the temple. Wise Men, key figures of the scene, arrive on the day of the Epiphany, the January 6.
Who invented the Nativity scene?
The tradition of Bethlehem Christmas dates back to the 13th century in Greccio, Italy. It was St. Francis of Assisi who first created it in 1223. Being a deeply devout man and in love with the humble life of Jesus, St. Francis felt the need to make the birth of the Savior tangible. In Greccio, with the help of the locals, he set up a live Nativity scene with an ox and a mule, while a mass was held in front of this representation.
Why did Saint Francis of Assisi create the first Nativity scene?
Saint Francis of Assisi, whose real name was Giovanni di Pietro Bernardone, was born between 1181 and 1182 in the city of Assisi. After living a hedonistic youth, he had a conversion experience after falling seriously ill. In 1205, while praying in front of a crucifix in the chapel of San Damian, felt that God was calling him to repair his ruined Church. From this moment on, he committed himself to living a life of poverty and simplicity, later founding the Franciscan Order.
His trip to the Holy Land in 1220 had a profound impact on him. The experience of being in the very places where Jesus had been born and lived inspired him to create a representation of the birth of Christ that was as close to reality as possible, highlighting the humility of the scene. Returning to Italy, he found in Greccio a place that, due to its geography and lifestyle, reminded him of Belén.
The first representation of the Nativity scene
The December 24 of 1223, San Francisco organized what would be the first Living Belen. Instead of using figures, the scene was represented by real people and animals, including a mule and an ox. There was no baby in the manger that night, but the Mass celebrated before this representation was so moving that, according to the Major Legend of Buenaventura, one of the knights present claimed to have seen the baby Jesus come to life in the arms of Francis.
This event marked a turning point in the representation of Christmas, as the custom of setting up nativity scenes began to spread throughout Italy and beyond. The Pope Nicholas IV It was he who commissioned the sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio to create a Birth of stone figures, which is still preserved in the Basilica of Santa Maria la Mayor in Rome, being one of the oldest representations of the nativity scene.
The popularization of the Nativity scene and its expansion
As the Franciscan Order grew, so did the tradition of depicting the birth of Jesus Christ during Christmas. The first Franciscan convents adopted the tradition formally and began to spread it to other countries in Europe. Nativity scene art evolved over time, and although the first depictions were simple, with only a few characters, they soon began to include more scenes and figures.
The 18th century was crucial for the massive expansion of nativity scenes in Europe, thanks to the enthusiasm of Carlos III, who, after having been King of Naples, exported the tradition to Spain. Together with his wife, they promoted this custom within the Spanish court, which led to it being quickly adopted by the nobility and, eventually, by the common people. At this time, workshops for making nativity figures were founded, and the tradition also spread to Latin America through colonists and missionaries.
Naples: Cradle of artistic nativity scenes
Naples became the epicenter of the artistic production of nativity scenes, creating a unique style that combined sacred figures with everyday scenes of the Neapolitan people. Neapolitan nativity scenes from the 18th century are famous for the diversity of characters they include, from peasants to street vendors, depicting not only Christmas, but also a detailed and artistic view of everyday life.
Catalonia and the “Caganer”
In Catalonia, SpainThe nativity scene also includes a peculiar figure called “Caganer”, traditionally depicting a peasant defecating, which for some is a sign of fertility and the cycle of life. Although this figure arouses curiosity and laughter among tourists, for locals, it is an essential part of the nativity scene.
The evolution and popularity of the Nativity scene today
Today, the tradition of setting up nativity scenes in homes and public places is still alive all over the world. From mass production of figures in the 19th century to elaborate artistic representations in cathedrals and squares in many cities, the nativity scene retains a special place in the celebration of Christmas.
Nativity scene competitions are held in many places, and some of them even include moving figures or special lighting. In the digital age, nativity scenes have also found a modern manifestation through virtual versions and interactive applications.
Thus, the journey of the nativity scene, which began as a humble representation of St. Francis of Assisi, continues to be one of the main elements of the Christmas celebration around the world.