This design is part of a photograph of one of two vintage creches which I own. This one was given to me when I was six years old by Mama's aunt Ann. It has a special place in my Christmas celebration. I remember how carefully and tenderly Mama unwrapped the figures each year, how beautiful I thought that they were and how each year we set them up so gently.
Contents of this lense are copyright 2006-2009 by Marguerite Manor.
History of the Christmas Creche
Nativity scenes had been set-up in Europe before St. Francis of Assisi made his living manger for the celebration of one very special Midnight Mass in 1223. The story goes that he was visiting the town of Grecio and that he saw there would not be enough room for all of the people so he found an outdoor setting that would accomodate them all. He set up a living manger scene. In fact, during the preceding centuries a pageant known as the Officium Pastorum (Office of the Shepherds) had been performed or a fixed scene set up behind the high altar. St. Francis took this further with living animals.
For more information see the links below.
Creche Links on the Internet
- Christmas Traditions in France and Canada
- A joint project of the French and Canadian governments, this was one of the very first sites I ever found on the net and I return to it often. It is a treasure trove of Christmas history and customs. Be sure to click through all of the links to see all of the creche illustrations.
- Creches International at the University of Dayton
- A splendid exhibit made available to all of us through the power of the Internet. Use it as a place for Advent and Christmas prayer and meditation.
- History of the Creche
- A source for the history of the Creche.
- St Francis and the Christmas Creche
- The best and most detailed source I found on the relation of St. Francis to the Christmas Creche. Has bibliography.
Books on the Christmas Creche on Amazon
The Christmas Creche: Treasure of Faith, Art, and Theater
Amazon Price: (as of 12/24/2009) 
The Creche of Krakow: A Christmas Story
Amazon Price: (as of 12/24/2009)
The Nativity--the Christmas Creche At the Metropolitan Museum of Art--the Loretta Hines Howard Collection
Amazon Price: (as of 12/24/2009)
A Gift from Saint Francis: The First Creche
Amazon Price: (as of 12/24/2009)
Christmas Creche Memories
Do you have a favorite memory of the Christmas Creche? Is there a display in your town that you would like to let us know about? Please sign the guestbook. Thank you.
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Reply
- Shar Shar Dec 16, 2006 @ 12:24 pm
- Hi, I enjoyed your Holiday lens... please stop in at my Elf yourself...Happy Holiday Shar
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