Vol. 2, No. 4
FOR A LL WHO LOVE, OWN OR COLLECT CRECHES
The Newsletter of the Christmas Nativity
MALTESE CRECHES SUBJECT OF NEW BOOK
The Story of Cribs & Pasturi in the Maltes e Islands , published under the auspices of Universalis Foederatio Praesepistica, the International Creche Society (1997), is a hardbound, 112- page book that showcases the beauty of creches created by Maltese Crib Society craftsmen. The text itself is a compilation of essays by individuals in the Association of Friends of the Crib, Gozo-Malta. It is written in three languages, English, Maltese, and Italian, with generally parallel content.
An especially interesting essay for non-Maltese readers is by Guido Lanfranco who describes the significance of various characters (pasturi) in the creche. For example, a pair of singers--friends standing on a common base-represent humanity singing praises for the happy event. Another figure, the climber who scales a vantage point, symbolizes all those who couldn't be present.
Christmas in Maltese literature by Kav. Joe M. Attard offers fragments from modem poets. One is from "The Star of the Magi" by Anton Buttigieg:
"Oh Christ, your star in the heavens sprinkled a strong beam which overcame the darkness. Teach us, Baby Jesus, to prevent our satellites from raining poison and cesium but only wealth and song."
In "Gozitan Makers of Crib Figurines," Can. Dun Nikola Vella Apap shares intimate details of crib makers he has known: " .I shall start with Tumas Zahra. Majsi, as he was known, was a bachelor (Majsi) excelled in the way in which he dressed figurines. He used a mixture of paint colours and carpenter's glue. As of November, he used to give them to various people who came to his grocery so that they would sell the figurines for him."
While Maltese traditions, literature and creche making probably will interest non-Maltese readers more than items specific to the Society, all readers will be delighted by the breadth and beauty of the creations by Society members which appear on every page.
The book costs U.S. $20, including postage. Send inquiries to: Joe Camilleri, 100, Arch Bishop P. Pace Street, Victoria, Gozo. VCT 106 Malta.
Winter 19 98
A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS AND A GOOD YEAR
Thank you for your response to the drawing for the Chinese creche. Please send in any new subscriptions so that we receive them by November 25, 1998. At that time, we'll hold a drawing and give away the porcelain Nativity and the tiny Magi sets.
Recently, I was speaking with a choral conductor friend on how he chose the music he included in his Christmas concerts. "Well," he stated, "there really is only one major requirement. I want to share with my listeners the joy of the season, of the thrilling birth of the Lord, so I make a point to select works that share that happiness."
Some of us are blessed with bountiful material joyful expressions of the season; some of us are not. But the sharing of joy need not always be material. It can be, as for my friend, the sharing of a holiday musical offering, or for less talented types like me, a special act of kindness or an unexpected thoughtful gesture.
Do share the joy of this season.
Rita
13. Bocher, Publisher
Angel with Nativity. Sculpture by Joe Camilleri. From The Story of Cribs & Pasturi in The Maltese Islands.
Winter 1998 Creche Herald page2
BffiTHDA Y JOURNEY IN
ETHIOPIA
by Mary B. Herzel
We celebrated my husband's birthday during our travels through Ethiopia. I was surprised to learn that in old rural Ethiopia, birthdays of individuals were not remembered. According to Dr. Richard Pankhurst, a British professor of Ethiopian history, the only birthdays commemorated were those of Jesus on January 7, and that of the Virgin Mary on the first of every calendar month, except the short 13th Ethiopian month . Christianity came to Ethiopia in about 42 A.D., and became an official state religion in 320 . That makes Ethiopia one of the earliest Christian countries. The majority of Christians belong to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and only paintings or icons of the Nativity appeared in their churches and ancient illuminated manuscripts. Three-dimensional creche figures are of fairly recent origins, as a result of Western European influences.
At the present time, in some cities and the capital, Addis Ababa, a Western style creche is placed on the altar of the church or outside near the church steps. Some Christians will also place a creche in their homes. The figures in these creches usually wear the traditional gauzelike cotton dress, called shemma.
