We shall hold an exploratory meeting of the creche society for this side of the Atlantic on Saturday, December 4, 1999, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, at 10 a.m. Fred Cole, of the Central Moravian Church, kindly has offered us a room in which to meet.
Creche Herald is hosting this first gathering, but the newsletter cannot run the society . The future of the society depends upon an active board of directors and a chairperson who has the time and interest to devote to the undertaking. If you would like to serve on the board or chair the society, but cannot attend , please let me know by letter or e-mail. Our address is Creche Herald, 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511.E-mail:crecher@op net.
Bethlehem is a delightful Christmas town to visit , and always stages an exciting Christkindlmart. Fred also has graciously extended an invitation to view Central Moravian Church ' s splendid Putz which he coordinates. Looking forward to hearing from you or meeting you in Bethlehem
Rita B. Bacher, Publisher
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION UPDATE
Plans continue to unfold for the International Creche Convention in Pamplona, Spain, October 11-15, 2000. Registration fees for participants are set at 204.34 Euros. The US dollar, as of this writing, was only slightly less than the euro, making the rate in US dollars nearly the same. Contact: Asociaci6n de Belenistas de Pamplona, Apartado de Correos 2161, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
Planners also are inviting participants to display their creches, with the dimensions not exceeding 1.5 meters in any direction. Contact the Association at the above address. Conference hotel reservations are made through Viajes Navarsol. Double room with buffet breakfast: 16,800 pesetas. Single room: 9,500 pesetas. Add 7% tax. An additional meal adds 3,000 pesetas plus 7% tax daily. Value of the peseta to the US dollar, as of this writing, was 162:1, making a double room about $104 plus tax. Viajes Navarsol also will book side trips or excursions. The address: Viajes Navarsol, Avda. De Sancho El Furerte 8, 31007 Pamplona, Spain. E-mail: Info@navarsol.com.
Convention website: www.aleluya2000.cjb.net/
NATIONAL CHRISTMAS CENTER OPENS
Bright red and green standards fluttering in the wind, a spectacular three-dimensional star poised above its roof, the National Christmas Center in Paradise, Pennsylvania, welcomes visitors in this picturesquely named town. I visited the Center on a muggy July day, and immediately upon entering, got into the Christmas spirit.
High overhead, a train wends its way around the lobby A creche from the turn of the century lends a joyous dignity , contrasting with the 1950's Christmas scene, sparkling with bubble lights. In front stands a cotton-wrapped tree , its placard recalling that in Christmas 1833 , a German settler in Illinois, finding no evergreens along the banks of the Mississippi , decorated a small sassafras tree , wrapping the bare winter branches in cotton to give a snow laden look .
Among the display treasures are a corridor dedicated to over 500 images of Santa, an early emporium with creches and toys, Tudor Towne with its 150 animated animal characters in sixteen storybook scenes, and a gift shop
Highlight of the Center is a walk-through, life si ze recreation of Mary and Joseph's journey. A Roman sentry reads a decree in Latin, merchants ply their wares, and we see a carefully researched depiction of what the Holy Family's home might have looked like. Along the way, shepherds, angels, and Magi all pay realistic homage to the final Nativity scene.
More galleries are planned for this delightful family attraction. Open lOa.m. to8p.m.Tel: 717-442-7950 Website: http://welcome.to/national christmas center.com .
BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS GIVING
Traditions of New Mexico and the Southwest spring alive in Pedro Ribera-Ortega's new book, La Guadalupe and La Conquistadora in the Catholic History of New Mexico, 1998. $12, including postage Contact Pedro RiberaOrtega, 562-l/2East Garcia Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501. Tel : 505-982-5639
The Christmas Creche by Elaine Cannon (Salt Lake City : Bookcraft, 1998) delights both children and adults. Fullcolor photos of exquisite creches accompany reflections on the Nativity. $17 50, including postage, a 20% discount for Creche Herald readers. Contact Holly Zenger at P.O. Box 1268, 275 Luzern Road, Midway , UT 84049-1268 or email : HOLLYZEN@aol.com.
