Vol. 2, No. 2
FOR ALL WHO LOVE, OWN OR COLLECT CRECHES
GETIING TO KNOW YOU....
Thank you for your response to our first reader's survey. It gave me an opportunity to meet you and learn of your wonderful collections.
Please feel free to write and tell us about your finds or your favorite pieces. And, of course, we're always interested in your photos and will publish as many as we can.
Our travels over Easter took us to a small beautiful church in Plains, Georgia, to see a special creche. (See this page.)
Rita B. Bacher,
Publisher
RUSSIAN CARVERS NOW OFFER CRECHES
When one thinks of Russian Nativities, the first thought is of a flat, two dimensional painting or icon. No more. Russian carvers now are crafting Nativity figures, and among the first to have discovered them are Dave and June Anderson of Heritage International, Ltd.
A few years ago, June and Dave got involved in home-stay exchange programs with Russian professionals. On one of those trips to Russia, Dave's visit took him to the rural village of Bogorodskoye, about 45 miles northeast of Moscow, in the heart of the forest district.
A legend about the town's carving roots is that a poor farmer, unable to sell his meager produce, found instead, that merchants wanted to buy the carved toys with which his children played. Always in demand, Bogorodskoye's early 19th century toys are considered classics of Russian folk art.
"Woodcarving there is literally hundreds of years old," explains Dave. "There's a story that Peter the Great played with wooden soldiers made in Bogorodskoye."
Intrigued on his visit, Dave, with other delegates, decided to bring the delightful carvings to America. "Little did I know when I signed up for this exchange to Russia that I would return home as an international businessman," he jokes.
Heritage International, the company Dave helped found and which now is totally owned by him and his wife, imports complex movable toys, tree ornaments, and wonderful creche figures. "We work very closely with the carvers to get our ideas across," explains June. "Both Dave and I visit Russia once or twice a year to assure a consistent quality."
Creche figures are carved and painted in rich colors. They demonstrate a delightful combination of centuries old carving skills, Russian folk art, and contemporary designs.
A colorful new brochure on the Russian carvings is available. Contact the Andersons at HerintLTD@aol.com or call toll free at 1-888-799-0440.
Summer 1998
PRESIDENT'S CRECHE DISPLAYED IN GEORGIA
Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains, Georgia, is unique in several ways. It is the church where President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter worship; the President still teaches a Sunday School class there, and it displays a rather unique creche. The creche was presented to the Carters in 1987 by The Honorable Elias Friej, Mayor of Bethlehem, Israel. Mayor Friej visited the area because of interest in the Habitat for Humanity, in which the Carters are prominent, and which has its international headquarters in nearby Americus.
Measuring about 23" x 16" x 4", the creche has two panels of intricately carved and inlaid mother-of-pearl. On the left, angels soar above the Holy Family nestled behind formal columns; on the right, Christ sits at the Last Supper. Both scenes are bordered by a lace-like carved filigree whose delicate detail is enhanced by a backing of shimmering foils.
The creche is encased within a frame of grained olive wood from the Holy Land. An inscription notes that it was "Presented to Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Carter from the Municipality ofBethlehem, Saturday, March 28, 1987."
A similar hand carved mother-of-pearl piece, but depicting only the Last Supper, was given to the Carters by Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, and is now displayed at the National Park's Carter Historic site in Georgia.
The Carter Creche at Maranatha Baptist Church, Plains, Georgia. Photo courtesy of Dr. Daniel G. Ariail.
Summer 1998 creche herald
US POSADAS OF NEW MEXICO
by Pedro Ribera Ortega
The Mexican Indians loved variety- -as did the Spaniards-so to day there are many ways to act out Las Posadas
P os ada is a Spanish word meaning " inn ," and the custom deri ve s from plays once peiformed depicting the wandering ofMary and Jo seph In general , Las Posadas is in the form of a novena, re -enacted fo r nine con secutive nights befo re Chri s tmas E ve , starting December 16. Usually, there are nine hou ses or neighborh ood familie s who partic ip ate.
Gathering at a church or home , the participants begin b y singing a Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a series of praises to honor Mary Then a colloquy , excerpted below , is sung between the " pilgrims" (those on the outside) and the " innkeeper" and hosts (those on the inside)
Pilgrims: From a very longjourney We 've arrived and are weary ; And come to implore you For shelter this night
Innkeeper : Who comes to our door
On such a cold night? Who appro ach es imprudently And di sturb s o ur rest?