Holiday festivities end on January 19, which, in the Ethiopian calendar, is the feast of the Epiphany. The Epiphany in Ethiopia refers to the baptism of Jesus, rather than the Feast of the Magi. On that day, replicas of the Ark of the Covenant, called the tabot, are carried by priests under elaborate umbrellas. A procession of musicians and the faithful, wearing their traditional white shemma, follows. All march to a nearby fountain or baptismal pool where the priest commences the ceremonies with a traditional blessing of the water. Mary B. Herzel resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
THE MYSTERY OF JESUS' BffiTH
by Ashley Beavers
One of the reasons we love creches is that they enable us to make some of the deep mysteries of life more concrete, and therefore more understandable.
The New Testament says very little about the specifics of the birth of Jesus. What information is given is found in the early chapters in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke . These two Gospels were written at different times for different audiences--and the accounts are very different. The truth of the Gospels was conveyed in images and phrases which would have had meaning for the desired readers, but there still were many details not included.
In the first few centuries after Christ, as the Church began to spread, believers wanted more information about Jesus. Some writings appeared, usually attributed to some trustworthy and knowledgeable authority, which filled in details that were not included in the most popular writings. Some of these writings were well known throughout Christendom, while others apparently had only local readership. Know as Christian Apocrypha, these writings eventually were judged by the early Church as not being authoritative and hence were excluded in the collection we know as the Bible.
Of all the writings in the Christian Apocrypha, the one of particular interest to creche lovers and most influential in the art of the Nativity is the Infancy Gospel ofJames. Known to scholars as the Prote_vangelium of James, this · work probably was written around A.D. 150. About 130 manuscripts exist in early Greek.
The following are some of the artistically assumed details of the Nativity which do not appear in the New Testament, but come from the Infancy Gospel of James.
• Joseph was an old man and Mary was sixteen (some manuscripts say twelve).
• Mary rode a donkey to Bethlehem
• Jesus was born in a cave
• The animals were silent and there was a stillness in the air when Jesus was born
• A midwife, Salome, was present who verified that Mary was a virgin and recognized the Babe as the Savior
• A light shone from the cave
• The Magi brought their gifts to the cave
Thus, as we place our collections of animals and townspeople around our creches, we are joining the company of those believers who, throughout history, have been excited and moved by this magical moment. Like them, we want to have specific details and want to represent the event faithfully. So, like them, we begin with the Bible and then make additions from tradition
Ashley Beavers, D.Min ., is College Minister at Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio
The traditional shemma is worn in this Nativity from Ethiopia.
• Carefully hand-crafted in celebration of the birth of Christ
Two tabletop sizes that elegantly display custom-made Nativity figurines
}'>~ Sturdy, post and beam, barnboard
':1{ :/ construction with individual redwood
•+wf: ;foof shingles that will last a lifetime
• Unobstructed view of figurines from 3 sides
• Fully assembled, featuring movable fence to reconfigure the stable scene each year
• Rugged base with unique cobblestone finish
• Internal soft light warming each .··. =.,:
Fence accessory
Cobblestone Base
OLD WORLD MARKETS IN NEW WORLD
by Barbara Gibbs Ostmann
Europeans are so in love with Christmas that they stretch the season from the first weekend of Advent in late November to Jan 6, or Twelfth Night. During this period you can stroll through special outdoor markets, sampling sausages and gingerbread, sipping hot spiced wine, and shopping for creches, ornaments , and gifts
Nestled in the hearts of historic cities or small rural villages , the markets look like picture postcards. The tiny timber chalets that house the various vendor booths are decorated with evergreens, twinkling white lights and sometimes elaborate holiday figures or nativity scenes. With a light dusting of snow and the sounds of a nearby church organ or outdoor choir, the air is almost magical.
There are more than 300 Christmas markets in Germany, probably almost that many in Austria, and dozens in Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Holland, Italy and other countries . Some of the most spectacular markets are in Munich, Nuremberg, Dresden, Innsbruck and Vienna, but many people opt for smaller, more intimate ones in rural villages.
Markets, Markets Everywhere
Sounds great, you're thinking, but I can't make it to Europe this holiday season . No problem. Many ethnic groups have adapted the European Christmas market tradition to the United States.
