CHIEFS COME FROM THE EAST TO SEE JESUS AND HIS PARENTS BACHEEITTUUA
AMMILASIIA KUKAA JESUSDAK AKSEELAK IKAALUUOK
Title of icon in English and language of Woodland Indians. John Giuliani
Several years ago, in the midst of the national controversy surrounding the 500 th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the Americas, Father John Giuliani, artist, poet, and leader of a popular worship center in West Redding, Connecticut, wondered how to honor the primacy and dignity of the native peoples of the Western Hemisphere.
He immersed himself in their artifacts-textiles, ornaments, weaving and beadwork. Soon, his Christian iconography began to reflect the world of the Native Americans. Their representation in religious works struck an empathetic chord.
It was not long before Giuliani's works were requested by those serving Native American communities in South Dakota-by the Jesuits serving the Lakota in Pine Ridge, and by leaders of the Sioux Spiritual Center in Rapid City. Postcards and posters of his religious art of Native Americans also began crisscrossing the country.
One of those Native American images entered the dreamscape of Larry Hogan, a member of a Catholic community at Crow Agency, Montana, near the Little Bighorn battlefield.
In 1997, Hogan had a dream. In it, he envisioned the ceiling of his parish church of St. Denis illuminated by the mysteries of Mary and expressed in the likeness of his people. Having seen Father Giuliani's Native American icons, the young man wrote to the priest. Intrigued, the artist made the trip out West.
From that dream of Larry Hogan, "The Crow Series" was born. By September 1999, about a year after he started, Giuliani had completed the works. At his suggestion, the panels were placed on the church's side walls rather than the ceiling. "I placed Mary's trauma at ground level," said Giuliani. At the unveiling festivities, members of the native community, adorned in their ceremonial regalia, were said to resemble figures stepping out of the artist's icons.
The Crow Series comprises fourteen icons painted in acrylics on three by six foot gesso-covered panels. Thirteen of the icons depict the Marian mysteries, with the last a dramatic rendering of the Trinity.
On our cover, we show the icon depicting the arrival of the Magi. "I wanted to show chiefs from tribes of the eastern part of the United States and Canada traveling to the Crow country in the west, very much like the Magi in ancient times came from the East to Palestine," explained Giuliani. His figures represent the Ojibwa, Sac, and Chippewa peoples. "The title is written in the language of the Woodland Indians as well as English, and their gifts arise from the crafts of the tribes."
Giuliani had studied art as a young man, graduating from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. He gave up the secular world of art to become a priest. Some 17 years after his ordination, he received permission to start the Benedictine Grange in West Redding, Connecticut. The Grange, a sacred place with a barn plank floor, attracts some 200 worshipers to services. At first, five other religious brothers resided at the Grange, but due to illness or changes in ministry, the others eventually left, leaving Giuliani by himself. With that solitude, Giuliani turned again to his artistic roots and creative tendencies.
He began commuting to New York City to study icon painting with an Eastern Orthodox master. But depicting religious figures in a Greek or Byzantine manner was less than satisfying. Then, in 1990, the Columbus celebration debate erupted, and Giuliani knew he had found his metier-the Native American.
Cover painting courtesy of Father John Giuliani The Crow Series and the Madonna Series folios are available by writing to The Benedictine Grange, West Redding, Connecticut, 06896. Tel/fax: 203-938-3689.
Creche Herald
Editor/publisher: Rita B. Bocher
Contributing editor: Mary B. Herzel
Communications: Frank B. Herzel
Office: 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A. Web page: www.op.net/-bocassoc/ E-mail: crecher@op.net Creche Herald solely is responsible for content of newsletter.
Dear Readers,
It is Tuesday, September 11, a little after 9 a.m., and I am working on the Winter 2001/2002 issue of Creche Herald My thoughts dwell on findin& the right words to convey my feelings of joy and hope with the coming holy season of Christmas.
Suddenly, the telephone rings. It is a dear relative from Georgia, who excitedly tells me to tum on the television to "get the news." "What news?" I ask. "The World Trade Center crash," she says, and hangs up. And so I learned of that unimaginable tragedy.
Christmas and the Birth of Jesus will soon be here. For many ofus fortunate ones, there will be no change in what we do or what we plan. The beauty of the holiday will continue to provide a joyous respite in our lives.
Yet, many innocent people going about their daily business have had their hves horribly erased, or forever altered. This Christmas, let us remember what is no more. May God shelter our lost ones, and be gentle with those ofus who were spared. And let us offer a prayer.
Rita Bacher, Publisher
In this antique Nativity from the collection of Frederick J. Doyle, McLean, Virginia, Mary is seen as Queen of Heaven, while surrounding figures are sumptuously dressed.
CRECHEEVENTSCELEBRATETHESEASON
California
Danville. 655 Old Orchard Drive . Ji' Annual Festival. 500 Nativities. Nov. 30, Dec 1,2. Fri. & Sat. noon-3p.m ; Sun: 2-9 p.m. Diana Toland: ideastoo@aol.com or Joan Hamblin:joanbeatri@aol.com 925-837-7931 Free.