******
Pil grim s: B ut, o h , d o take h ee d Fo r th e lo ve of Go d H im se lf! My be loved spo use is co ld A n d ge tting more fa tigue d !
In n keeper: Oh , yo u stub born people, You are gettin g most an noying! P lease depa rt from th is p lace , And stop robbing us ofsleep!
******
Pilgrims: But, 'tis only Joseph and Mary, His most beloved spouse Who , here standing al your door , Have come seeking lodging.
I nnkee per: Then enter, most beautiful Maiden ! Thou and thy Spouse , please come in f F o r this is thy house , believe me And most humbly do we offer it thee!
Usually, a small boy carries a santo of St. Joseph, while a small girl carries the statue of Mary. The pilgrims knock and seek lodging, only to be refused, time after time. Then moving from house to house , they continue their search, until at a pre-determined host-home, they are admitted with much rejoicing, while the folk images of Mary and Joseph are reverently placed on an especially arranged home-altar. Traditionally, everyone carries a lighted candle, and the flickering tapers add color and warmth . After the ceremonies , a piiiata party often follows and a fiesta is enjoyed by all. Traditional hospitality is part of Las Posadas, no-matter how poor the host-family might be
SUMMER NATIVITY READING
Here are a few possibilities available through bookstores unless otherwise noted.
A Small Miracle . Peter Collington N o words , only picture s of a children 's story that include s the Nativity figur es.
The Angel Tree : A Christmas Celebration . Linn H ow ard & Mary Jane P ool ( 199 4 ) Metropolitan Museum of Art's Neapolitan creche and some hi story of artists wh o cre ated it. Born is He, The Child Divine: Images of the Christ Child in Art Amy Gerber (1997 ). Wonderful reproductions. The Christmas Creche: Treasure of Faith, Art & Theater. Matthew Powell, O P (1997) Beautiful pictorial history Christmas in France; Christmas in Italy; Christmas in Mexico; Christmas in Spain. (1991). Each book has a chapter about the creche in that particular country. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey . Susan Woyciechowski (1995) Charming children ' s story of a sad , withdrawn man who was the best carver in the valley. Christmas in Old Santa Fe . Pedro Ribera Ortega (1 97 3). Paperback on customs of the Southwest where Mexico meets the U.S. Available from the author ( l-505 -982-503 9). Echoes of His Presence . R ay Vantler Laan (1 996). Ma gi, shepherd s, others fr om Je su s' life, in fi cti onal ized account. Hummel and Me: Life Stories . Gerhard Skrob ek. ( 1996). Skrobel was th e predominant interpreter of I.M. H umm el fi gurines fo r th e W. Goeb el P orze ll anfabrik in Germ any The Krakovian Szopka:from Collection of the Historical Mu s eum of City of Krakow. D enni s K olin ski & Anna Szalap ak. (Poli sh/English). Polish M useum of America, 984 N . M ilwaukee Ave. Chi cago, IL 60657. (1-312 -384-3352) The Oth er Wise Man. Henry Van Dyke. (Reprinted 1992). A small class ic for all ages available only at a library
Pedro Ribera Ortega, a local historian, lives in Santa Fe, NM. This excerpt is adapted from his book, Christmas in Old Santa Fe
A Nativity from New Mexico. Collection of Peggy Hart, Sterling, Virginia
8ronntr's CHRISTmas Wondtrland
dtllghts In ctltbrating Christ's birth tach day of tht ytar
Our motto Is:
• see Bronner's private collection of over 200 creches representative of art from around the globe .
• over 500 styles of Nativities from 90 nations are available for purchase yearround at Bronner's, in sizes ranging from miniatures to life-size. A large variety of stables are also available.
• Bronner's features over 6,000 styles of glass ornaments - many religious designs are available, including our own exclusive ornaments.
• Visit our Silent Night Chapel, a replica of the original near Salzburg in Oberndorf, Austria, where Silent Night was first sung on Christmas Eve in 1818.
FROM OUR READERS
Greetings from another collector. This time from the top left-hand comer of the U.S. map, in Oregon. My collection of Nativities numbers somewhere around 160 sets from many different countries, materials and construction methods. I look for sets that show a creative spark or unique viewpoint from the artist's culture.
I started in this fascinating hobby when my sister, Jane, who is a gifted seamstress, gave me a handcrafted set for Christmas. A few months later, my mother gave me the cardboard set our family had when I was small, and voila! I was a collector.