You'll swear you've been transported to Germany when you stop by the third annual Christkindlmarket in Chicago, sponsored by the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest (312-644-2662), L1illhansa and the City of Chicago. From Nov 27 through Dec 20, Daley Center Plaza, in front of City Hall in the Loop area, is transformed into a winter wonderland.
In Hermann, Mo. , in the heart of Missouri Wine Country, the sixth annual Kristkindl Markt will be held Dec. 5-6 at historic Stone Hill Winery, the largest winery in the state. More than 25 juried vendors will display fine hand-crafted items for sale, as well as an assortment of
imported German Christmas decorations The event is sponsored by the Hermann Tourism Group (573-4862744) .
The Swedish version of the Christmas market steals the show in Bishop Hill , Ill., a Swedish Communal Settlement established in 1846 that is now a State Historic Site (309927-3345). The Julmarknad festivities , Nov 27-29 and Dec 5-6, feature decorated museums and shops, Swedish foods, a cookie walk and other activities
One of the largest Danish settlements in the United States is around Elk Hom and neighboring Kimballton. , Iowa The annual Julefest will be held Nov. 27-28 in Elk Hom (800-451-7960 or 712-764-7012), and will feature Danish foods, displays and crafts. Father Christmas makes an appearance, and traditional foods such as aebleskivers (apple fritters) are served. Norwegian Christmas traditions are displayed in Decorah, Iowa, Dec . 5-6 at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum (319-3829681).
You can learn about Dutch Christmas traditions at the Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) party and parade Nov . 28 in Pella, Iowa (515-628-2409) or the Sinterklaas Day festivities Dec. 5 in Orange City, Iowa (712-737-4510).
St. Nicholas is the star of the show at the annual Nikolausfest and Christkindl Market at the Athenaeum, a National Historic Landmark in Indianapolis. Originally called The German House, the Athenaeum (317-630-4569) focuses on German Christmas traditions. The highlight of this year's festivities will be a visit from Sankt Nikolaus and his assistant Knecht Ruprecht, and the lighting of a traditional Old World Christmas tree , or Weihnachtsbaum, with real candles on Dec 6. The Christkindl Market, featuring hand-crafted items from local and international artisans, will be Dec. 5-6.
Barbara Gibbs Ostmann , who was born on Christmas Day, is a fan of Christmas markets everywhere. She is co-author ofTJie Recipe Writer's Handbook (John Wiley & Sons , 1997)
CRECHE EXCHANGE: RATES: 50 cents per word. 10 POINT BOLD CAPS: 80 cents per word. $7 minimum Send ad and check to: Creche Herald, 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 (USA)
WANTED: White Hummel figurines. Looking for pieces to white Hummel Nativity set, vintage 1960's. Style No. 214and various letters. Need camel, shepherd w/sheep, king kneeling w/ box, St. Joseph. White only; no color. Eight inches tall. Call Kirsten at 212-930-8645.
FOR SALE:• Hand carved 18 th or 19 th century Madonna Good condition. Photos available. 212-691-6602
???? and Comments
Q.What do the initials " C .M.B ." mean? What is their connection to the " Star Boys?"
A. The initials refer to the Three Wise Men : Caspar; Melchior, and Balthazar They are written over the front doors of homes in Poland, Czech Republic and Sweden by the Star Boys on their Epiphany Day visits Along with the initials, three crosses are drawn According to tradition , the homes marked with these holy symbols will experience only good fortune throughout the year.
The Star Boys refer to the groups of children in those countries who dress up as the Magi or other Biblical figures Carrying a paper star with a candle inside on a long pole, they go from house to house singing carols , performing short plays , or narrating the story of the Three Wise Men In return, they are given presents of candy and coins
Reminiscent of a soft winter snow/all in its gleaming creamy white finish and recalling the early days of M .I. Hummel production
Goebel proudly presents
M.I. Hummel White Nativity Set
A FEAST FOR SOUL AND BODY
"Three years ago, I saw this wonderful presepio in a magazine. That year I went to Naples. There I met an artist through a mutual friend who does these incredible figures. I was hooked," Rizzi DeFabo explains. And indeed, for the last several years, Rizzi has returned to Naples, to the Via San Gregorio Armeno, to collect more pieces for his stunning and growing display. Rizzi's presepio has quickly become an eagerly anticipated Christmas event at the family restaurant which is now in its fourth generation.
