Palestinian Christian Holiday (Christmas) Decoration: Nativity Scene

This Palestinian carving shows a nativity scene.

One of the most universal Christmas traditions is the "crèche," French for a three dimensional, artistic, commercial or folk art diorama model of the birth scene of Jesus Christ as described in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. A nativity scene will show Jesus in the manger, surrounded by the Holy Family, including his mother Mary, and her husband, Joseph, and worshipping angels, shepherds, and animals. Many families have their own crèche, with the three Wise Men set apart and moved closer each day after Christmas until they arrive at the manger on Epiphany. Different countries and cultures depict this scene in their own cultural style; this artifact is an example of that.

This nativity scene from Bethlehem in the Palestine State is carved from olive wood, one of the popular crafts in Bethlehem. Although it is generally agreed that Jesus' birth actually took place in one of the many naturally occurring caves in that city, this nativity scene depicts the common misunderstanding that the stable was above ground.

The Christian faith is based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or Jesus or Christ. Jesus, (7–2 BC/BCE – 30–36 AD/CE), is the central figure of Christianity. Most Christian denominations venerate him as God the Son.

The principal sources of information regarding Jesus are the four canonical gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The gospels declare that Jesus was a Jew born in Bethlehem, in the Roman province of Judea. At the age of 30, he began to preach throughout Palestine, which was then under Roman rule. The gospels describe miracles that Jesus performed such as raising the dead.

Most critical historians agree that Jesus was a Jew who was regarded as a teacher and healer. He was crucified in Jerusalem, on the orders of the Roman Prefect of Judaea, on the charge of sedition against the Roman Empire. Christians believe that Jesus then rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, from which he will return.

Source:
Source Citation (MLA 7th Edition) "Christmas." Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary: Detailing More Than 3,000 Observances from All 50 States and More Than 100 Nations. Ed. Cherie D. Abbey. 4th ed. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2010. 149-150. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 29 June 2013. Document URL: http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.lapl.org/ps/i.do?id=GALE|CX2768200568&v=2.1&u=lapl&it=r&p=GVRL&sw=w http://hearstmuseum.berkeley.edu/outreach/pdfs/mexican_folk_art.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nativity_scene http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus