 In the West, the nativity scene is an important symbol of Christmas.
The nativity scene portrays the birth of Jesus as it happened in the New Testament.
A miniature stable is built, either on a table or on the ground, in which are placed figurines (often made of terracotta) representing Mary and Joseph (Jesus’ parents) who are gathered around Baby Jesus. Shepherds, a donkey and a bull also huddled close by keeping the newborn warm with their breath. Francis of Assisi created the first nativity scene in 1223 in Greccio, Italy; it was a living crib. As of the eighteenth century the tradition of the nativity scene spread throughout the Catholic communities, especially in Provence where the santons were added. The santons are figurines that represent traditional trades or scenes of daily life in the region. The three wise men, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, scholars from the era of Christ, are represented on their way to the stable but their arrival is only celebrated on the Epiphany.
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