***
"My newest additions are three 18th century village women doing an Italian folk dance, the Tarantella," he notes with pleasure. "The figures are so lifelike, you can practically hear the music they're dancing to." Rizzi's figures are about 8 11 high. They are sculpted of terra cotta with finely detailed fabric clothing. Their joints are of a mesh which permits posing the figures.
***
Now numbering about 50 pieces, Rizzi's presepio graces the family's restaurant, Rizzo 's Malabar Inn, in Crabtree, Pennsylvania, during the holiday season. Complementing the presepio display, the restaurant also offers regional Italian holiday menu items.
BUILDING A WAGON FOR YOUR CRECHE
by John E. Winters, Jr
One of the joys of creche building is to use your creativity and customize your own display. As a committed fixer-upper, I have accumulated a number of tools and lots of scrap wood. I hate to throw anything away. That has com~ in handy as I built my first creche.
The inspiration for the haywagon pictured in the Summer edition of the Creche Herald came from the Fontanini figure, Ephraim, the sleeping shepherd. The wagon is made of 1/4" inexpensive pine and with ordinary tools found in most homes. I used wood left over from a wainscotting job that I had done in my house. For wheels, I used the Fontanini accessory wagon wheels that I thought more attractive than trying to cut out my own. Other purchased wheels will work as well.
The bed of the wagon is one piece of pine 6 11 by 2" Then you will need strips of wood 1/4" wide: 4 strips 6" long, 4 strips 1-1/2" long, one strip 2" long and one strip 3" long. I cut all of these on my scroll saw, but they can be made using any type of saw.
Sand and round the ends of the 3" strip until the wagon wheels fit the ends snugly. The wheels are not expected to turn; they are just for display.
Your wagon is now ready to be assembled. You can use a hot glue gun or wood glue. The hot glue is quicker, but the wood glue appears to me to hold better. If you use wood glue, clamps should be used to hold the pieces in place until the glue sets up.
Glue 1-1/2" strips upright in each corner of the bed. Glue one 6 11 strip along each side, at the top of the upright strip . Glue one 2" strip along the back (the front of the wagon will be open). Glue the 3" strip with the wheels underneath about one-third of the way from the back so that the front of the wagon rests on the ground. Glue the remaining two 6 11 strips so that they serve as shafts at the front of the wagon.
Stain or paint the wagon when the glue is dry.
Fill the wagon with hay. I used unraveled jute twine.
Dried field grasses also work well.
John E. Winters, Jr. resides in Canton, Connecticut
Creche Herald
Editor/publisher: Rita B. Bocher
Contributing editor: Mary B. Herzel
Office: 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A
Web a e: www.o .net/-bocassoc/ E-mail: crech o net
A villager with a basket of fruit pauses to chat in Rizzi DeFabo's popular presepio at Rizzo's Malabar Inn, Crabtree, Pennsylvania
Winter 1998 Creche Herald page7
JOSEF
Red with natural carved nativity scene (18" x 15") $93 incl.. shipping
THE HOLY FAMILY
Natural wood with carved wood nativity scene. Light blue background (17" x 13 ") $83 incl. shipping
MARY
White with carved wood nativity scene (18" x 15") $87 incl. shipping
These electric creche candle holders make a wonderful statement. The soft candles highlight the nativity, spread a glow and, when you place it in the window, accents the holiday season by casting its light in and outside. All three wooden handmade creche lights are boxed for easy storage and protection and include three spare bulbs. We accept credit cards. Telephone or Fax 1-860-664-4597
SCANDINAVIAN IMPORTS
NATIVITY EVENTS
Free unless otherwise noted
CANADA : Alberta
Lethbridge. Dec.3,4,5 Int ' ! creche display !0am-9pm. Email: jkoviatt@telusplanet.net
UNITED STATES: Michigan
Ann Arbor. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ., 1385 GreenRd. Dec.4,5,7: 10am-9pm;Dec6: ll-7pm ConcertsSun & Fri Int'! exhibit includes special collection of Catherine Carroll. www.umich .edu/-akc/creche.html
Minnesota
Minneapolis/St. Paul. Minn. Institute. of Arts. Creche exhibit. Nov 26- Jan 2. 612870-3200. Admission . Black Nativity performance Penombra Theater Co. At Fitzgerald Theater. Dec 9-27 Tickets: 651-224-3180 Hennepin Ave . Methodist Church. 100-person Live Nativity. Tues.-Sun. Dec. 4-19. Tickets: 612-871-2975
North Heights Lutheran "Splendor of Christmas" production. Dec. 3-11. Tickets : 651-639-9777
North Carolina
Asheville. Biltmore Estate Nov 7- Jan. 3 9am-6pm Candlelight eve tours 800-413-9790. Fee
Pennsylvania
Lititz. Moravian Putz Lititz Moravian Church Fellowship Hall Dec. 26-Dec30 . 717-569-1480. Nazareth. Whitefield House. Nov. 22-Jan. 10. 3 entire Futzes. Admission
Texas
Colleyville Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 5312 Bransford Over 500 creches Dec. 3,4: 10am-9pm; Dec. 5:10am-6pm Sat. concert. 817-488-4952.
