The story that Christ was born in a cave goes back at least to the second century. According to St. Justin, who was martyred in Rome around 166, "since Joseph was not able to find lodging in the village he occupied a cave near Bethlehem, and while they were there Mary gave birth to Christ and laid him carefully in a trough." St. Helena visited a cave believed to be this one around 326, and shortly thereafter her son, Constantine, built a church there. Emperor Constantine's church was replaced for unknown reasons in the second half of the sixth century, and that sixth-century church still stands today.
Traces of the Constantinian church were excavated in the 1930s. Though the finds were not extensive enough to prevent disagreement, most archaeologists believe that the fourth-century church consisted of two parts: an octagonal structure over the cave, and a longitudinal basilica with a nave and four aisles (two on each side) projecting from the octagon on the west side. The pavement of the octagon was slightly raised, and it seems to have had a hole in the center through which pilgrims could look down into the cave. In the sixth-century rebuilding, the nave and aisles were made longer, and the octagon was replaced by a "triconch" structure with three apses pointing north, east, and south.
Both versions of the building had stairs leading down to the level of the cave. There are multiple interconnected grottoes under the church, each of which eventually came to have its own story and dedication. The cave of the Nativity is the largest, and its location evidently determined the placement and orientation of the church above it. This cave is elongated and has an extension, like an annex, on its south side. In this annex is a cut in the rock identified as the trough or manger - praesaepe in Latin - where it was said that the infant was laid.
When the Frankish bishop, Arculf, visited the cave around 670, he found it "entirely covered with precious marble"; evidently, the rough rock had been regularized (probably already in the time of Constantine) and covered with marble veneer in the manner of above-gound chapels. A twelfth-century writer reported that there were holes in the revetment through which pilgrims could kiss the rock behind. Other medieval visitors recorded gold, mosaic, and painted decoration in the cave, but with time and the difficulties of the Crusader period, this decoration disappeared. According to a sixteenth-century source, the rock of the ~ave and of the praesaepe was "bare as it was at
the time of the Nativity"; however, in later descriptions the ornament is back, thicker and more lavish than ever.
Aprecious source of information on the church and the cave beneath it is the treatise by Brother Bernardino Amico. Fra Bernardino went to Palestine in 1593 and began making souvenir cribs and tombs of olive wood and mother-of-pearl. He then conceived the plan to make drawings of all of the Holy Land shrines to serve as models for craftsmen in Europe. Editions of his treatise with engraved copies of his drawings were published in 1610 and 1620; the 1620 edition is accessible in a facsimile published in 1953 with an English translation of the text.
Bibliography
Richard Krautheimer, Early Christian and Byzantine Architecture, 4th ed., Harmondsworth, 1986, pp. 59-60, 266-267
Fra Bernardino Amico,Plans ofthe Sacred Edifices oftheHolyLand, trans. Fr. Theophilus Bellorini and Eugene Hoade, Jerusalem, 1953
Dale Kinney, Ph.D., is Professor of History ofArt, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Dear Friends and Lovers of the Christmas Nativity,
As the year turns from the 1900s to the 2000s, we wanted to make our Millennium issue special for you. You have been wonderfully responsive, and your articles and photos have added immeasurably to our newsletter.
Many people have made Creche Herald possible, but in addition, I have had the continuous benefit of a one-person cheering team. Mary Herzel has been a tireless marketer, enthusiastic researcher, and a most supportive sister.
To all of you, a most sincere thanks.
And now on to the new Millennium!!!
Rita Bocher, Publisher
Cover: 18th century NeapolitanPresepio, with rare original setting. Many of the figures are from the collection of Charles III, ruler of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Spencer Museum of Art, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas.
The Neapolitan creche theatrically depicts people in all walks of life and from many countries, as Naples was a thriving port city. Most go about their daily business, seemingly unaware of the divine drama unfolding in their midst. The Holy Family, which the Italians called the Mistero, provides a tranquil and spiritual note to the busy world at its feet.
DIRECTIONS:
CRECHE SOCIETY EXPLORATORY MEETING
COME ONE, COME ALL WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!
Saturday, December 4, 1999
l0a.m.
