Creche Herald Vol. 1, No. 4 by eCommons

creche herald

for all who love, own or collect a creche

Merry Christmas to our readers, their families and friends,

Winter 1997

On this holiest of holidays, we wish you and yours the blessings of peace, joy and a renewed spirit. During the course of your travels driving in and out of shopping malls, dashing madly in and out of gift shops, looking for the perfect gift, we hope you will take a moment to pause in front of the crecheyouhave so lovingly displayed. There, in the person of the Holy Child, you will :find the grace and strength to approach the pleasures--and sometimes, disappointments- - of this sublime season with equanimity and serenity.

Rita B. Bacher, Publisher

A MAGNIFICENT NEW BOOK F OR A LL SEA SON S

Lavishly illu strated with glorious colorplates, A Christm as Creche: Trea su re ofFaith, Art & T h eater by Matthew Powe ll , O P. , offer s a gli ttering historical feast for the eyes and mind The las t b ook on the crec he with thi s br eadth was Nesta de R obeck's well res e arched, oft quoted slim volume , The Christmas Crib (Milw aukee : Bruce Publishing Co., 1956). However, in contrast to the earlier book's modest demeanor, Powell ' s 160-page hardcover volume literally demands coffee table prominence For example, commentary on the Magi and their gifts brings the ravishing colors of Peter Paul Rubens' baroque masterpiece, "Adoration of the Magi ."

A further discussion of the Nativity and its Biblical context is crowned by two lush reproductions of paintings by Jacopo Bassano .

Powell explores the long history of the creche starting with the veneration in the second century of Christ's purported birthplace at Bethlehem . He tells us that originally Christmas was a local and moveable feast, happening anytime between May and December; it was set at December 25 only in the fourth century

Among the many fascinating subjects Powell covers is the creche in Medieval theater He explains how religious drama was reborn after centuries of censure by early Christians. Starting with the use of musical passages in worship services in about the I 0th century, clerics eventually graduated to small interpretative dramas. From these dignified pieces, it was not far to the boisterous excesses of the Medieval liturgical dramas . One of St. Francis' great contributions, the author notes, was his restoration of the Nativity to a joyous religious devotion.

In the beginning of the 14th century, creche building started evolving as a serious art in Europe. Among the many illustrations in this chapter are colorplates of incredible 18th century Italian presepii, teaming with all

manner of villages, social classes, achv1hes, Magi, shepherds, animals, angels, and, of course, a Holy Family.

Powell brings the creche to modern times, showing the Nativity made by the Hou se of Fontanini for Pope John Paul II 's priva te apartment, as well as exotic and wonderful ethni c N ativi tie s from around the world

The book inc lude s Chri stm as cr eche praye r s and a directory of loc ations where creches can be seen .

Powell , a Pauline priest and assistant profe ssor of theater arts at Providence College in Rhode Island , has produced a year-round show stopper.

A Christmas Creche : Treasure of Faith, Art & Theater, published by the Pauline Press, Boston , MA ., is available at local bookstores or by calling 1-800-876-446 3. Cost is $39 95 (Canada: $59 .95) .

DATELINE: BETHLEHEM

We thought our readers would like to know what Christmas Eve will be like in the place of Christ's birth. The information below is.from our sources in the Holy Land.

According to George Sammour of the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Christmas festivities in the Holy Land will open about 12:30 p.m. on December 24 when the Roman Catholic Patriarch will leave Jerusalem for Bethlehem, about a half hour away. Accompanied by other dignitaries, he will arrive at Manger Square about 1:30 p.m. where the group will stop at the Church of the Nativity. At 3 :30 there will be a procession to the Grotto of the Nativity.

From one of our correspondents, Reuven Kaufman of Jerusalem, we get these impressions of the Grotto of the Nativity: "We enter the main Church, which is Greek Orthodox, by stooping down through an arched entry--a defense barrier against marauding horsemen.

