Christmas crib small model made in Peru

A Nativity scene is a depiction of the birth of Jesus with figures of wood or plaster, which mainly in Catholic families around Christmas at home is found, frequently under the Christmas tree. Traditional Nativity (Netherlands) In addition to Jesus, Mary and Joseph are often also present other figures that appear in the Christmas story, as shepherds - possibly with some sheep - and the three wise men Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar - sometimes with camels. Other animals such as the ox and the donkey are among the figures in the crib. In Catalonia and other regions the traditional nativity scene includes a Caganer, a figure of a man defecating. a life-size nativity scene is sometimes arranged in a generally accessible place. Attention is also paid to the environment. In some places are marked routes along cribs. In many places it is customary to put a live nativity scene with real people and animals. Especially in southern Italy living nativity scenes are extremely popular. The introduction of the nativity scene is attributed to Francis of Assisi, who lived in Italy about the year 1200. This seems, however, according to the page about Assisi itself is not true. In Luke's Gospel says that Jesus after his birth was laid in a manger for cattle. It was concluded that the birth took place in a stable. A famous nativity scene is on St. Peter's Square for the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, a dream of Pope John Paul II. This nativity scene has existed since 1982. Since 1999, the 25 meter high tree from Badia and the mountain Fumaiolo of moss at Verghereto, where the Tiber begins. A well-known life-size crib in the Netherlands in the St. John's Cathedral in Den Bosch. It is not only portrayed the stable, but also a large part of the environment, the field where the shepherds received the divine message and people on their way to the stable so that the whole scene takes up the entire length of the building.