One area of my collection I particularly enjoy is the nacimientos of the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico. Their artistry is beautifully displayed in sets crafted by skilled potters and storyteller-makers. Some sets are whimsical , and oth e r s artfully weave in the Native culture, with Wis e M en bringing gifts of blankets, com, and turquoise , and manger animals represented by bears , mountain lions , raccoons , etc And the Baby often lies snugly on a cradleboard.
Collecting Nativity scenes gives me a thematic constant through which I learn about art forms, materials, techniques and other cultural traditions. I also have a sense of helping indigenous peoples support themselves by purchasing their work.
Betsy Scott, Salem, Oregon
John E. Winters, Jr., Canton, Connecticut, constructed the cart and vegetable stand shown below in a partial view of his extensive setting. He comments that "When I started, I was just making a stable Then I got carried away. I had some design limitations in our family room. Then (the scene) just kind of grew in my shop."
COLLECTOR SEEKS DIVERSITY IN CRECHES
Leather is just one of the materials represented in my Nativity collection. As my collection has grown, I have tried to include diverse forms and materials. Currently, my collection includes wall hangings, needlepoint pieces, tree ornaments, copies of Greek and Russian Orthodox icons , plates, mobiles , jigsaw puzzles and wind chimes , as well as traditional creches. Among the materials represented are glass , pewter, brass, tin, straw, stone, china and wax.
In my search for Nativities of different materials, I went to Georgie Kovari ' s studio, Impressions in Leather Kovari, born in Budapest, Hungary, and an optician by profession, is known also for her works in leather. While she had many unusual pieces in molded leather, she did not have a Nativity She was intrigued by my request for a creche and agreed to design and make one for me.
To create the sculpture, the artist used her hands to shape moistened leather over plaster molds of each figure . As the leather dried, it took on the shape of the mold. The result was this unique and beautiful Nativity
What my future finds will include is, of course, unknown, but the hunt is half the fun.
John Musser, Kenosha, Wisconsin, has been collecting for about eight years His Christmas tree features Nativity ornaments.
???? And Comments Q.
Whahs the origfil of the wo,d, Xmas?
Editor/publisher: Rita B. Bocher
Contributing editor : Mary B. Herzel
Office : 117 Crosshill Road Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A.
Web page : E-mail address: www.op.net/~bocassoc/ crecher@oo .net
A.
Some consider the term, Xmas, offensive and a way of secularizing Christmas . That misconception arises from contemporary usage of the letter "X" to indicate unknown, unwanted or forbidden material. Xmas, however, as an abbreviation for Christmas, dates back to the twelfth century. The "X" refers to the Greek letter, Chi Chi is the first letter of Christ's name written in Greek.
Q.
Did Mary ride a donkey from Nazareth to Bethlehem as is seen in many depictions of the Nativity?
A.
In Chapter 2, Luke says only that Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to David's town of Bethlehem. The distance is about fifty miles as the crow flies While it is possible that Joseph had a beast of burden for Mary, who was pregnant, we do not know for certain.
The Land of Silent Night
10-Day Christmas Theme Tour to Austria and Germany
December8-17, 1998
Join Christmas Historian Bill Egan and Charlotte Mueller Attend holiday concerts, Christmas markets, trace sites of Silent Night carol creators & visit charming villages in spectacular Alpine scenery. An unforgettable experience Be home for Christmas CALL 1-800-545-8653
A leather sculpture created by Georgie Kovari, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for collector John Musser.
Creche from Holy Spirit Hospital, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania . Photo byFrankB. Herzel
ORGANIZATIONS OF INTEREST TO CRECHE COLLECTORS
GREETINGS FROM THE GLOW
by Robert Dalluge
THE GOLDEN GLOW OF CHRISTMAS PAST is the name of a national group of collectors of antique and collectible items connected with Christmas, provided they date prior to 1960. That does not mean that some members do not also collect newer things, however. It's just the organization wishes to identify itself only with antique Christmas items.
Nativity scenes are an integral part of the collecting by GLOW members. Therefore, a close relationship between creche collectors and GLOW collectors is a natural.
A newsletter entitled THE GLOW is published every other month and is an integral part of the organization. Educational articles are written by the members with accompanying photos.
A convention is held each year. The three-day event is filled with lectures, sales, an auction and fun filled activities to educate and to entertain the members. The average attendance is 500 members. In 1998, the convention is scheduled for Reading, PA. For further information, contact Robert Dalluge, 640 I Winsdale Street, Golden Valley, MN 55427
MEET THE CHRISTMAS PIIlLATELIC CLUB
by Frank Pieper
Collecting Christmas postal issues with a religious theme requires being selective to make the topic manageable, given the tidal wave of issues each year.