Colorado
Salida First Lutheran Church, 1237 F. Street. Dec. 2 Exhibit and concert. Elinor Baese. 719-942-3505 or eljim@ris.met
District of Columbia
John Paul II Cultural Center James and Emilia Govan Collection. Nov. 29-Jan 17
Washington National Cathedral. Massachusetts & Wisconsin Ave NW. Nov- Jan 6. Mon-Sat: 10-4; Sun. 1-4. Donations. 202-537-2223
Iowa
Ainsworth. Opera House Community Center. 600 Nativities. Collection of Michael Zahs Nov. 28-30; Dec 1,2 Contact Anita Davis, 319-657-3856
Maryland
Silver Spring Frederick Hood College Collection of Beulah Sommer 301-696-3918.
Kensington: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints . Temple Visitor Center 9900 Stoneybrook Dr Dec 1-Jan3. Free. 301-587-0145
Michigan
Ann Arbor. Domino's Farms. East of intersection of US 23 & Plymouth Rd. (Exit 41) St. Nicholas Light Display and creche exhibit. Nov 16-Dec. 31. Fri. & Sat.: 5:30-10:30 p.m. SunThurs .: 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Cars: $7-$9; $100/ bus; $50 /mini bus; $25 Limo. 734-930-4427.
Minnesota
Minneapolis, 3312 Silver Lake Rd. Nativity Lutheran Church. 612- 781-2766. churchoffice@nativitychurch.org. All year. Missouri Kansas City. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Nativities Festival. 416 W. 12th St. 816-842-0416
New Jersey Phillipsburg. Nativity Festival. Collectors invited to display creches. Dec. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m Contact Rev F Beyea, 46 Summit Ave. 908-213-9963
North Carolina
Asheville. Biltmore Estate. Nov. 6-Jan 1. Elaborate decorations grace the 250 room house. $34/person. Candlelight evenings with music and choirs $36-$39.
Ohio
Dayton: Marian Library, University of Dayton. 937-2291431. Dayton Art Institute 456 Belmonte Park N. 937-223-5277 Gallery St. John 4400 Shakertown Rd. 937-320-5405.
Pennsylvania
Bethlehem. Live outdoor pageant. Dec 15, 16. 2 p m Music, animals. Rain or shine Dress warmly . 610-867-2893 Free. Central Moravian Church: Christian Education Center. Putz 610-867-2996
Lancaster: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 1205 King St. Dec. 8, 9. 6-9 p.m. Free. 717-295-1719
Malvern: Malvern Prep. School. Dec. 13, 7:30 p m Paradise. National Christmas Center. Rte. 30. Walk through Bethlehem scene, creches and animated displays. Year round Nov/Dec hours: 10a.m.-8pm. Fee
Philadelphia: Freedom Theater's Black Nativity. 1346 N . Broad St. Nov 23-Jan 6. $22-$32 Tel: 215-978-8497
Pittsburgh. Church of the Ascension, 114 Berry St. Dec 1626 Collection of Gary Grabowski. 412-331-32 l 7
Utah
Provo. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints . Stake Ctr. 1915 N. Canyon Rd. 500 creches Nov 29- Dec. 5.
Midway Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Stake Ctr. 165 E. Center. 500 Creches Nov 30- Dec. 4.
Ma~ing e,re.ad Dough figurH for the. Ho\ida1&
Susan Topp Weber, Santa Fe, New Mexico, has transformed the humble bread dough into a holiday inspiration. In her shop, appropriately enough called Susan's Christmas Shop, Weber sells ornaments from around the world. Among her most popular are the little people that she crafts in her own kitchen on the same old gas range she has used for years.
She shares her recipe and helpful hints.
Preheat oven to 225° F.
Mix l part salt to 4 parts flour, adding just enough water to form a stiff dough.
Weber notes, "I make only small batches of dough at a time, as it doesn't save well. For instance, my typical measurements are 8 tablespoons of flour into which I add 2 tablespoons of salt. I stir up the dry ingredients well before adding the water. I never measure the water, but add it a little at a time, until the dough texture "feels right."
"I knead the mixture with my hands in the air over the bowl until it is smooth and pliable. Ifl have added too much water, I put a spoonful of flour into a saucer, then roll the ball of dough in it and knead it until I like its feel. "
Roll out to the desired thickness (1/8 to 1/4 inch).Use a sharp paring knife to cut into forms you want. You can also use cookie cutters. To form flowing locks of hair, force a small ball of dough through a garlic press.
Once the bowl of dough is prepared, cover with a light plastic wrap to prevent its drying out.
Set the ornaments on a cookie sheet and bake for several hours. Tum off the oven and allow the ornaments to rest there overnight until they are "dog biscuit dry." When dry, the ornaments can be painted with acrylics.
