Polish Christian Holiday (Christmas) Decoration: "Szopka" Nativity Scene

This is a Polish Christian nativity scene, called"Kraków szopka." This traditional depiction of the birth of Jesus represents a Christmas tradition dating back to the 19th century. The Polish creche varies from region to region but, in Kraków, they traditionally use historical buildings of Kraków as backdrop for the Nativity of Jesus.

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.

An annual competition to find the best model began in 1937. Artists from throughout Poland bring their szopki to Krakow. The winning entries are kept in the city's Museum of Ethnography and the rest are sold in a colorful Christmas marketplace. These nativities are richly ornamented, multi-layered and constructed of papers, silver and gold foils, cardboard, bits of plastic and faux jewels. The edifice most often used as an inspiration for szopka models is the St. Mary's Basilica, Kraków with its easily recognizable spires.

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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nativity_scene http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraków_szopka http://collectibles.about.com/od/collectingnativitysets/ss/The-Krakow-Nativity.htm http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/polishchristmastraditions/a/szopka.htm