Elisabeth Van Mullekom-Cserep ' s new book, Christmas Nativities & Stories (Australia : Nativity House Publishing, 1999, 224 pages $39.50, including postage) is reviewed elsewhere in this issue.
The Story of Cribs & Pasturi in the Maltese Islands, ( 1997), showcases the beauty of creches created by Maltese Crib Society craftsmen. The text is written in English, Maltese, and Italian. U.S. $25, including postage. Contact Joe Camilleri, 100, Arch Bishop P . Pace Street, Victoria, Gozo.VCT106 Malta. E-mail: camill@waldonet.net.mt.
A Christmas Creche: Treasure of Faith, Art & Theater by Matthew Powell, O.P., offers a glittering historical feast. Book explores the history of the creche. Published by Pauline Press (Boston , MA : 1997, $30), the book is available at bookstores or by calling 1-800-876-4463 .
FROM OUR READERS
I am going to Oberammergau in Summer 2000. Am looking for suggestions where to buy and see creches in the area . Thank you . E-mail: JoanBeatri@aol.com or t el: 925837-7931.
J oan Hamblin , Concord, California
As always it is a joy to read the Creche Herald. We also appreciate your reference to C+M+B. At our business and at our home we have the inscriptions above our doors . Because people often ask about the meaning, we prepared an information sheet, as well as an ornament that contains the same information. Many people interpret the three letters as the initials of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. In reality, these letters originate from the Latin phrase Christus Mansem Benedicat which means "May Christ bless this home."
Wallace J. Bronner, Originator BRONNER 'S Christmas Decorations, Frankenmuth, Michigan
When I was six, my mom bought a small plaster Nativity set-each piece cost a dime My dad and grandfather made a stable out of plywood and used real wood shavings for the straw. I still have the original shavings that were carefully packed away and re-used each year.
My first collection set came in 1979 when my mom brought me back a hand-blown Nativity from Venice. I now have over 250 sets. To find others who enjoy collecting is such a joy I am also blessed with a husband who loves my new additions
Judie Bruno, EI Cajon, California
Santons de France
Betsy Bisson
1999 Holiday Special Femme Sur L'A11e: Margarido
Margarido , a proud, middle class woman, is reputed to be the town gossip. She sits regally atop her donkey wearing a wide brimmed black hat over her white , lace headdress so as to keep the sun off
In the cricket and elite sizes , her green shawl i s draped over the shoulders of her rust colored dres s. In the grande size, her shawl i s orange
She wears a yellow apron
In her basket are gifts from the garden for the H oly Family.
Her husband , M . Jourdan, says little as they make their way to visit the Christ Child
Thi s charming piece is a favorite of collectors . It will add color and make a bold statement in your collection.
cricket #1- Reg . $24, special $19
elite #2 - Reg $30, special $25 grande #3 - $40 , special $33
Offer good through January 2000
127 River Road Woolwich, Maine 04579
207-443-2345
E-mail : santon @gwi.net
Gift Box Set with Enclosure Card
cricket #1- $36
elite #2 - $47
e:rande #3 - $62
Three new catalogs, one for each si ze . New catalogs are free with first order, othe rwise $2
New 1999 Figures : Marchand de Savons :(Male soap seller), #3 grande only, $25 Virge a Genou (Mary Kneeling) , cricket #1, $15 .
Over 100 pieces available separately in 3 sizes: cricket, 4 cm; elite , 7 cm: grande, 10 cm
u. S .A.' s Largest Importer & Distributor of San tons by Marcel Carbonel
<!Cbristma s <!Cr ibs
Joan Kottler The Pheasantry Cogenhoe Northampton NN7 lLS U.K.
King set: 3 kings, 3 camels, camel boy, 2 palm trees: $250 includes shipping
HOW TO RUN A CHURCH NATIVITY SALE
by Eileen Canty
The idea of holding a Nativity sale began when people wanted to know how and where I found my Nativity sets. It seemed to me that a Nativity sale could provide these items and , at the same time, raise funds for our small church.
I didn't want to call on the church's limited cash flow or volunteer time for an untried event, so I elected a focused approach Nativity sets would be available, along with items ranging from children ' s books and puzzles to Advent calendars, ornaments and candelabra that also featured the Nativity .