San Antonio
Historic area transformed into "Bethlehem" & other attractions, Nov. 27-Dec. 26 Fee 210-366-0332.
Las Posadas(Holy Family's Journey to Bethlehem), Lady of the Lake Univ. 210-434-6711.
Pastore/a el Portal de Nopalatepec, 11th c. Spanish Nativity pageant. Istituto Cultural Mexicano inHemisFair Park. Dec. 1113. 210-227-0123
Gran Posada de San Antonio. Since 1731. Dec. 18. Presented by San Fernando Cathedral. 210-227-1297
Washington, D.C.
National Cathedral. Nov. 23-Jan.6. 10 -4 . 202-537-5700
White House. During Dec. 10 am to noon. Free tickets at Visitors Center, 15 th & Pennsylvania. Ave
RARE HUMMEL NATMTY RETURNS
Pure and pristine. Different and dramatic. Those were the words that described the original M.I. Hummel Nativity in its gleaming white overglaze.
In the early days of M.I. Hummel production, some figurines with religious motifs were specially prepared in white overglazed versions. That practice was discontinued in the mid-1960's, and examples of the early white Nativities today are extremely rare. Because of the unique beauty of those Nativities, Goebel has resurrected its stunning interpretation of those early days of M.I. Hummel. This season, a new white M.I. Hummel set, reminiscent of the earlier rare Nativity, is available.
The new white Nativity, with its shimmering white glaze, joins M.I. Hummel Nativities in the traditional handsculpted, handpainted figurines. These spectacular sets, long considered family heirlooms, and treasured by collectors everywhere, often reign as the focal point of holiday displays at home.
The M.I. Hummel figurines are based upon the enchanting drawings by Sister Maria InnocentiaHummel, a nun in the convent at Siessen, Germany.
HANDCRAFTED WITH LOVE AND SKILL
"Crafting a creche that captures the spirit of the Nativity, and at the same time, making it authentic through research is what sets our stable apart," states Art Stout, owner of Works ofArt.
Art got started into creches about four years ago. Prior to that, he and his wife, Mary, who is professionally skilled in stenciling, were successfully marketing cabinets and children's furniture that they had designed and crafted. "I started making creches when I couldn't find one that was attractive and still believable," he says.
Before developing his final design, Art boned up on St. Francis' creche at Greccio, and stables in Jerusalem. He incorporated what he learned with the American post and beam construction which, he says, is his favorite style.
Works of Art creche designs are continually refined. "This year's Catherine creche (named after the family's eldest daughter) is really unique," explains Art. "The structure is open on three sides so that the Holy Family's presence is always visible. And even though the creche is fully assembled, we include a movable fence so that the setting can be personally customized each year."
The whole Stout family, including his wife and three daughters, participates in some way. "Crafting creches is a labor of love for our family," states Art, an engineer by training. "We love Christmas and the Nativity, and we try to express that love through our work. Everybody is involved in some way, with our daughter, Catherine, especially wonderful in shingling the roof with its hundreds of tiny redwood pieces."