I have found being a member of the Christmas Philatelic Club an excellent source for information about stamps as well as a good way to meet others with similar interests. The Club's publication, THE YULE LOG, appears on a bimonthly basis. It includes a listing of stamps, cancels, covers and other Christmas material for which members may bid. In addition, the publication contains articles of interest to collectors of Christmas issues, both religious and secular.
My collection includes portrayals of angels and shepherds and the Magi as well as images of famous religious paintings. One 1977 Maltese stamp I particularly like is based upon a design by Peter Paul Rubens; this Nativity bustles with shepherds, angels, animals, and a servant girl with a jug on her shoulder.
For further information, contact Linda Lawrence, 312 Northwood Drive, Lexington, KY 40505.
Itezcik Collectibles
The NativityIn The Traditional Russian Folk Style
Significant and unique about this nativity is its appearance in the traditional Russian Folk Style. Nativity sets are not commonly seen in Russia, making this wonderful piece even more special.
For more information on this Nativity and other Russian products contact us at the address below:
CELEBRATING CHRIST'S BIRTHDAY EVERY DAY
Imagine a place where Christmas is celebrated nearly every day of the year, where you can visit a replica of the Austrian chapel at which "Silent Night" was first sung in 1818, visit an exhibit of 200 family-owned creches, and select from among over 500 Nativity sets for purchase, including one that is life-size. Imagine a Christmas store whose motto is "Enjoy CHRISTmas, It's His Birthday; Enjoy LIFE, It's His Way ." Imagine being greeted by a majestic life-size Nativity as you enter a European style marketplace.
This fantasy world is BRONNER 'S CHRISTmas Wonderland in Michigan's "Little Bavaria" village of Frankenmuth. Founded in 1945 by Wally Bronner, the emporium is still owned and managed by the Bronner family . The store is open 361 days a year, and has grown to be the world's largest Christmas store Welcome signs in more than 60 languages greet the two million annual visitors who make Bronner's one of the top attractions in the state.
Throughout, the Bronner family's emphasis remains on the spiritual aspects and joy of Christ's birthday . The Silent Night Memorial Chapel, open daily for visitation and meditation, was erected by the Bronners as a tribute to God. 'ii
Nativities from around the world in an amazing variety of styles and materials stand near such well known offerings as Goebel (M.I. Hummel), Lladr6, Fontanini, and Precious Moments. In addition, over 50,000 trims and gifts, half of which sell for under $10 make the store a shopper's paradise.
For those who can't make the trip to Frankenmuth, Bronner's is online at: http://www.bronners.com. A catalog is available by calling 1-517-652-9931
CHRISTMAS NATIVITY EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
Our Fall issue will feature Christmas events and exhibits. Please send dates, times, place (specific address ),fees, if any. E-mail : crecher@op.net or mail to CRECHE HERALD, 11 7 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511, U.S.A.
Each year, the city of Rome conducts a creche contest among the artists of Italy, with the winning presepio displayed in the Piazza Navona during the Christmas season.
In 1969, the Nativity scene which won the City of Rome's contest as most original featured the Madonna with the Baby Jesus in her arms and three astronauts in flight outfits kneeling in adoration. In the background was the Lunar Excursion Module. Instead of the setting being a stable, it was the moon's surface. I thought it was a neat idea.
At the time, I was the rector of the Basilica of Sts. Cosmas and Damian where there is a permanent Neapolitan presepio from the 1600's. One day , I was sharing my enthusiasm for this contemporary scene in the Piazza Navona with the president of the National Association of Presepii, which is based at the basilica. He reminded me, " A presepio is not the commemoration of the historical birth of Christ; it is the recreation of a past event as it is happening today. This is the presepio tradition. Jesus is born again each year in our world."
His comment enabled me to discover the truth in the 17th century Neapolitan presepio right in front of me. Sts. Cosmas and Damian Church's presepio depicts a man selling fish, a woman dancing the tarantella, shepherds playing the Italian bagpipes, women hanging out laundry to dry. It was the birth of Jesus in the midst of Neapolitans of the 1700's Excerpted with permission from THE NEWS, Fall/Winter 1997, a newsletter ofFranciscan Friars ofRome, Third Order Regular of St. Francis, Cresson, Pennsylvania.