For the most part, orders would be taken from samples and catalog pictures If possible, my personal creches would be the samples I would pay all bills and be reimbursed after the sale. Since I would , in effect, have bought any unsold items, I was determined to select only things I could live with or give as gifts with a clear conscience.
The next steps were quickly accomplished: checked the idea with a few friends ; discovered the credentials necessary for wholesale purchases ; received the pastor's sanction and a copy of our church tax-exempt certificate; agreed to a tentative sale site and date six weeks away, and considered the problems of minimum purchase limits and quick delivery.
Then the fun began. I found sale items many ways.
* From my personal collection: donations and samples of items I could reorder at wholesale prices
* In catalogs, e.g., SERVV, giving resale discounts
* From suppliers found in the Creche Herald
* Through negotiations with local dealers
* Gift shows, outlet and discount stores
* From local craftsmen
Publicity was a key consideration. We sent mailings to churches of all denominations, placed flyers in shops and public places in neighboring towns, sent press releases to newspapers, and got listed in all events calendars The power of the press was evident when sales doubled after a story with five colored pictures appeared in our local daily.
Pricing the items was the most difficult issue. I erred on the side of too little with the result that people acknowledged the tremendous values available. Nevertheless , the church garnered great good will and cleared $1600 . Close to $7000 in merchandise was sold with individual prices from 50 cents to $475. The largest single sale was nearly $900 . Finally, I had a good time; my collection grew, and I met many fellow collectors
So many people wanted a repeat that our next sale is scheduled in two parts-one in July to take advantage of the heavy summer traffic in our area, and the second in October to catch the approaching seasonal spirit. For other questions about running a sale or our upcoming event, contact me at 345 Point Road, Marion, MA 02738, E-mail emcanty@aol.com, tel: 508-748-1973, fax: 6919. Eileen Canty is an active collector in Marion, Massachusetts.
NEW CHRISTMAS B O OK FROM AUSTRALIA
Elisabeth Van Mullekom-Cserep's splendid new book, Christmas Nativities & Stories (Australia: Nativity House Publishing, 1999, 224 pages) overflows with stories, poems, reflections, customs, prayers, and full-color photos on nearly every page . Born on Christmas Eve, Van Mullekom-Cserep is the owner of The Christmas Museum (Nativity House) in Sydney Photographs are of some of the 600 Nativities from more than 58 countries displayed there. She also is an artist in her own right, and several of her Renaissance-style paintings are reproduced.
Van Mullekom-Cserep's personal goal is "to make a difference" in the world. Proceeds from sale of the book go to registered charities in both Australia and the U.S.
Christmas Nativities & Stories presents offerings from individuals all over the world. Indeed, the author now is soliciting contributions for her second book. Poems, stories , Nativity scenes, prayers should be sent to Nativity House Publishing, 1645 S. River Road , #4, Des Plaines , IL 60018 , USA or P O. Box 105, Horsley Park, NSW 2164, Australia
Cost of the current volume is US$39.50, including postage. Books may be ordered from the above addresses or by telephone with a credit card. US Tel : 84 7-299-1700; Fax: 3975.
Following is one of the short stories from the book:
The Rebellious Innkeeper by John Timpson
A small boy was bitterly disappointed at not being cast as Joseph in the school nativity play. He was given the minor role of the innkeeper, and throughout the weeks ofrehearsal brooded on how he could avenge himself on his rival.
Came the day of the performance, Joseph and Mary made their entrance and knocked on the door of the inn. The innkeeper opened it a fraction and eyed them coldly.
"Can you offer us board and lodging for the night?" pleaded Joseph , impeccably following the script. "My wife is soon to have a baby."
They stood back, awaiting the expected rebuff. But the innkeeper had not pondered all those weeks for nothing. To the confusion of the producer and the delight of the audience, he flung the door wide, beamed genially at the couple and cried hospitably: "Come in, come in. You are very welcome You shall have the best room in the hotel."