Works of Art creches are of pine construction with a redwood roof (with many personally shingled by Catherine) . A white light with clear glass is hidden inside the structure with an on/off switch . There are two models: one measures about 10" x 18" and a 7" high opening that will accommodate 5" figures; the other is 12" x24", with an opening that is 10" high for larger figures
For inquiries, call or fax Works ofArt: 414-691-4742 .
'i' 'i' 'i' 'i' 'i'
Sewing creche costumes
Simplicity Pattern #8275 recreates the Christmas story with costumes for Mary, Joseph, Three Magi, two shepherds and an angel.
Joseph with reclining Mary. Collection ofFr. Timothy Goldrick, LaSalette Shrine, Attleboro, Massachusetts.
A UNIQUE NATIVITY OF LIGHTS
"Our Nativity candelabra are extremely unusual and a unique interpretation of the creche." explains Claus Morch, owner of Scandinavian Imports "In a way, they call to mind the beautiful ceremony of St. Lucia Day on December 13 that starts the Christmas season in Sweden. These Nativities are an expression of that joy and tradition of lights."
Traditionally, on the morning of St. Lucia Day, the eldest daughter of the house, dressed in a white robe and a green wreath on her head with lighted candles, awakens the household singing the Italian song, "Santa Lucia," and brings coffee and buns to everyone. St. Lucia was a young girl who was put to death in Sicily in A.D. 304 for professing Christianity. She is honored in Sweden because legend has it that she brought food to that country during a terrible famine, appearing with her head all encircled with a light.
Scandinavian Imports' Nativity wood candelabra are meticulously handmade. Some are in natural wood; others decoratively painted. The delicate figures are all hand carved. "They're a wonderfully festive table or mantle decoration, as well as being welcoming in the front window," notes Claus,
"We also offer," he adds, "a wide variety of other Nativities. One, made especially for us, is in fine pewter The figures are about 4-1/2" inches tall and have incredible detailing. This set includes a standing camel that has stunning realism. Then, there are our glass molded creches with reverse engraving that are beautiful on a tabletop. All in all, a wide variety of exquisite imports from Scandinavia, as well as Poland and France. "
Scandinavian Imports can be reached by phone or fax: 1-860-664-4597.
Handmade Creches and Angels from Around the Globe
SERRV INTERNATIONAL
A nonprofit organization
SERRV has creches, angels, and other high quality Christmas items all handcrafted by artisans in Africa, Latin America, and Asia to provide them needed income.
Call 1-800-423-0071 for our FREE 84 page color catalog with nearly 1,000 handcrafted products from around the world.
SERRV INTERNATIONAL P.O.Box365 New Windsor, MD 21776-0365
1-800-423-0071
WWW.SERRV.ORG
Handpainted by Mexican artisans using the Brunido technique. Eleven figures, 6½"h #61055 $105.00 SAFA9sAs
CRECHE GRACES BIL TM ORE HOUSE
Afew days before Christmas 1895, five train cars pulled into the small depot in Biltmore Village, just outside Asheville, North Carolina. Family and friends of George Vanderbilt eagerly awaited a look at his newly constructed 250-room chateau festively decorated for the holidays
A century later, floral design supervisor, Cathy Barnhardt, and her staff recreate the holiday warmth and charm that Vanderbilt's guests experienced that first Christmas at America's largest home, Biltmore House . Decorations always include a Nativity display " Christmas is a unique time for all ofus ," explains Cathy, " and the creche is what Christmas is all about." The Biltmore creche is handmade in Olot, Spain "Its colors are warm and when I saw it, I knew it would fit into the beautiful surroundings," she adds Creche figures are about 16 " tall and are made of pasta madera (woodpaste). Olot is a small town located north of Barcelona at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains whose craftsmen enjoy a Jong tradition in the creation of Nati vities.
This year the creche will be displayed in the soaring Tapestry Gallery cradled amidst poinsettias, potted plants and small cedar trees Pale yellow orchids lend their blooms as "stars." Surrounding the creche are four 14foot Chnstmas trees decorated with the Biltmore ' s collection of German hand-blown ornaments. Totally, over 35 decorated trees adorn the house, with a towering 40-foot tree in the baronial Banquet Hall which can seat 64 guests.