Christian Education Building of the Central Moravian Church 40 West Church Street Bethlehem, PA
From points north: Route 33 S. to Route 22 W. to Route 378 S. Take Exit 3, Center City.
From points west: Route 78 E. to Route 22 E. to Route 378 S. Take Exit 3, Center City.
From New Jersey, New York and points east: Take Route 78 W. to Route 412 N. (exit 21) to Route 378 N. to Main Street, Bethlehem exit.
From Philadelphia and points south: Northeast extension of PA turnpike to exit 33 (Allentown) to Route 22 E. to Route 378 S. to exit 3, Center City OR take Route 309 N. to Route 378 N. to Main Street Bethlehem exit. Parking available in municipal lots and in an enclosed garage in historic district.
Other events in the area: Christkindlmarkt presented by the Bethlehem Musikfest Association in large heated tents at Main and Spring Streets. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: $4. Ethnic Christmas Tree Exhibit, Comfort Suites Hotel Lobby, 120 W. Third Street. Free. Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, 427 N. New Street. Admission: $3 adults, $2 seniors. Bethlehem has a delightful shopping and historic district; however, the town is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND MAPS: The Bethlehem Tourism Authority: 1-800-360-8687.
North America's Largest Importer & Distributor of Santons by Marcel Carbone!
SanlJJnA d11 ;l,A.anu
The santons of Marcel Carbone) from Marseille are of the highest quality in all of France. They are imported into the U.S. and sold through a small company in Woolwich, Maine.
Betsy, the owner of the company, will, as a personal service, maintain a list of the figures you purchase. This list will enable you, your friends and family to add to the collection without duplications. This special gift is appropriate for Wedding, Christening, Easter, Valentines Day, Birthday, Anniversary, Christmas or "Just Because" occasions.Take the guess work out of giving. Start a collection for someone, maybe even yourself. After purchasing the starter set, the next special occasion requires only a telephone call or e-mail message to add more figures.
3 Piece Holy Family Gift Set
Mary. Joseph & Jesus Cricket (4cm) $36.00 Elite (7cm) $47 00 Grande (10cm) $62.00
Plus $4.50 Shipping
To order the 3 piece set and receive a free color brochure of over 175 figures call: 207-443-2345 or e-mail: santon@gwi.net Or send check or money order to: Santons de France 127 River Road Woolwich, ME 04579
ICONS: CREATIONS OF FAITH AND LOVE THE WORKS OF FATHER PETER WILKE
"Icons are doorways into stillness, into closeness with God If you sit with them long enough, you too can enter into that stillness, into that communion. And if you listen to them closely enough with your heart, you will hear the voice of God," explains Fr Peter Wilke in discussing his works of art.
The word "icon" is used to describe those religious pictures that have a prominent place in the Eastern Church. They are stylized representations created on wood of a spiritual journey . " An icon is meant to reveal God," says Fr. Peter, "the icon artist is merely the instrument for that happening."
In the Eastern tradition, an iconographer writes, rather than paints an icon, according to Fr. Peter. "It is more akin to writing the gospel than to painting a piece of art." There always is first a period of spiritual reflection. "Prayer and fasting help me to understand God's inspiration in the subject I am contemplating," he says.
The iconographer does not paint according to his or her whims, but uses a detailed technique and design "Iconography has its own language," says Fr. Peter, "It is a language of the heart, of one soul speaking to another. Its grammar is color and symbol."
Icons are meant as windows into another world, and the love of God is expressed through his creatures . "We have Mary, known as the Theofokos, or God-bearer, who always is seen as serene and tender, wearing a cloak of red with the eight-pointed star of the new covenant. Or there is the Christ Child whom Mary holds, but who never is depicted as a helpless baby. He is larger than life, touching her and touching all of humanity "
Fr. Peter continues, "There is no attempt to make the figure in the icon look real. Figures are distorted intentionally, often elongated, so that they cannot be confused with real people . The eyes of the figure are large and luminous, for they have seen the glory of God. Ears are large as they have heard the word of God The nose is narrow and the mouth is small because the presence of God lessens the need for sensual satisfaction. Icons also use a reverse perspective. In Western art, the perspective or center point is in the artwork in front of you In the icon, the perspective is reversed, and you, the viewer, become the center point."