There was a pause. Then the youthful Joseph displayed the resource and initiative which perhaps got him the part in the first place. With great presence of mind, he said to Mary, "Hold on-I'll take a look inside first."
He peered ostentatiously past the innkeeper, shook his head firmly and announced, "I'm not taking my wife into a place like that. Come on , Mary, we'll sleep in the stable." The plot was back on course.
LIVE NATMTIES: Donnalee Dox, Ph.D., assistant professor, University of Arizona, is doing research on live Nativities. If you know of any, please notify Dr. Dox : University of Arizona, Department of Theater Arts, P.O Box 210003, Tucson, Arizona, 85721. Tel: 520-621-5620; Fax: 2412. E-mail: ddox@u .arizona.edu
GIVE US YOUR DISPLAY IDEAS: Where do you place your creches? What special arrangements do you make? Do you incorporate other personal treasures in your background or your sets? Write to Creche Herald, 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096 or E-mail: crecher@op.net.
SPECIAL EVENTS MARK THE SEASON
California: Concord. Denkinger Chapel, 1590 Denkinger Rd. 925837- 7931. Those in San Francisco Bay area welcome to participate. Contact Joan Hamblin. E-mail: JoanBeatri@aol.com. Dec. 3-6. 3-8 p.m.
Massachusetts: Attleboro. Christmas Festival ofLights. Shrine of Our Lady ofLa Salette, 947 Park St, Rte 118. 508-222-5410. Int ' I nativities. Live concerts, over 225,000 lights on 17 acres Thanksgiving to Jan. 1.
Michigan : Ann Arbor. 1385 Green Rd. 17'1' Annual. 900 sets from 85 countries. Dec. 3-Dec. 6. Map on website: http://wwwpersonal.umich.edu/-akc/creche html. Also 734-665-7852. Ann Arbor. Spirit of Christmas at Domino ' s Farms, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive. 734-930-4430. Nov 25-Dec.3 l. $5-$7/car. Missouri: Kansas City. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. 1112 Broadway. Dec. 2-19. 816-842-0416.
New Hampshire: Manchester. The Diocesan Museum, 140 Laurel St. 603-624-1729. 200 Nativity sets. Special feature: waxed Christ Child over 125 years old. Nov. 25-Mar.
Ohio: Columbus. State Auto Nativity Display. Downtown, east of I-71. Life size, 50-year Nativity tradition. 75 animal and human figures. Dec. 1-Jan 1. E-mail: Debbie.Conkel@stauto.com
Dayton. University of Dayton Marian Library Gallery and St. John Gallery Creches in full settings. Nov. 21-Jan. 9. 937-2294214. Fax: 4258. www.udayton.edu/mary/
Creche Herald
Editor/publisher: Rita B. Bocher
Contributing editor: Mary B. Herzel
Begin a Tradition
Start a new tradition for your friends and family with the gift of a Fontanini Nativity set imported directly from Italy.* Whether you are helping to celebrate the holidays by teaching children the true meaning of Christmas with My First Nativity, beginning new traditions for the special couple with the Wedding Nativity Set, or simply introducing someone special to the wonderful world of Nativities with the 3-piece Starter Set, Roman, Inc. offers a variety of high quality Fontanini Nativity Sets at value prices.
Let the special people in your life share the love of Nativities with these exclusive Fontanini designs. All three sets are packaged in beautiful photo boxes for gift presentation and easy storage. These Nativities are available now at your local Fontanini Dealer. Call 1-800-SAY ROMAN to find a dealer in your area or visit our Web site at www.roman.com.
AT THE SHOP OF A MASTER SANTONNIER
by Betsy Bisson
The highlight of a spring trip to France was my visit to the complex of santonnier, Marcel Carbone!, in Marseille. In the workshop, employees carefully painted angel figures; others packed shipments, pressed the terra cotta into molds, cleaned the soft figures before firing or tended the kiln .
My own 1999 order was boxed , and ready to be shipped to the U.S . There it was-" Santons de France. " " Oh my goodness ," I exclaimed, "That's me!"
