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A nativity scene (usually capitalized if referring to the Birth of Jesus ), also called a '''crib''' or '''crèche''' (meaning "crib" or "manger" in French ) generally refers to any depiction of the birth or birthplace of Jesus. In Spain and some hispanic countries, this is called '''Belen''' (meaning '''Bethlehem''' in Spanish). In Argentina it is called '''pesebre''', similar to Catalan (pessebre), and in Mexico is known as '''nacimiento'''. Christian Nativity scenes, in two dimensions (drawings, paintings, Icon s, etc.) or three (sculpture or other three-dimensional crafts), usually show Jesus in a Manger , Joseph and Mary in a Barn (or Cave ) intended to accommodate farm Animal s. A Mule and an Ox accompany them, after the Apocryphal Gospel s. The scene sometimes includes the Magi or Three Wise Men , Shepherd s, Angel s and the Star Of Bethlehem . The traditional scenes that show the shepherds and Magi together are of course not true to the Bible story, since the Magi arrived much later (Luke 2:7-16). At Christmas time these arrangements are created and displayed in Catholic (and some Protestant) homes, churches and parks. A life-sized version is on permanent display in Piazza San Pietro in the Vatican City . Although St Francis Of Assisi is credited with the invention of three-dimensional Nativity Scenes, drawings and paintings existed earlier. The tradition was brought into Spain from Naples during the reign of Charles III Of Spain . In Catalonia and in Valencia , an additional figure representing a Catalan peasant in the act of defecating (a '' Caganer '') is always included in the scene. In Provence , in the South of France , nativity scenes are sometimes composed of hundreds of small painted clay figurines, called '' Santons '', representing all the traditional trades and professions of old Provence. Because of their cultural value the ''santons'' are often collected as art or craft objects, regardless of their possible use in a nativity scene. In Mexico and in certain parts of Central America , it is traditional to build the Nativity Scene on December 16 , the day of the first Posada . Traditionally, the Three Wise Men are not included in the Nativity Scene until January 6 , Three King's Day . The Nativity Scene is not taken until February 2 , Candlemas , which marks the end of the Epiphany season. EXTERNAL LINKS |