Fr. Peter's works, shown in galleries all over the country, are created in the traditional Russian manner using only natural materials. All the pigments are made of ground stone, including agate and lapis lazuli , with 23K gold.
Fr Peter is available for exhibits, lectures and classes. His work is through : Hermitage Art, 3839 La Selva Drive, Rapid City, SD 57701. Tel 605-343-6073. E-mail: icons@iw.net
A SPECIAL ORNAMENT AS A SPECIAL GIFT
A Creche Herald handmade sterling silver ornament to keep or give as a special gift. Our logo, designed by Michael Stumpf of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is the Heart of Christmas 1999 ornament for Christmas Editions of Sterling, Virginia, in a limited edition of 500 Price of each piece is based on the quantity purchased : one : $50; 2-5 : $38.50; 6-9: $35; 10 or more: $28.50. Buy any combination of designs made from 1995 to the Year 2000 for the special pricing. Earlier designs are more Contact Christmas Editions at 101 E. Holly, Suite 3, Sterling, Virginia, 20164. Tel: 1-703-444-6155; E-mail : PeggyPhD@AOL.com
Icon ofMadonna and Child by Fr. Peter Wilke
MAROLIN
It all began in the Thuringian Forest about 100 years ago, when Mr. Richard Mahr started producing nativity figurines made of papier-mdche at his parent's home. The first items were serene looking with a Nazarene style. Later, in 1920, a new style emerged when the young talented designer • Mr. Julius Weigelt joined the company. Up to our days, it is his style that characterizes all Maro/in products.
After the dispossession of the company by the East Germany government in 1972, the recipe of the Maro/in papier-mdche was forgotten. So a renaissance of the beautiful items seemed to be impossible. However, after the reunification in 1990, the old company building was given back to the grandson-in-law of Mr. Richard Mahr, who discovered the historical recipe by chance - written on an old wooden door. So they started to manufacture the articles immediately by using the historical moulds and pattern.
RICHARD MAHR GmbH
Handcrafted Nativity Collectibles
• Christmas, Easter and Halloween Articles
• Models of Indians, Cowboys, Knights and Animals
• Accessories made of Wood and Fabric
Today every single Maro/in figure receives as much artisan attention as it did in the past. The Thuringian crafts people are happy that the company never refrained from it's original techniques established by Richard Mahr
Requests for catalogues, product information and prices to:
I have several Nativity puzzles and am always interested in finding others. The ones I have are: Adoration of the Magi from Canterbury Cathedral; Adoration of the Magi, from a painting by Gentile de Fabriano; Away in The Manger by Bryan, and Virgin with Angels from a painting by W.A. Bouguereau. If anyone knows where I can find others, please let me know. E-mail: spburke@iohk.com Sean P. Burke, Hong Kong
Thought you would like to show a picture of the Algona (Iowa) Nativity made by the German prisoners of war during World War II who were encamped here. (See Summer 1999 issue). Mr. Eduard Kaib, who designed and coordinated the building of the creche, was a very dedicated man and a most talented man in his profession.
To me, the great lesson we have to learn from this is that during World War II, our enemies encamped here in a Prisoner of War camp wanted to build a symbol of peace and leave it with us A great lesson to be learned from it.
Wes H. Bartlett, Algona, Iowa
MAROUN PERFECTS PAPIER MACIIE ART
In the middle of the 19th century, papier mache was already used to create dolls, animals and figurines. A great center for such specialty items was the Thuringian Forest region. One of the towns in the region was Steinach where Richard Mahr got his start creating Nativity scenes in his parents' home.
The proportions of the ingredients of the papier mache are a tight secret in each cottage industry household, although the ingredients themselves are known Clay, kaolin, plant-glue and paper pulp form the little people.
Two types of artisans create the figures: the pourer and the hand presser.
Liquid papier mache is poured into plaster of paris forms to create a hollow body. The plaster ofparis of the forms absorbs the liquid, and at the same time, draws the solid materials tightly into all the detailed crevices of the figure. Figures larger than five inches are strengthened with wire. Liquid papier mache for small figures is often pressed by hand in the mold. Drying in an oven is the next step After about 6-12 hours, the forms are opened, and imperfections are corrected.