Vincent and Valerie, the managers, and our tour guides for the day, asked if I would like to meet the master himself, Marcel Carbone!. What a question! Of course I would
Our destination was an ancient narrow street not far from the present workshop Cramming our car off to the edge , we climbed narrow stone stairs over which hung a barely readable, faded sign, "Les Ateliers Marcel Carbone!."
We entered a work area of some size . A man sat at the table in the middle of the room , deeply intent on his work. He heard our entry, looked up , and walked over to greet us. I was overwhelmed . Marcel Carbone! himself!
The Master extended his hand, a hand so large it is hard to believe it could create such exquisite tiny figures. In my excitement, I bypassed the business handshake, and chose the warmer French greeting-a kiss on each cheek-followed by an all-American bear hug He seemed as delighted as I.
This workshop is where the 88-year-old sculptor spends his day. He still is the sole force behind the santons that bear his name; a piece does not get made until he first designs and creates it himself.
With my French as limited as that of my hosts' English, our meeting was a happy jumble of hand gestures, facial expressions, and pictures.
Meeting Marcel Carbone! helped cement my commitment to the exclusive selling of his santons. During my visit in the Provence region, I visited other santonniers, but none came close to the quality of those made under the hand of this remarkable gentleman working in Rue Saint Catherine Betsy Bisson, Woolwich, Maine, is a major distributor of Marcel Carbone/ santons E-mail :santon@gwi.net.
TASK OF LOVE IN FIRST U.S. CATHOLIC CHURCH
by Mary Herzel
In 1943, the Cathedral of St. Augustine, Florida hired a new organist, Mary Katherine Murphy The Cathedral is the church of the first Roman Catholic parish in what is now the United States On September 8, 1565 , Don Pedro Menendez of Aviles , Spain, landed on the eastern shore of Florida This first permanent European settlement was named St. Augustine , and the Mission of Nombre de Dios (God's Name) was started. In 1787, after more than two centuries of natural disasters, poverty , and disease, the construction of a small church began Today, that church has been designated a national historic landmark.
At Christmas , as she played the hymns from the organ loft , Murphy would glimpse at the creche she loved as a child. She was inspired but troubled. All was not well in the little Bethlehem scene.
A group of high school students was supposed to arrange the creche each year. "No reflection on those young people ," Murphy said, "but each year the creche looked more bedraggled than the year before. There was no good place to store the fragile old figures, a hundred years old, probably cast in Italy. And the chipped paint and battered areas were so obvious. The original stable had long since disappeared. From my organ bench, I could see everything, and I finally asked if I could help."
So, with a background of art which she had once studied, Murphy set about scraping, patching, and painting the statues of the creche. Figures are about four feet high, of heavy plaster, and it takes two strong men to move some of them. The Infant's cradle is of pine slabs, which, although picturesque, must be redone each year. It took about six months to restore the entire Nativity set.
Then, one day, a volunteer accidentally dropped the plaster Infant, and it shattered. Murphy was dismayed. However, on a trip to New York City, she found an authentic "infant of Krumbach." "So now we have a German baby with those Italians," she laughingly explained.
A few years ago, Murphy retired as Cathedral organist, but she continues her labor of love in maintaining the creche. "In September, I usually look for chips and cracks in the figures, and start the touch-up work. The figures are stored in the organ loft, so I feel right at home. With God's help, our Cathedral creche will be ready again this December, in time for the Millennium." The creche is on display in the Cathedral from the last Sunday in Advent to January 6. Mary Herzel, a frequent contributor, lives in Harrisburg, P ennsylvania.
BRONNER'S OFFERS INDOOR/OUTDOOR SET
BRONNER'S CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS , Frankenmuth, Michigan, offers a USA-made rigid fiberglass Nativity in two sizes: 4' and life-size suitable for indoor or outdoor display. Figures can be ordered in white or natural color. Smaller figures range from $275 for a 22" Jesus /crib to $3 95 for St. Joseph (4'). Life-size figures range from $3 95 (28"x24" Jesus) to $995 for most figures; a standing camel (6'5") is $1795 All prices areF.O.B. Frankenmuth. Contact BRONNER'S, 25 Christmas Lane, P.O. Box 176, Frankenmuth, Michigan. Tel: 517-652-9931; Fax 3466
Creche at the St. Augustine Cathedral
Vo(gq River Tt-qq ing Compq ny
offering nativities, angels, Christmas decorations, and religious items of the highest quality and originality
New for 1999 -- this unique 12-figure nativity from Russia. CR-679, $750.00.