"The main section of the Church is very simple ... the nave ornate in the Orthodox tradition. Off to the side of the ~ave is a set of narrow stone stairs leading to the creche In the floor is set a (star) and to one side, is the creche itself.... A great number of oriental rugs cover the walls, and many, many oil lamps hang from the ceiling, with perhaps wall sconces. I believe there was a great amount of incense being burned, but this might have been votive candles . The entire area is perhaps 5' by 10' .... Exit from this area is by another set of steps .... " ** * **

Major religious services in Bethlehem during the day include: 4 p.m., Protestant service at Shepherd's Field; 5 pm, Lutheran Church service; 6 pm, Presbyterian service at Shepherd's Field and Maronite Church service; 9 pm, Anglican service in the courtyard of the Greek Monastery; 11 pm, Syrian Catholic service; 11 :30 pm: Baptist Church service.

At 8.pm., there will be a choir concert in Manger Square.

The traditional Catholic Midnight Mass is celebrated at St. Catherine's Church, which is next door, but connected to the Church of the Nativity; the latter is Greek Orthodox and celebrates the holiday on the Epiphany, January 6. Of the thousands that throng St. Catherine's, only 1800, who have special cards, can be accommodated inside.

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is open daily from 6 a.m to 6 p.m.

Shown on the right is the 14-pointed star in the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem which purportedly marks the spot where Jesus was born.

????? And Comment

Q.Matthew refers to the astrologers or wise men from the east who came to pay homage to Jesus. Who were they? Where did they come from?

A.Often called Magi, these visitors are believed to have come from the priestly class of ancient Persia. (Magi, plural of the Latin word magus, traces its past through Greek, Persian and Indian words that meant a gift from God). The Magi were skilled in astrology and were believed to possess special powers or insights. However, they were not kings.

At the time of Christ's birth, the countries east of Palestine that still had a Magian priesthood were Media, Persia, Assyria, and Babylonia--all part of the Parthian Empire, an entity that emerged about 238 B.C.

From some such part of the Empire, it is felt, the Magi came. Conjecture has it that they crossed the Syrian Desert, lying between the Euphrates and Syria, and headed toward Damascus. From there, they traveled southward, keeping the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River to their west till they crossed the ford at Jericho. They reached Jerusalem where King Herod heard of them, and then they continued on to Bethlehem.

The distance the Magi traveled is thought to have been between 1000-1200 miles. With the preparation period for such a trip, and the travel time of anywhere between three and twelve months by camel, the Magi probably did not arrive in Bethlehem much earlier than a year after the appearance of the star. By this time, it was unlikely that Jesus was still in the stable, and in Matthew 2, he tells us they "entered the house."

JOURNEY OF A SPECIAL CRECHE

by Catherine Williams

The Qins had come from China to visit their daughter in Philadelphia She was showing them places in her new city, and took them to the Chapel of St. Michael and All Angels. There she showed them a Christmas creche whose figures were Chinese in features and dress.

"It might be the Chinese village in which I grew up," Mr. Qin said softly. His wife nodded .

But how did this Chinese creche get to St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia?

The creche began its trip with 975 refugees leaving China. These included missionaries who had been imprisoned when the Japanese overran the country at the start of World War II. Deaconess KatherinePutnam, one of the refugees, stood with the group that was waiting to board the Teia Marn, a Japanese liner that would transport them to Mormugao, Portuguese India. From there, they would board the Swedish ship, Gripsholm, bound for the United States. The ship was to take them back to their homelands after the long days spent in a prison camp. These refugees looked pale and tired, exhausted from the dangers of war, a war in which they had no part but to keep out of the way of the warriors. Now they were leaving, taking with them only the possessions they were able to carry, the memories of friends left behind, and hopes for a future without the shattering choices they had had to make

For Deaconess Putnam, the packages which held her creche were her most precious memory . The strongest expression of her belief in the future On December 2, 1943, she and her creche disembarked in New York.

The new way of life included safety and continued service to her church. In time, it led to retirement at the Cathedral Village Retirement Center in Philadelphia Every year at the Christmas season, Deaconess Putnam brought out her creche. Did she think of the background of her little figures? How they had enjoyed days of peace and love, nights of war and fear. How some of the people had suffered war and violence . Were they now enjoying days of peace and freedom?