Lastly, the most important step in the Marolin process is the painting of the exquisitely delicate figures by a skilled artist . This important craftsperson also adds a special glow and depth with the careful and precise application of a finishing patina.
After a century, Marolin figures still owe their beauty and detail to a dedicated cottage industry which continues the tradition of its founder.
THE PRAYER OF THE SANTONS
We have come from afar Guided by the Eastern Star Praises loud to Thee we sing. Humble gifts to Thee we bring.
Teach us, Holy Child, we ask, Cheerfully to do our task.
Make us love to delve and toil Like the tiller of the soil.
Like the oxen, strong and steady
Like the watchmen, ever ready. Make us like the shepherds, wise
To know warnings in the skies.
Make us sturdy as the ass, Merry as the gypsy lass, Like the potter at his wheel
For his handcraft full of zeal.
Make us love both great and small
And love Thee who has made us all.
From Betsy Bisson, Santons de France, Woolwich, Maine.
Mother and Child from the Algona, Iowa , creche made by World War II Germ3!1 prisoners of war.
Creche Herald
Membership for one full year is only $22 .00, plus if you choose to join for two years a $5.00 savings is offered. To join the Fontanini Collectors' Club, please fill out the order form below or call us toll free at 1-800-729-7662, ext. 1366. Visit our Website at www.roman.com to see a selection of Fontanini figures and enroll on-line.
Please register me as a new member and send my Welcome Kit containing Lemuel, the LorcJ's Herald.
HER CRECHES SYMBOLIZE HOPE
by Mary Herzel
Miriam Schylaske loves to decorate with creches. When I visited her at home, she was wearing a T-shirt that she had decorated with a Nativity scene; on her wrist jingled a gold bracelet with Nativity figures, a gift from a friend. This collector, who lives in Halifax, Pennsylvania, started collecting in 1986 after her parents died. They left her some money, and she wanted to buy something that would be a reminder of them, and also would be something she could pass on to the next generation As a child, she had always loved creches, and this was the time to buy one. Her first purchase was a tiny pewter creche purchased in a jewelry store. Now, she's up to nearly 600.
On top of her television was a hand crafted wood creche. "This came from Oberammergau, Germany, that I bought for $10 at a flea market. The baby was missing, but I liked it. Since then, a friend has carved an infant which is a close match, and hardly anyone knows the difference."
One day, at a flea market, as she browsed through a table full of thimbles, she spied two with creches painted on the outside. "They cost me $2 .50," she laughed. "And this," she said pointing to a creche the size of a dime, "cost me 25 cents at another outdoor sale."
What makes Miriam such a good bargain hunter? "Well," she admits, "I do my shopping all year, except during the deepest winter. I even find things at farmers' markets."
Creativity characterizes much of Schylaske's collection. The most homespun come from her own crochet needles. Even her son, when he was seven, had gotten into the creche mode, and had made one of clothes pin figures. More recently, at a flea market she bought another clothes pin creche with a stable made of wooden tongue depressers.
Each set has special meaning for her. "My grandson says I have too many," she says, "but I love them all with the variety they come in."
On a table sat a music box with a creche on top. "The tune it plays is Jingle Bells, which doesn't quite match," Schylaske laughed, "but I enjoy the spirit." That creche, made in China, was a gift from her family.
"The creche means so much to me," she says, "Jesus' birth brought a lot of hope in the world. And we all need hope."
Mary Herzel is a free lance writer from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Recycle old Christmas .cards. St. Jude's Ranch, a nonprofit home for abused and homeless children, has recycled all types of greeting cards for the past two decades. Send to: St. Jude's Ranch for Children, P.O. Box60100,Boulder City, NV 89006.