At its completion, Biltmore House was one of the most innovative and technologically advanced homes in the world . Its luxuries, all unheard of at the turn of the century, included indoor hot and cold running water, elevators, central heating, a fire alarm system, refrigeration, electric lightbulbs and ten Bell telephones Christmas at the Biltmore Estate can be enjoyed from November 7 to January 3. 1-800-413-9790
CARMELITE MONASTERY IS GIFT SOURCE
Free catalogue for hand carvings , icons , angels, Nativities, note cards and ornaments.
Dovecote Gift Shop, Carmelite Monastery 17037 250th Street, Eldridge, Iowa 52748-9425. Tel: 319-285-8387; Fax 319-285-7467
• E-mail: solitude@netins.net
NATIONAL CHRISTMAS CENTER OPENS
A new family attraction dedicated to Christmas opens in Paradise , Pennsylvania on November 13 , 1998 for a two month preview A full schedule starts April 1999. Hours : 10am to 8 pm daily. Admission. 717-442-7950
Original ceramic Nativity by Hungarian artist, Katalin Moldvai. Inquiries to Sandor Collection, 860-738-1417.
Spanish Na c imiento displayed at Biltmore House , Asheville , North Carolina .
Holy Family in red earthenware. A unique sculpture by New Mexico artist, Ji! Gurule. For inquiries, 505-890-1845.
CRECHES WITH A CONSCIENCE
"Each of our creches has a story to tell," states Brian Backe, director of marketing at SERRV International. "The story of how some village got together, or some women formed a co-op, or how they backpacked their stuff down out of the mountains and got it by bus, to the port. We work with people in 40 developing countries to help them sell their products in the United States through a network of volunteers, small shops, as well as a wonderful catalog."
SERRV was founded at the close of World War II by the Church of the Brethren. Its mission was to help refugees by selling their handmade lace doilies and cuckoo clocks. Now, SERRV's volunteerbase exceeds3,000and the organization advertises on the Internet.
Over 70 different original SERRV creches are available. Each reflects the artisan, the country and the tools available. Woodcarvers in Kenya whittleMahuhu wood; potters in Peru turn ceramic figures nimbly; Cameroon artisans pour brass into molds, and Bengali women pull jute fiber between their fingers.
The dress and faces of the creche figures often reflect the artisans themselves. The Kenyan Mary wears African jewelry, the Peruvian Babe dons a warm cap for the frigid temperature of the Andes and the Mayan Infant from Guatemala is diapered in Ikat fabric.
SERRV prides itself on giving the artisan a fair price for the work created, returning 40 percent of the retail price to producers. Free catalogue: 1-800-423-0071.
A ROYAL PRESEPIO AT SPENCER MUSEUM
Chades III, the pious ruler of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and an amateur wood carver and sculptor, took a special pleasure in the creation of presepii. His interest sparked the artists of his royal household to create an extensive array of figures representing everyday life in 18th century Naples. He is even credited with founding a craft league in Naples to produce the small works of art Later, he established a creche contest among private homes, whose owners vied among each other to present the most spectacular setting. The king even made personal visits to the best exhibitions. When Charles III succeeded to the Spanish throne in 1759, he took his personal masterpieces with him.
Today, many of the figures at the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas trace their origins to the collection of Charles III. The figures were acquired from Prince Fabrizio Massimo in Rome in 1914 by Sallie Casey Thayer who gave them to the Museum in 1917.
Arare facet of the Spencer Museum collection is the presepio setting which is an original 18th century architectural construction. While the area around the base provides shelter for shepherds and animals, the Holy Family appears to have found refuge in the apse of a ruined basilica, complete with coffered dome and a pair of giant composite columns.
The presepio is on exhibit throughout December.
Royal figures in rare 18th century setting at the Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
SUBSCRIPTION APPLICATION
Annual rate: $12 per year. (Canada: $15 U.S.; other countries: $16 U.S.)
Enclose check or money order payable to CRECHE HERALD
Mail to: CRECHE HERALD
117 Crosshill Road Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A.
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CRECHE HERALD
117 Crosshill Road Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A.
St. Joseph from 18th century Neapolitan collection of Frederick J. Doyle, McLean, Virginia