Annual Crèche Exhibit (nativity scenes) at the Washington National Cathedral.
The History of the Crèche
Tradition credits St. Francis of Assisi, who dedicated his life to serving the poor and who established the religious order of Franciscans in the thirteenth century, with the invention of the nativity scene, or crèche. On his way to Greccio, Italy, Brother Francis is said to have pondered a way to make the story of Jesus' birth more real to the people. The sight of shepherds on the hillside apparently led him to enlist the help of a friend, the Lord of Greccio, Giovanni Velitta. On Christmas Eve, 1223, Giovanni as the story goes, set up a stable with animals and straw, and Francis chose people of the town to act the roles of the Holy Family.
Through the years, people began to commemorate the birth of Jesus not only in the form of pageants and plays, but by the use of miniature figures set up in their churches and homes. This tradition spread across Italy, through Europe, and to the rest of the world.
The Cathedral's Annual Exhibition
For many years, the Cathedral has exhibited crèches from its collection of more than 500 sets from many countries and cultures from around the world, and from many U.S. states and territories.
The majority of the Cathedral's collection was donated by Cathedral friend and retired Cathedral docent Mrs. Beulah Sommer. Her collection contained many beautiful and rare pieces collected by the Sommer family and friends. Over the years, other pieces have been donated. These delightful crèches show the story of Jesus' birth as interpreted by cultures and customs around the world. The Cathedrals collection now includes miniatures, rare materials, unusual depictions, as well as typical examples which might be found in anyones home.(Image taken with FinePix F10 at ISO 800, f2.8, 1/100 sec and 8mm)
