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What Is a Nativity Set?
By Bridget Retzloff
A Nativity set, or crèche, is a three-dimensional representation of the birth of Jesus Christ. Some elements of a Nativity set are included because they are mentioned in the Bible. Other figures or elements are inspired by tradition or an artist’s creativity.
“The Nativity scene is like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture.” —Pope Francis in Admirabile signum
Many Catholics display Nativity sets in their homes during Advent and Christmas. Churches, schools and other public places may set up crèches as well. Some celebrate with a live Nativity scene that includes actors and animals playing the parts of the Holy Family and the visitors who came to see Jesus after his birth. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with enacting the first Nativity scene in 1223. Eight centuries later, this tradition continues, helping people to imagine the birth of Christ and perhaps even place themselves in the scene.
The Marian Library’s annual Christmas exhibit features Nativity sets from the Marian Library Crèche Collection. Although these exhibits focus on Christmas traditions, visitors of any faith or with no religious affiliation are welcome. As people engage with the exhibits, they’re encouraged to think about cultural or religious objects that have meaning in their personal or family traditions.
Who Is in a Nativity Set?
Scroll through each figure or group of figures from the Nativity set “Horse, Elephant, and Camel,” a work of clay by an artisan of Tlaquepaque, Mexico. This set is part of the Marian Library's Crèche Collection.
The Infant Jesus Christ
At the heart of each Nativity set is the infant Jesus Christ. The newborn Jesus was laid in a manger, a feeding trough for animals, often filled with straw. Conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is the Son of God — fully God and fully man
The Infant Jesus Christ
At the heart of each Nativity set is the infant Jesus Christ. The newborn Jesus was laid in a manger, a feeding trough for animals, often filled with straw. Conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is the Son of God — fully God and fully man
The Blessed Virgin Mary
Jesus’s mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, traveled to Bethlehem from Nazareth with her husband, Joseph, for a census. There was no room for them at the inn, so Mary labored in a stable or a cave.
The Blessed Virgin Mary
Jesus’s mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, traveled to Bethlehem from Nazareth with her husband, Joseph, for a census. There was no room for them at the inn, so Mary labored in a stable or a cave.
St. Joseph
Joseph was a carpenter. Joseph was likely older than Mary, and in some depictions of the Nativity, he looks much older, sometimes even with gray hair and beard. Jesus, Mary and Joseph are often referred to as the Holy Family.
St. Joseph
Joseph was a carpenter. Joseph was likely older than Mary, and in some depictions of the Nativity, he looks much older, sometimes even with gray hair and beard. Jesus, Mary and Joseph are often referred to as the Holy Family.
The Angel, Shepherds and Sheep
Near Bethlehem, an angel appeared to shepherds to tell them of the birth of Christ, and they traveled with their sheep to meet and worship the newborn king, Jesus.
The Angel, Shepherds and Sheep
Near Bethlehem, an angel appeared to shepherds to tell them of the birth of Christ, and they traveled with their sheep to meet and worship the newborn king, Jesus.
The Magi
Although the Gospel accounts of the Nativity do not specify the number of Magi who came to pay homage to Christ, they do mention three gifts — gold, frankincense and myrrh—which is likely to have made the inclusion of three wise men standard in Nativity scenes. Often depicted as kings in sumptuous clothing and accompanied by attendants, the Magi have names in some traditions and are sometimes depicted as traveling from different parts of the world. In this Nativity set, the Magi arrive on different animals—Melchior from Europe on a horse; Balthasar from Asia on an elephant; Gaspar (sometimes Caspar) from Africa on a camel. The Magi follow a star to Bethlehem.
The Magi
Although the Gospel accounts of the Nativity do not specify the number of Magi who came to pay homage to Christ, they do mention three gifts — gold, frankincense and myrrh—which is likely to have made the inclusion of three wise men standard in Nativity scenes. Often depicted as kings in sumptuous clothing and accompanied by attendants, the Magi have names in some traditions and are sometimes depicted as traveling from different parts of the world. In this Nativity set, the Magi arrive on different animals—Melchior from Europe on a horse; Balthasar from Asia on an elephant; Gaspar (sometimes Caspar) from Africa on a camel. The Magi follow a star to Bethlehem.
The Ox and Ass
The ox and ass are present in many Nativity sets, although they are not mentioned in the Nativity stories in the Bible. The tradition of these animals’ presence stems from apocryphal writings popular in medieval times; though not invested with the authority of the Catholic Church, they expand upon the Gospels. These animals can be seen as the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy or symbols of the Israelites (ox) and Gentiles (ass).
The Ox and Ass
The ox and ass are present in many Nativity sets, although they are not mentioned in the Nativity stories in the Bible. The tradition of these animals’ presence stems from apocryphal writings popular in medieval times; though not invested with the authority of the Catholic Church, they expand upon the Gospels. These animals can be seen as the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy or symbols of the Israelites (ox) and Gentiles (ass).
The Woman Carrying a Jug
The woman carrying a jug in this Nativity set may be another figure made popular by the apocrypha — the midwife. Perhaps she is a family member or a stranger bringing a helpful gift of water to the Holy Family. Many Nativity traditions incorporate people, plants and animals beyond the ones included in Biblical narratives or the traditions present in this set. Some even include entire villages of people going about their everyday lives, which may help viewers to connect with the scene and imagine how they might have reacted to the news of Christ’s birth.
The Woman Carrying a Jug