Indoor and Outdoor Nativity Scenes Around the World

Vatican

Pope John Paul II inducted in 1982 the yearly tradition of putting up a nativity scene on display at the Piazza San Pietro in Vatican before the Christmas Tree. The nativity scenes featured new characters such as peasants, a flutist, a shepherd and a bagpipe player. These new inclusion were added by Italian sculptors and sawyers, particularly from the town of Trento. Antique nativity scenes made in the similar town was also displayed in the Vatican audience hall.

In 2007, the nativity scene was situated in Nazareth rather than in Bethlehem, particularly in Joseph's house. A year after that, the same Italian town donated wooden figures, animals and utensils to portray a daily life inside a house.

The Pope has officiated a ceremony on the last Sunday before Christmas in St. Peter's Square. It includes blessing of hundreds of mangers and babies. Until now, this tradition is still practiced. In 1978, tens of thousands of schoolchildren participated in the ceremony. This inspires Christians to launch exhibitions similar to that. More elaborate nativity scenes were used like wax and ivory Dressed in rich Clothing.

France

Santons, meaning little saint, is a miniature hand-painted clay figure made in Provence, France. These ceramics nativity set symbolize different characters in a village life. The production of these figurines is passed on from a generation to another. In Christmas time, santon makers in different localities display and sell their wares in Marseille and other localities in southeaster France.

United States

Nativity scenes are displayed in the United States since the 18th century. One of the oldest nativity scenes is in the Moravia Church in Pennsylvania. Similar nativity scenes are displayed inside Moravian churches and homes in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush displayed an Italian presepio in the East room of the White House. The presepio was made around eighteenth century and was donated to the White House in the twentieth century.

Poland

In Krakow, Poland, traditional nativity scenes are made to symbolize Christmas. These are called szopka, the making of which can be traces back in the thirteenth century. As part of the traditions, szopka ara carried from house-to-house by performing groups in nativity plays. The products are usually made out of tin foils, wood and cardboard while others are mechanized. The most elaborately design pieces are awarded with prizes in an annual contest held in Krakow's main square. The best among the pieces are exhibited in Krakow's Museum of History.

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