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For many of us, the Christmas crib is a tradition that has been carried on from generation to generation! Each character is positioned in a precise place, in an almost natural way. Even if the nativity scene has progressively melted into our Christmas decoration over the years, it is nevertheless important to remember what this nativity scene represents, why it is placed under our tree, the history of the different characters who inhabit it...
Why install a crib at Christmas?
When we think of Christmas, we think directly of all the festivities that surround this day! Gifts, family meals and children amazed by the illuminated Christmas tree! However, let's not forget that this holiday is above all a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus!
Thus, the Christmas crib that we usually place under the tree simply represents a scene very well known to all Christians, in other words, a representation of the Nativity!
Each character present in the crib has a role to play, each element has its meaning!
Thus, the scene is represented in a stable, we find the Virgin Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus just put in a manger.
The Christmas crib is thus an opportunity to remember this unique event and the love that God has for us.
The different characters of the Christmas crib and their meaning
The baby Jesus
First of all, there is the baby Jesus who is represented in a manger filled with straw in the stable where Mary and Joseph found refuge. He is the main character of the scene, so he is positioned in the center of the crib surrounded by his parents, Mary and Joseph.
The Virgin Mary and Joseph
Mary is, in general, represented with a white scarf and a blue dress, she is at the side of Jesus. On the other side, we find Joseph, standing, with a stick in his hand, he shows himself to be protective towards his family.
The Magi
When we think of the crib, we also immediately think of the presence of the three Wise Men: Melchior, Gaspard and Balthazar!
It is by following the North Star that the Wise Men traveled to arrive, just in time, at the birth of Christ!
Each one had a gift to give to the baby Jesus, so they received myrrh, incense and gold!
Sometimes the Magi are accompanied by their faithful steeds, in other words a horse, an elephant and a dromedary! The Magi represent, alongside their exotic animals, the different peoples of the world.
The Donkey and the Ox
When we represent the crib, we systematically represent two animals: a donkey and an ox.
Both played an essential role in the arrival of Jesus.
The donkey carried Mary to the stable while the ox transmitted his warmth to the newborn.
Shepherds and angel
In addition to these different characters, we also find shepherds accompanied by their sheep and sometimes an angel who testifies to the divine presence.
When to install a Christmas crib?
Accompanied by all these important symbolic characters, the crib is generally placed on the first Sunday of Advent or the last Sunday before Christmas until February 2nd.