Contact us for infonnation on our wide variety of hand-crafted items from Russia, Annenia, and Romania. Call toll-free 800-639-4309 or e-mail volgariver@prodigy.com
Volga River Trading Company, 6 Berry St., Burlington, VT 05401
WHO WAS KING HEROD?
During the reign ofKing Herod, astrologers from the east arrived one day in Jerusalem inquiring, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage." At this news, King Herod became greatly disturbed Herod called the astrologers aside and found outfrom them the exact time ofthe star's appearance.... After their audience with the king, they set out (Upon seeing the Child, the astrologers) received a message in a dream not to return to Herod Once Herod realized that he had been deceived he became furious (and) ordered the massacre of all the boys two years old and under... making his calculations on the basis of the date he had learned from the astrologers. Matthew 2.
Herod's legacy was one of great cruelty, and at the same time, of administrative skill. He was the son of Antipater, a minister in the Jewish territory under Julius Caesar. When Antipater was elevated to the rank of Administrator-General of Judea, he appointed his two sons, Phasael and Herod, as governors of Jerusalem and Galilee. Herod proved himself exceptionally able and ruthless, and even after his father's assassination, he and his brother continued to rule under Roman protection.
With Julius Caesar's death in 44 B.C., Rome was torn by the vying factions of Octavian (later Augustus) and Mark Antony, the latter joined by Cleopatra. As a result of Antony's early victories in the battles that ensued, Herod and Phasael were both appointed Tetrarch, giving them complete control over Judea.
Tides quickly changed when the Parthians, old foes of
Rome invaded Judea. Phasael was taken prisoner and committed suicide. Herod fled to Rome.
In about 40 B.C., Herod, with Antony's support, was declared King of the Jews by the Roman Senate, a title he successfully defended against the recognized Jewish leader. Herod later shrewdly succeeded in keeping the throne when Augustus defeated his patrons, Antony and Cleopatra, in the Battle of Actium in 31 B.C.
As a leader, Herod was full of ambivalence. His ruthlessness in maintaining his position made him feared throughout. At the same time, he unleashed a burst of magnificent building construction (from which he personally profited handsomely), which encouraged agrarian settlement and gave much-needed employment. Herod looked upon himself as a Jew and obeyed the Jewish laws. He rebuilt the Temple complex in Jerusalem, careful to use only priests trained as masons in the Temple itself. However, he recognized the need to compromise with the dictates of Rome, so he built temples to Augustus and the Roman gods in the Gentile areas.
During the last year of his reign, the festering corruption of Herod the Great and his court surfaced. The endless intrigues between two of his sons over the succession to the throne led him to command their killings; he had already disposed of his wife, Mariamne some years before. Herod died in 4 B.C., remembered for the tale of the death of the innocents. Note: With Herod's death in 4 B.C, scholars assign the birth ofJesus to 6 or 7 B.C.
A SPECIAL ORNAMENT AS A SPECIAL GIFT
Enjoy a Creche Herald handmade sterling silver ornament all year or give it as a special gift. Our logo, designed by Michael Stumpf of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, has been honored by being designated 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. One may buy any combination of designs made from 1995 to the Year 2000 to get 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
M.L HUMMEL CREATES YEAR 2000 BACKSTAMP
Germany
In preparation for the new millennium, the Goebel company has released its first change in the backstamp of M.I. Hummel figurines since 1991. The bumblebee in the mark is a tribute to Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, the original creator of the delightful figures, whose last name in German means bumblebee.
Sister Maria Innocentia granted the Goebel company permission to reproduce her art in an agreement in 1935; in return, her signature, either "M.I. Hummel" or just "Hummel" was to appear beside the backstamp on all 3dimensional ceramic works which are large enough for both.