NATMTY FESTIV
Columbus, Ohio, USA. State Auto's Nativity Display-SO year old tradition. 75 life-size figures. Downtown. Dec. 1-Janl. 614464-4946 E-mail: Debbie.Conkel@stauto.com
Kansas City, Kansas, USA Each year, the Nativities Festival of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri, serves as the fund raising event for the social service and liturgical ministries of the Cathedral. More than $20 thousand is raised for the homeless, hungry, elderly, and unemployed A gift shop adjoins. Dec 2-19 at 1112 Broadway, Kansas City Adults : $7; Children: $5. 816-842-0416. San Antonio, Texas, USA An array of celebrations highlights the city's multi-cultural heritage. River Walk lights up November 26. Other events : posadas of travels of Mary and Joseph; Fiesta of the Luminarias, the Nativity story on river floats Free tourist packet: l-800-477-3372
Rome, Italy Sala del Bramante, Piazza del Popolo Dec 3-Jan 23 250 creches from all regions ofltaly and the world Fee Victoria, Gozo, Malta. One-day seminar Dec. 4 on how to make figures and display creches Exhibition Dec 12 to Jan. 6 in Exhibition Hall Minister for Gozo and bishop to attend opening. Heilig Land Stichting, The Netherlands . Collection ofElisabeth Houtzager at Bijbels OpenluchtMuseum (Biblical Open Air Museum). About 800 creches Dec. 11 to Jan 6.
Utrecht, The Netherlands . The Museum Catharijneconvent presents its collection of Dutch Nativities and its 18th century Italian presepio. December.
Everything you've ever wanted for Christmas!
61 East Market Street* Corning, New York 14830 607-937-3715
xmasforevr@aol.com
Nativity creches, accessories from: Marolin; Puig; Santons Fouque. Cat, Northwinds whimsical Nativities. German papier mache angels, Advent calendars, quilted books, teddy bears from Nuremberg Toy Museum. Chocolate from Germany.
Czech Nativity Marionettes
Exclusively offered by Crystal Knight Imports
Prague artisans craft, sew, and paint each figure by hand. Unsurpassed for meticulous details and elaborate clothing. No two are ever alike. Rod style controls prevent tangled strings, and are easily operated by children.
Traditional Series: $280 13-14"
Unique cast plaster Rod style control
Collector's Series: $560 17-19"
Unique cast plaster Rod style control
Hand Carved Series: $3980 24-28"
Carved from Czech Lipa Tree Classic string control
Crystal Knight Imports* PO Box 1163 * Midway, Utah 84049 USA www.ckimport.com * Tel: 435-657-1797 * Fax: 435-654-4222 * tate@ckimports.com
CHRISTMAS FOR EVER SHOPPE AND MUSEUM OFFERS fflE UNUSUAL AND BEAUTIFUL
A new Christmas shop has opened in the historical district in Corning, New York. Twinkling lights, an antique angel that used to be in Macy's Department store and genial owners welcome the visitor to the Christmas For Ever Shoppe and Museum.
Suzanne and John Brennan have created not only a shop with unique religious and non-religious Christmas items, they have added a small museum beyond the retail area. Visitors are as welcome to the free exhibits as they are to the shop. Unusual among its Nativity items are a 50"x 60" Nativity applique quilt, $54.95, Advent calendars: $29.95 each, and an applique Nativity tree skirt, $39.95. Nativity table runners add a festive note to the dining or kitchen tables: 16" x 36" ($15.95) and 16" x 54" ($21.95). Nativity decorated stockings are $16. 95.
The shop carries a large selection of Nativities and accessories, including the exquisite Marolin papier mache :figurines from Germany and beautiful terracotta Puig figures from Spain, as well as whimsical items. It has Ino Schaller Santas, and teddy bears from Germany.
Suzanne and John welcome your inquiries: 61 East Market Street, Corning, New York 14830. 607-937-3715 E-mail: xmasforevr@aol.com.
Nativity quilt from the Christmas For Ever Shoppe and Museum, Corning, New York.
AUSTRIANS TEACH LOVE OF THE CRECHE
by Barbara Gibbs Ostmann
The art of creche-making is alive and well in Austria, in particular in the villages of Steyr, Garste and Christkindl, in Upper Austria between Vienna and Salzburg. The entire area is a winter wonderland of Christmas markets, festive decorations and the sound of music.
The art of traditional creche making was dying out in the 1960s, but it has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, with renewed interest in the traditional colors, figures and motifs. Original molds, some 200 years old, have been found and reproduced, so today's crafters can use authentic clay figurines made from these reproduction molds.