When the Deaconess died, she left her precious possession to a friend who felt it really belonged in the Episcopal Church on the grounds of Cathedral Village . Most of the year, the Chinese creche rests in the Chapel of St. Michael and All Angels; at the Christmas season , it is brought to the main part of the church

story of the creche through its donor, Alice Bright, and Father Thomas McClellan ofSt. Mary's Episcopal Church.

CRECHE EXCHANGE:

FOR SALE: Hand carved, European creche Madonna from 18th or 19th century. Good condition. Photos available. 212-691-6602

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50 cents per word: $7 .00 minimum 80 cents per word: 10 POINT BOLD CAPS

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Editor/publisher: Rita B. Bocher

Contributing editor: Mary B . Herzel

Office: 117 Crosshill Road

Web page: E-mail address: Wynnewood, PA 19096-3 511

U.S.A.

www.op.net/-bocassoc/ crecher@op net

THE DEVIL'S FUNERAL

In the United Kingdom, there was an old belief that the devil dies at the very moment that the Savior of the world is born. To remind the faithful of the "Devil's Funeral," the church ' s great bells tolled the death an hour before the M idnight Mass. As soon as the clock finished striking twelve , the church bells began to ring out joyously to announce the birth of the Messiah.

Catherine Williams, an author of children's books, now lives in Cathedral Village, Philadelphia. She learned the

The Chinese Creche at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by Frank B. Herzel.

MEMORIES OF A FIRST TRIP TO MEXICO

by James H. Johnston

On December 27, 1992, I began my first driving tour into the interior of Mexico Nativity sets were on display everywhere--public parks, shopping malls, restaurants, hotel lobbies, and of course, churches.

In Tampico, at the San Luis Cathedral, a blue satin curtain, faced with silver stars, served as a backdrop for the Nativity. Soft gray moss covered the foreground . The figures varied in size from three to nine inches. It is a common practice in Mexico to mix a variety of statue sizes within one display. I have seen the Baby Jesus much larger than either Mary or Joseph.

The tiny coastal village of Tecolutia has a small beach hotel nearly obscured by tropical vegetation. There, the Nativity was in the open lobby overlooking the sea. The stable was covered with a red brick patterned paper and placed in front of a fresh-cut Christmas tree (a rarity), with different sized :figures surrounded by a picket fence. Flashing colored miniature lights were placed in the floor moss, a common practice in Mexico. In coastal regions, palm fronds also are used to fabricate the stable or shelter.

A hotel in Vera Cruz prominently displayed a Nativity near the main entrance. Statues, about 18" tall, and with no facial features, were dressed in a gold lame fabric. The stable was a simple and beautiful twig structure. An amber light bathed the scene.

In the colonial city of Jalapa, a Nativity was constructed in a plaza next to the Church of Santa Maria . The nearly human size statues had glass eyes and were beautifully colored. A standing lamb was almost as large as St. Joseph.

Mexico City had so many beautiful churches--just pick one and enter. My favorite area was Madero Centro between the Bellas Artes and the zocalo (main square).

The Church of La Profesa, with its classic baroque interior, had a Nativity of life sized figures clothed with exquisite fabrics. On the same street was the Banamex (bank) sponsored Las Palomas Nativity. This large display, one of the most beautiful anywhere, has many figures made of wax and paraffin with intricately detailed clothing. Another church had a most unusual mixture of items: two-foot tall statues of Mary and Joseph mixing with five inch high figures and a plethora of plastic toy cars, trucks, jeeps, stuffed and plastic animals--perhaps put together by children?

Each Nativity scene in Mexico is a sight to behold-from the simplest to the most incredible . All form memories not to be forgotten

James H. Johnston is a collector in Corpus Christi, Texas. On right is a church on Madero Street with its giant lamb.

CELEBRATING AT DOMINO'S FARMS by

Mary B . Herzel

Attracting nearly 50,000 visitors annually, the Spirit of Christmas Light Display at Domino's Farms in Ann Arbor, Michigan, features the extraordinary collection of creches belonging to Thomas Monaghan, chairman and founder of Domino's Pizza.

Monaghan began as an aspiring student of architecture working his way through college making pizzas. He did so well that--as they say--the rest is history. Less well known is Monaghan's interest in collecting creches from the many countries he visits, a fascination that expresses his artistic and religious devotion.