Between 1935 and 1950, Goebel used several kinds of markings as identifiers. In 1950, four years after Sister's untimely death at the age of 37, the Goebel company radically changed its mark to honor her.
An artist's signature on a work of art conveys pride in the piece's quality and confirmation of the authenticity of the work. A manufacturer's mark, sometimes placed out of sight on the bottom of a figurine, or sometimes visibly on the side, also acts like a signature on a work of art.
???? AND COMMENTS
Q. Matthew's Gospel does not say whether the Magi walked or rode to Bethlehem. When did they acquire animals?
A. Early depictions of the Magi show them making offerings to the Infant without any visible means of transport. In the 14th-15th centuries, beasts of burden for the travelers bearing gifts appeared in European paintings. Perhaps, it was felt that men of such stature surely would not have traveled on foot.
Kottler Cribs. Creches designed and handmade by Joan Kottler in United Kingdom. www.christmascribs.com; Email: christmas-cribs@the-pheasantry.freeserve.co.uk. Roman Inc. Fontanini Nativity sets. For dealer near you: 1800-SAY ROMAN. Website: www.roman.com.
St. Jude Shop. Largest religious goods store, Fontanini Nativities. 1-800-523-7604. Website: www.stjudeshop.com Santons de France. Major distributor of Marcel Carbone! santons. 207-443-2345. E-mail: santon@gwi.net
Scandinavian Imports. Handmade wooden Swedish Nativity candelabra. Tel. or fax: 1-860-664-4597. Volga River. Unique 12-pieceRussianNativity. 1-800-6394309. E-mail: volgariver@prodigy.com
Waxed Christ Chila over 125 years old. The Diocesan Museum, Manchester, New Hampshire. Nov. 25-Mar. 31
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
CZECH MARIONETTES CELEBRATE THE NATIVITY
by Tate McCotter
The word "marionette" is translated to mean "Little Mary." Many historians believe that marionettes first came into existence during the early Middle Ages . They were created from statues for Nativity dramas portraying the Virgin Mary, and also during Easter celebrations for the three Marys at the tomb. Joseph, the Wise Men, the shepherds, and finally, the animals were added later to complete the play. It was from these enactments of the Christmas story that marionette theater developed . Prague, (Czech Republic), located in the heart of central Europe, became the capital of the Holy Roman Empire in the 14th century Its history was marked by active Catholic, Protestant and Jewish religious activity for centuries until Communist rule With the lifting of Communism religious repression after four decades, the Czech Republic has experienced renewed interest in the religious theater, while at the same time, skilled marionette makers have revived the popularity of the marionette theater.
Crystal Knight Imports introduces AMI Marionettes, made by Prague's most skilled craftsmen. Individual artisans work from their homes, using techniques gleaned from generations past. Each figure, hand crafted, hand sewn, and hand painted, is an unique work of art, with meticulous details and elaborate clothing. No two are ever exactly alike, and each figure acquires its own personality. The rod style marionettes prevent tangled strings, and can easily be operated by children.
The Nativity Marionette Collection is available in three series. Each series includes Mary, Joseph, the three Wise Men, two shepherds, and a crib with a stationary Baby Jesus.
Traditional series: $280 13-14" marionettes
Unique cast plaster
Rod style control unit
Collector's Series: $560 17-19" marionettes
Unique cast plaster
Rod style control unit
Individually signed and numbered
Hand carved series: $3,980 24-28" marionettes
Carved from Czech Lipa tree
Classic string control unit
Ideal for professional theater
Tate McCotter is the genial owner of Crystal Knight Imports, P.O.Box1163, Midway, Utah 84049, USA .. www.ckimport.com. Email: tate@ckimports.com. Tel: 435-657-1797. Fax: 435-654-1797.
A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY
Last in a series of recoll ections by James Johnston of his 1998 travels to the Christmas markets in Germany and Austria.
MUNICH
Munich is an old city, founded in the 12 th century, and wonderfully alive with major art museums and numerous musical companies. Buildings are marvelously ornate, decorated during the golden age of rococo design.