In the Steyr-Garsten area, Kastenkrippe, or chest cribs, meaning creches housed in a chest, box or trunk, are the specialty. These were first made in the 19th century as private Nativity scenes. •
Among the traditional elements found in every creche, called a crib, or krippe, in Austria, are an apple tree, representing sin; water, representing life, a town, representing the soul; soldiers, watching to protect the soul; a bridge, to help overcome problems; ruins, a symbol of the past, and others. Traditional color patterns are strictly adhered to.
'i''i''i'
Simone Rossacher, of Steyr, and her mother, Vev Aigner, of Garsten, teach creche making classes (for both Christmas and Easter creches) throughout the year. Both Simone, who was an exchange student in Phoenix, Arizona, and Vev speak excellent English.
Their passion for creches started in 1980 when Vev received an antique crib as a gift and restored it. In 1981, she began giving classes to her neighbors. Now, Vev and Simone teach classes to more than 100 people a year, most of whom come from Austria, Italy, and Germany. Classes for locals run for six to eight weeks, with classes three hours a week plus "homework"; classes for out-of-towners are packaged in two weekends, with "homework" to be done during the interim. They also take their classes on the road, teaching in other cities and countries. The fee for the classes depends on the size and elaborateness of the creche to be made. During Advent, the mother-daughter team displays creches and figurines, and gives demonstrations at the Garsten Christmas market.
'i''i''i'
Paul Pfaffenbichler, of Steyr, is a specialist in chest cribs, and teaches classes at St. Michael's Church. Foreigners need a working knowledge of German. Pfaffenbichler also sells many of his own creations. We bought pieces ranging from a tiny yet detailed Nativity in a hand-painted matchbox to an elaborate Nativity tucked into a gnarled knot of wood.
Josef Seidl, of Steyr, is another active crib maker. He uses reproductions of antique molds to make traditional figurines for use in creches.
In Steyr, there is a puppet theater, Steyr Kripperl. It is the only working puppet theater in Austria. Housed in a former granary, the theater features more than 450 stick puppets with moving parts and changing scenery during its dramas of the Advent season. ~~'i'
Nearby, the village of Christkindl displays a mechanical creche built in the late 1800s, and still functioning in amazing detail today. While in Christkindl, stop by the post office for a special Christmas cancellation stamp. The tiny post office handles millions of letters to St. Nicholas from children around the world (www.Christkindl.at)
Oaul Pfaffenbichler, Johann Puch-Strasse 1 ½, 4400 Steyr, Austria
Barbara Gibbs Ostmann is a writer from Union, Missouri.
???? AND COMMENTS
Q. Where does the word "Christmas" come from?
A. Festum Nativitatis Domini Nostri Jesu Christi, the feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, has known many names throughout the centuries and throughout the world. What Italians call JI Natale, Spaniards call La Navidad, or "The Nativity," referring to the birth of Jesus. Germans refer to the holiday as Weihnachten or holy night. In contrast, the French say Noel, possibly derived from the word "nowell" meaning "news." The old English Cristes Masesse, used from about the eleventh century and meaning "Mass of Christ", probably is the antecedent for the current word of Christmas.
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Annual rate: $12; Canada/Mexico: US $15
Other countries: US$16
Enclose check or money order payable to Creche Herald. Mail to: Creche Herald, 117 Crosshill Road Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A.
Be sure to include name, address, telephone, e-mail.
Kathryn Luna, Dana Point, California, offers the following. To make a special candle holder: Glue a pretty Nativity scene on a small jar. Brush glue on the outside, including the picture. Sprinkle with salt or iridescent glitter. Tie a pretty ribbon under the lip of the jar.
HOW OUR READERS DISPLAY NATMTIES
(at least, some of their Nativities)
Eileen Canty, Marion, MA: On my walls I have a number of tapestries, retablos, icons, and shadow boxes Recently, I found some beautiful Nativity plates which I have hung. Every space becomes a possible display area . Some small scenes are displayed on the bare sides of kitchen cabinets . Bookcases, casement windows, shelves also are used.