Visitors to the display, which is open only in the evening, drive through the 300-acre farm under snowflake arches to see the twenty light displays, some with animation . The Christmas story is told with candle wreaths, Noah's Ark, a bell choir, the Annunciation and the Nativity with angels flying overhead. Also, in route, is a live Nativity, with actors depicting the Holy Family.

The indoor exhibit, an area of about 7000 square feet, is filled with Christmas trees, a winter wonderland for children, and Monaghan's creches from around the world.

Domino's Spirit of Christmas is open November 21 to December 31, from 6 p.m. to 9 p m. Cost is $5 per vehicle Monday to Thursday; .Friday to Sunday, the charge is $7. Buses are $50. Proceeds go to charities in the Metropolitan Detroit area. Last year, about $70,000 was donated. For further information: 1-313-930-4430. Mary B. Herzel is a writer in Harrisburg, PA.

Emanuele Fontanini, founder of the House of Fontanini Heirloom Nativities began crafting figures in 1893. Just 13, he was a talented apprentice to an artist in Bagna di Lucca, in northern Italy.

In 1908, after travels in Europe, he launched his company. Working with the finest painters and sculptors in Tuscany, Fontanini's single-room shop produced exquisite figures of heirloom quality. In time, his sons, Ugo, Mario and Aldo joined him in the business . Mario took over in 1936. Later, Mario's sons, Ugo, Mariano and Piero, became the third generation to head the rapidly growing enterprise. Patriarch Emanuele died in 1977 at the age of 97. Now the fourth generation is ready.

Since the l 940's, Master Sculptor Elio Simonetti has perpetuated Emanuele's dream with sculptures of surpassing beauty and elegance A nearly life-size Fontanini Nativity, sculpted by Simonetti, is found in the quarters of Pope John Paul II.

In 1973, Roman, Inc. became the exclusive distributor for Fontanini Heirloom Nativities, making those creches among the most popular in America.

On right is the Fontanini Lighted Nativity Fountain Set introduced by Roman in 1997 Seven figures are included with the real working fountain. $175.

U.S.A.'s Largest Importer & Distributor of Santons by Marcel Carbone!

Begin a wonderful tradition. Start a collection of Santons, for yourself or as an on- going gift. Santons make exciting gifts for Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Christmas, Easter, Birthdays, Anniversary, Weddings and those special ''I'm Thinking of You " moments.

It's easy to add to your collection. We have a beautiful color brochure that depicts over 175 figures and accessory pieces. Just pick up the phone to place your order. We offer same day shipping Priority Mail.

Special Offer for the Holy Season

Mary, Joseph & Jesus Order Now Supply is Limited

Cricket (4cm) $32.00 Elite (7cm) $44.00 Grande (10cm) $58.00

Plus $4 .00 Shipping

To order the 3 piece set and receive a free color brochure of over 175 figures and accessory pieces call: 207-443-2345

Or send check or money order to: Santons de France R.R. #1, Box 152 Woolwich, ME 04579

Nativity Scene in THE ART OF HUMMEL Exhibition, Hershey Museum, Hershey, PA. Copyright Goebel, North America. Photo by FrankB. Herzel.

HUMMEL FIGURES ALWAYS ENCHANT

Fifty original artworks of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, a German nun, can be viewed at the Hershey Museum, Hershey, Pennsylvania through January 4 . Presented by the Hummel Museum of New Branfels, Texas, Sister Hummel's charming art of innocent children is best known by the figurines produced by the Goebel porcelain factory in Germany

Christmas week in Sister M .I. Hummel ' s Germany was especially important to children . Each year, towns selected a local child making his or her First Holy Communion to carry a wax Baby Jesus to the altar during the Christmas Vigil Mass Children developed a love for the Infant Christ as they could most easily identify with him. Sister Hummel, who recalled being the lucky girl chosen one year, reinforced this relationship in her art. She considered her religious works her most meaningful as they expressed her love for her God and her hopes for humankind.

Sister Hummel died in 1946 of tuberculosis at age 3 7, the result of harsh conditions during World War II.

