Nativity sets from around the world

Christmas is just around the corner and here in Spain, Nativity sets are the main holiday décor item, both in homes and in stores. The typical ones feature a caucasian Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus lying in a straw crib, and often there are other figures including some angels, the Three Kings, perhaps some other village people and an assortment of barn animals like donkeys, cows and sheep.

What I did not know, but should have guessed, is that Christian communities around the world also set up Nativity sets, and, quite naturally, these reflect their own cultures, traditions and values. Not only are the figurines dressed in different and sometimes quite surprising, beautiful and elegant clothing, but also the animals and other figurines can be quite different.

The Ayuntamiento de Tres Cantos (our local town hall) is featuring Nativity sets from all over the world, and I just loved the display! Come with me and see how beautiful! (And if you click on each picture, you should be able to read the card and see what country the display is from.)

We’ll start with the Latin American Nativity sets. I just loved the colors in this one from Peru:

And I thought this one, also from Peru, made of glass was quite elegant.

Here are some more from Latin America:

And now, let’s head to Africa, where the artisans used wood (ebony and others), beads or stone to create their Nativity sets.

Now on to the South Pacific, where we’ll see sets from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and others.

On to Asia

And finally, a couple from Europe:

Wasn’t that fun?! I love seeing how creative people are! I would never have dreamed of setting up a Nativity set with chickens the size of chairs, or even tropical birds. And the colors of some of those outfits! Which were your favorite?

Have a wonderful Holiday!!

And as always, please check out (and tell someone about) my novels here.