John Winter, Columbus, OH: One side of my family room is all built-in cabinets and bookcases. The stable for my creche is centered on the window in that wall, with sections built around the bottom of the bookcases. I use doll house display lights inside the buildings to illuminate scenes.
Judie Bruno, El Cajon, CA: Take a planter table with a plant on it and arrange your Nativity pieces around it, or use a flower arrangement the same way In the kitchen, arrange :figurines on a sideboard with kitchen utensils.
Dennis Des Rosiers, Ontario, Canada: I use plywood sheets which I spray with a mixture of diluted white glue and dishsoap (soap helps the adhesion); then I cover that with colored brown sand which adheres nicely . Hills and mounds are made with Styrofoam and colored for depth We have made skirts of light brown felt to cover the lower part of each table On the felt, we glued Nativity figures cut out of colored felt.
SHORT NOTES ON SOURCES
More information in future issues on these sources .
Cannelite Monastery, Dovecote Gift Shop. Free catalogue of monastery-made items. 17037 250th St., Eldridge, IA 52748-9425 (319-285-8387) E-mail: solitude@netins.net.
DiGiovanni Nativities. Both fine handcarved wood and beautifully detailed resin figures Autom, 5226 S. 31 st Place, Phoenix, AZ 85040. (800-521-2914) E-mail : automphx@aol.com
Eastern European Import/Export . Hand carved Nativities from Poland. 724 E 150 S. Apt B. Provo, UT 84606 E-mail: unity@itsnet.com or sales@nativities com
LEPI Collections. Exclusive variety of imported hand carved and costumed Nativities. D .V.Farris, Inc 1126 S. Cedar Ridge , Suite #122, Duncanville, TX 75137 . (888-709-9339). E-mail: DVFINC @aol.com
James A. Mangum . Unusual original constructions from found materials. Rt. 1, Box 130, Devine, TX 78016 (830-741-8942) . Email: j_mangum@hotmail.com
Back cover: New Mexico artist, Jil Gurule , captures the charm of the old Southwest in this original red clay Nacimiento. 505-890-1845. E-mail: j.gurule@att.net
Dionysius Exiguus , or Dennis the Little, was said to have dubbed himself "Exiguus" out of humility That is perhaps the case, as only the merest details are known of the life of this brilliant mathematician and scholar It appears that he arrived in Rome at about the end of the fifth century . Because of his knowledge of Greek and Latin, he was asked to classify the pontifical archives and compile a collection of texts of great value . His compilation of canon law has become known as the Dionysiana
During Dennis' time , the East and the West were divided on the question of the way to determine Easter. In 525, Pope John I asked Dennis to calculate the dates on which all future Easters would fall. The task was a complicated one , and those dates had been a source of controversy for some time At the Council of Nicea in 325, the Church Fathers had designated that Easter should not be celebrated before March 25 or after April 21; essentially, Easter was set at the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox, about March 21.
However, tables for the dates of Easter had been prepared in the East and in the West, using different starting points For Roman citizens, the year was 1285, dated from the year Rome was founded ; for others , the year was 248 , based on a calendar that started with the first year of the reign of Emperor Diocletian
Dennis pondered the incongruity of a Christian calendar based upon a non-Christian event. Why use a time line for an important Christian holiday that glorified the pagan, Diocletian, who had spent his career persecuting those very same Christians? Would it not make more sense to use a time line starting with the birth of the divine individual who was being celebrated?
Thus, Dennis the Little calculated the dates of Easter based upon his determination of the birth date of Jesus He said he "preferred to count and denote the years from the incarnation of our Lord , in order to make the foundation of our hope better known " The good abbot's new Easter charts began with anno Domini nostri Jesu Christi DXXXII-the year ofour Lord Jesus Christ 532 , or A.D. 532 for short
While Dennis the Little got his calculations on the birth of Jesus slightly wrong-modem scholars lean toward a six or seven year error-nonetheless, nobody has gone around changing any of the calendars. Dennis ' date stands .
Creche Herald
Special Millennium Edition
Editor/publisher: Rita B. Bocher
Contributing editor : Mary B Herzel
117 Crosshill Road Wynnewood , PA 19096-3511 U.S.A. www op net/-bocassoc/ E-mail addres s : crecher@op .net