A heavy snow was falling as our train approached the city. Fortunately, my hotel, the Eder, was located only three blocks from the train station, and close to the Marienplatz-the location of the Chnstmas market. Festively decorated stalls with Christmas goods mixed with vendors hawking hot fragrant foods and Gluhwein (hot spiced red wine).
The Munich Market is noted for its Nativity figures of every variety and size, stables, and accessones. Most impressive were the miniature lights, lanterns of endless designs, and specialized electrical components, all dedicated to lighting towns, villages, and stables. Their selection of miniature pots, pans, jugs, utensils, and tiny molded foods would lend authenticity to any Nativity setting.
As the next morning dawned, the city glittered with a light blanket of overnight snow. I took a bus to the Bayerisches National Museum to view its large collection of Nativity scenes, some dating as early as the 17 th century. Then it was off to the Altes (old) Schloss Schleissheim, one of three ornate baroque palaces just on the outskirts of Munich. This palace holds the extensive Gertrud Weinhold Collection of Nativities, which was worth the trouble it took to get there.
OBERAMMERGAU
A village of 5000 inhabitants, Oberammergau's location is among the most romantic in the world. Situated in a wide valley, the town is surrounded by mountains, meadows and forests. "Luftlmalereien," historic ornamental paintings,
A NATIVITY FILLED BED AND BREAKFAST
Midway between Philadelphia and New York, in the rolling hills of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the Whitehall Inn welcomes visitors at Christmas with a display of creches in its eighteenth century parlor. The creches of origami, papier mache, needlepoint, quilting, and other materials are made by the Inn's co-owner, Suella Wass.
According to her husband, Mike, Suella has always enjoyed sewing. The creches are her specialty, and she has made one a year for the last 19 years. Each fall, she takes time from her cooking, baking, and hosting to design the figures, select the materials, and then fashion them. When not making creches, Suella is the Inn's chef, and creator of its famous tea treats and gourmet breakfast dishes.
During the holidays, the creches complement the giant Christmas tree with its decorations of crocheted and hand made ornaments. A cozy fireplace throws a glow on chilly days, and guests enjoy a memorable tea surrounded by the warmth of genial hosts and charming Nativity sets.
The Whitehall Inn, 1370 Pineville Road, New Hope, PA 18938; 215-598-7945. Delightful, antiques-filled rooms are complemented by afternoon tea and a four course breakfast.
mainly of religious themes, adorn story-book hou ses. Every ten years, Oberammergau hosts the famous Passion Play.
When I arrived, 18 inches of glistening snow covered the ground. The channing Turmwirt Hotel offered a warm welcome, with an exquisite Nativity in the lobby. Figures were of richly carved wood; some of the sheep sported wool coats, and the background of greenery lent a marvelous fragrance. The stable was constructed of tree roots and wood from a nearby forest.
Oberammergau is famous for its woodcarvers. For almost a thousand years, the artisans of this channing ha1nlet have produced exquisite cribs, saints, toys, and household articles. For me, Oberarnmergau is the Nativity capital of the world. Its shops line the Dorfstrasse, and dot the other streets.
A place to visit is the Pilathaus, a cultural center with a magnificent example of Luftlmalereien, which hosts woodcarving and other demonstrations. Several rooms on the second floor are devoted to a crib display.
Another must-see is St. Peter's Church, dating from the l 730's. Behind a glass case in its sumptuous interior, St. Peter's displays a permanent Nativity with figures in finely detailed clothes. A coin operated machine turns on the lights.
Finally, after a trip that seemed totally covered in snow, it was time to go home. I took the train back to Frankfurt, with one last look at the Christmas Market and its Nativities. The giant Christmas tree in the main square had a crib at its base, which nostalgically reminded me of Nativities back home.
The next morning, I boarded Lufthansa for the trip back to Texas, my head and heart heavy with memories and sights. James Johnston, Corpus Christi, Texas, is an avid traveler and collector.
Three of the Nativities made by Sue/la Wass, co-owner of The FVhitehall Inn, New Hope, Pennsylvania.
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Hand carved wooden plaque from Romania. Collection of Fr Timothy Goldrick, La Salette Shrine, Attleboro, Massachusetts.
