Nativity scenes have been around since as early as 1223 when Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first one in order to refocus the emphasis of Christmas upon the worship of Christ instead of on gift giving and receiving. Standard nativity scenes feature the baby Jesus as well as his earthly parents, various shepherds and livestock, and angels, and they’re often displayed in churches, front yards, stores, and in the homes of believers during the holiday season.
Many variations of the nativity scene exist, and the set above is inspired by a particular group of people in the Peruvian Amazon. Mary and Joseph wear the traditional garb, and the animals gathered around the baby include a puma, a leopard, and a beaver. The story of Christ extends far and wide, and the collection below sets the same scene in the Andes. The males in the set are wearing hats known as chullos which are unique to the Andean region, and the pieces come with a colorful blanket upon which to display the pieces.
The wooden set above is extremely unique, as it incorporates Guatemala’s Day of the Dead with that well-known scene using skeletal (but still colorful!) figures. Each piece is intricately painted and darkly beautiful. Below, a Thai-inspired set made from celadon ceramic features nine characters that give the nativity scene a decidedly enchanting Asian twist.
One very neat way to display the nativity scene is inside an open-faced piece. Above, a traditional black Peruvian chullo hat holds the alabaster figurines, starkly contrasting their brilliant white hue. The pieces below are set inside a clay pot. The animals included in this gathering are a sheep, a cow, and a donkey, and each one is hand-crafted and adorable. Mary and Joseph, also made by hand, are wearing clothes commonly seen in Peru.
The most unusual nativity scene which I’ve ever laid my eyes upon is seen below. The characters are created from scrap metal and discarded car parts, but you’d never know that by looking at their beautiful details! I’m in awe of this artist and would be excited to display this kind of set during Christmas.
Whatever your style or tradition, you’re likely to find a lovely nativity scene at the UNICEF Market. Their offerings range from small and sweet to loud and colorful, and they can take you all over the world! As a bonus, you’ll be helping support local artisans and boosting UNICEF’s efforts to help children in need worldwide.
And if you are looking for additional holiday gifts for kids this holiday season, check out our holiday gift guide for kids!