NEW CRECHE HERALD RATES

IN 1998:

JANUARY I, 1998, ANNUAL RATE IS: $12.00. Introductory rate of $9.90 is applicable until December 31, 1997.

RENEWALS ARE AT THE ORIGINAL SUBSCRIPTION RATE.

A "PYRAMID" FOR CHRISTMAS

T""'\ uring the 15th and 16th centuries before the ..l..J:hristmas tree became popular, the Christmas "pyramid" was the most important decoration in northern Europe and Germany. The pyramid was a tall tower -like framework with a Nativity and other religious scenes on its revolving shelves.

20th century hand carved and painted pyramid with 55 figures al the American Christmas Museum, Chadds Ford, PA Dailyfrom 9:30 to 5:30. Admission fee Tel: 610-388-0600

LETTERS FROM OUR READERS:

When I was a little girl, 70 years ago, my father, who was Pennsylvania German, started a Putz. Every year, the Putz seemed to grow and grow. First there was a village with a church. Next, he added a farm and later trains ran through several towns.

We weren't the only ones with a Putz on our block. We'd visit those of our neighbors to see what was added A big surprise one year was a real waterfall!

Our Putz finally got too large for the living room and it was moved to a room of its own with its own tree. But the center was always the creche. It was always the first thing set up and the first thing added to or changed.

Betty S. LeRoy Harrisburg, PA

A SPLENDID CRECHE AT THE WHITE HOUSE WELCOMES VISITORS

"When the Kennedys were here in 1962, we were loaned a creche, but later when the Johnsons came, we purchased the one we have," explains Lydia S. Tederick, assistant curator for the White House. "Both times, we had the help ofMrs. Loretta Howard." (Mrs. Howard, a noted creche collector, also donated a presepio to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1964. See the summer 1997 issue of the creche herald).

The White House display is comprised of forty-two 18th century Neapolitan figures in a rocky mountain setting. Thirty-two of the little people were donated by the Charles W. Engelhard Foundation in 1967, and the remainder by Mrs. Charles Engelhard ten years later.

These exquisite figures, about 13-16 inches high, were acquired from Marisa Piccoli Catello of Naples, whose family had collected the pieces for over 300 years. Many figures were attributed to some of the most famous of the presepio artists of the 18th and 19th centuries, including Giuseppe Sammartino and three of his pupils, Giuseppe Gori, Lorenzo Mosca, and Salvatore di Franco. There are 21 human figures, eight angelic ones and 13 animals.

Originally, the presepio was displayed in a horizontal setting, but when that proved too cumbersome, Mrs. Howard created the vertical wood and Styrofoam rocky mountainside which now fits into the recess of a large window in the magnificent East Room.

This presepio--ten feet high by five wide--is dramatically set off by a dark green drapery that fits between the heavy yellow silk damask drapes of the gold and white East Room. A carved and gilded star hangs over the creche.

The display is open to the public December 4 to 27 Tickets are available from your Congressman for the early tours--8 a.m.-10 a.m., and from the White House Visitors Center at 15th & Pennsylvania Ave. for the 10 a.m. -12 noon tours. On December 26, 27 and 29, there are candlelight tours from 5 p.m .-9.p. m These are on a first come basis .

Indiana

*Bloomington. Trinity Episcopal Church, 400 E. Kirkwood Ave Community owned & maintained international display. Initiated with gift of 100 scenes by Dr. Doris Seward. Volunteers give tour of exhibit. Donations for upkeep/ local charities. Nov. 30-Dec. 21.

* *

GIVE THE CRECHE HERALD AS A GIFf FOR BIRTHDAYS, HOLIDAYS, OR ''NO OCCASION."

New York

* $ *

* Westbury, Long Island. St. Brigid's RC. Church, 75 Post Ave . 18th C. Italian Presepio and Angel Tree . Figures specially made in Lecce, Italy. Mary & Joseph progress through display during Advent. Initiated by Msgr. Francis Gaeta who invites visitors to enter a village of the heart and mind and join in the lives of these 150 miniature Neapolitans and heavenly creatures. Display is 60 feet long and 20 feet high. Nov. 30 to Jan. 31. Open daily . Tel: 516-334-0021.

Photo: The White House