A charming Nativity made in Italy that includes a stable and 8 finely molded plastic figures. Available at BRONNER'S CHRISTmas Wonderland: $38.50.
A clay creche from Chichicastenango, Guatemala, acquired in 1976. Collection of James Govan, Arlington, Virginia. MAKING A NATIVITY CONTEMPORARY by Fr. Bonaventure Midi/i, T.O.R.
SHOPPING FOR CRECHES IN MEXICO
byMaryB. Herzel
We had been staying in Morelia and heard of the famous Nativity figures of villages nearby. One village was Tlaquepaque,just outside Guadalajara , and some three hours away by bus , ; another, more rural spot , Tzintzuntzan, was closer Hoping the stories were true, we bought our tickets, boarded a crowded local bus, and started our pilgrimage one crilF ebruary morning.
n Tlaquepaque, Nativities crowded the former Spanish colonial mansions now converted to businesses on Calle Independencia, the main street of town. While the Nativities are most prevalent on counters in November and December, they can be seen all year round.
Walking along the cobblestoned main street, we stopped at No . 208 . This current Nativity statue factory and shop was in a famous historic house. It was here that on June 13 , 1821, a treaty with Spain had been signed granting independence to the region. The huge courtyard once echoed with famous events Now , it held mounds of the rich clay that makes the pottery of Tlaquepaque famous , as well as elegant five foot Nativity statues ready to be baked at a nearby kiln. In a far comer, a woman was hanging wash in front of her hut ; several small boys pl ay ed tag , and a largee ared bl ack dog watched sleepily
The fac tory and shop belonge d to 77-ye ar old Sal vador R amir ez Jim enez, a gentl eman of Indian des cent. He had sta rt e d craftin g Nati vity statu es as a b oy, he sa id Hi s brother, now dea d, had create d th e m olds for th e figures an d anima ls be in g made. For th e pr ev iou s two dec ades he had created the Nativity scenes for a nearby park. Now, he shrugged, someone e lse had the honor.
I n contrast, Nativities in the small town ofTzintzuntzan were made by the campesinos or peasants. These creches were colorful and folkloric. Bright pinks, greens, blues. Exotically co lored animals and Mexican looking figures.
B y the end of our travels, with great difficu lty, an d overwhelmed by th e vari ety , we fina lly h ad se ttl ed on three small Nativities for gifts. One was a tiny wood carv in g, th at strange as it seems, do ubled as a pen holder ; ano ther was a set of fourteen co lorfully painted mini ature cl ay figures. The last, from Tzintzuntzan, was my favorite. Bright green cactu s pillars flanked a red painted clay stabl e; on the roof five brown and ye ll ow b ird s seemed to b e sin ging; two not identifiable animals looke d on, an d th e Infant Jes us was near ly as large as His mother an d th e serap e-draped St. Joseph.
T hen it was another round of crowded b uses on a bumpy road back to More li a.
Mary Herze l has trave led exten sive ly in Mex ico with h er h usba n d, often living with a loca l family wh ile there.
EVERYONE LOVES A CRECHE: Survey Results
In early Spring, CRECHE HERALD mailed questionnaires about collecting to randomly selected readers Response was excellent and here are our results .
Overall , survey participants tended to be owners of more than one creche, had purchased a Nativity item during the past year, and liked displaying their treasures .
About 91 % had more than one creche in their collections rather than a single display However , those who did own a single creche could have up to 300 figures in the scene! One reader collected only Magi figures .
Of those who said they had numerous creches, one-third owned over I 00 sets, with several individuals saying they had 200 sets or more; two persons owned 500 plus. Nearly a quarter (22%) said they had between 2 and 10 Nativities .
Ninety percent of those surveyed had purchased a Nativity item during the past year. Most often they had bought a set (comprised of at least three pieces), and had paid anywhere from $10 to $1200 ; about half had spent $50 or less for the set.
In buying an individual item, such as a human figure , animal or stable , readers spent anywhere from $6 to $1500
Virtually all those surveyed displayed their creches , with over 60% displaying some of them year round , sometimes rotating sets . About forty percent displayed their Nativities only during the Christmas season , which was seen as starting in November Also , during the holidays , a few loaned sets to museums or placed them in local store window s.
( Survey results continued next issue)
A creche purchased by Herzel in Tzintzuntzan , Mexico
SUBSCRIPTION APPLICATION
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117 Crosshill Road Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A.
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Creche from Church of the Holy Family, Cahokia, Illinois. The church, founded in 1699, begins its Tricentennial celebration in December.