Outdoor - Kneeling Shepherd

Outdoor nativity displays convey the message of the Christmas season. Here is a brief history behind the nativity displays that have become a part of the Christmas tradition in so many of our lives.

Although historians point out that live drama re-enactments of the birth of Christ date as far back as the second century they were ultimately banned by papal edict.

As usual, people find a way around prohibited practices. One of the first recorded nativity displays with free standing figures was sculpted by Arnolfo di Cambiro in the 13th century and found it's home in a small chapel in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.

By the 17th century German, and Italian artists were creating nativity figures from materials found locally and incorporating these figures into elaborate scenes in churches, homes and market places.

The Moravians brought their Christmas scene traditions. Many of these Moravians settled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and began building elaborate nativity scenes called Putz's. The author of this article was born and raised in the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton area and well recalls the family visits to experience these wonderful visual experiences in the 1950's.

The tradition of displaying nativity scenes is still popular today with styles of displays ranging from simple small block wooden figures on a table of fireplace mantle to large outdoor nativity displays constructed of large weather resistant, durable plastic resin figures. A wonderful way to share the celebration of the birth of Christ.