BOOKS FOR THE SEASON
and the Christmas
St. Francis and the Christmas Donkey by Robert Byrd (New York: Dutton Children's Books, 2000). Delightful, beautifully illustrated book about a little donkey who is consoled by St. Francis when the other animals make fun of him. Most illustrations are full page Young readers $15.95.
MA RY, Images of the Holy Mother by Jacqueline Orsini. (San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2000). Through paintings, icons, murals, the book shows how world has seen personage of Mary. Handsome book with beautiful plates. Includes Nativity scenes. $19.95.
It Came Upon The Midnight Clear by Henry F. French. (Minneapolis: Augsburg Press, 1999). Unusual small book that tells the Christmas story in a thoughtful new way. Originally delivered as a sermon in two voices by French and his wife. The book would work well as an oral presentation project for I 0-12 year olds. $8 .99
A Christmas Classic: Favorite Selections from the Christmas Annual. (Minneapolis: Augsburg Press, 1999). Collection of their most popular stories and articles from previous publications. Illustrated. $24.99
Creche Herald subscription information
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A bread dough angel with flowing hair by Susan Topp Weber
From St. Francis
Donkey by Robert Byrd
SEEING THE CREATION THROUGH WOOD
by Mary Herzel
For wood sculptor Robert F. McGovern, Narberth, Pennsylvania, all art has a religious dimension. "When I carve a rose, it is a religious experience to me, because I see the rose as a gift from the Creator," he explained.
"As you work with the wood, tum it, carve it, and get to know it, you feel the light of the Creator passing through it to you. In an age where the camera can instantly make an image of what it sees, the artist may still do something more meaningful. He can show the presence of the Divinity. In short, he offers something new by uniting the wood, the techniques, and his vision as an artist," noted McGovern.
McGovern prefers to sculpt in wood--pine or basswood, or sometimes harder woods like cherry or walnut-- because, he said, "I like art that resists me somewhat."
"When we carve a creche, we remember a beautiful event, the caring, the coming together of different people, especially in a world of social injustices," he added. "It gives us hope."
He still remembers the making of his first creche as a youth-from the wood of a discarded orange crate. He worked with his father, who was a part time artist, and several neighbors who whittled Nativity figures for fun.
At present, McGovern is working on ink drawings to be used for the wood sculpting of the three magi in contemporary dress for the creche at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. These sketches are the first step in the development of his ideas.
According to McGovern, what is most important in the composition of figures is gesture. It is important to touch the viewer's emotions. "It's like a ballet. Everything works together in harmony."
With this kind of simplicity, McGovern makes life sound painless, although the special chair where he sits designing or chiseling figures tells a different story. At the age of 16, he was struck with polio. "Art took front and center," McGovern commented, "I could not get around, but with my art, I could. People did not care if you got around on crutches. All they cared about was the art."
His serious wood carving began almost by accident. As a student at Philadelphia College of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he had a course in printmaking which required cutting woodblocks for prints. "Occasionally, the prints looked terrible," admitted McGovern, "but the woodblocks looked great. So I whittled and carved, turning the blocks into a wood carving."
He taught for 42 years at his alma mater, now the University of the Arts. He has created paintings, prints, illustrations, religious sculptures and creches.
For McGovern, "woodcarving is a response to the tree of life."
Betsy, the owner of the company, will, as a personal service, maintain a list of the figures you purchase. Enables you or your friends to add to your collection without duplication. After purchasing your starter set, the next occasion requires only a telephone call or e-mail to add more figures. santons de France 127 River Road woolwlch, ME 04579
Tel: 207-443-2345 santon@gwl.net
North America's Largest Importer & Distributor of Santons by Marcel Carbone!
A powerfully drawn sketch by Robert McGovern defines the first stages of his wood sculpture ofone of the Magi .
FRIENDS OF THE CRECHE NOTES
Dear Friends of the Creche,
This letter goes to print before our Lancaster convention, so I can't report to you about the event and our reactions. At this writing, as we near the convention, I'm confident that it will exceed the expectations of the many folks who will attend . The convention marks a critical milestone in the development of FOTC, and we hope forms the basis for more conventions to come.
We have decided, at this time, to hold biennial conventions, so the next gathering will be in Fall 2003.
In the two years between conventions, we hope to stay very much engaged with you, our members. First of all, FOTC will hold an annual membership meeting . Every other year, this will be the convention. In the in-between year, it will be a more limited meeting, but an open one for you to attend. Its format will be determined in the coming months, but we know it will include a formal business meeting. We also plan to meet in another region of the country so that members who could not travel East to Pennsylvania, might find it easier to join us for this meeting in Fall 2002.
FOTC is already a national organization with members from 44 states and the District of Columbia. We also have members from four foreign countries, especially Canada. Therefore, we want to reach out to our membership. One way is to meet in different parts of the country. As of this writing, we are considering several locations for the meeting.
Secondly, in between conventions, we are considering some activities or projects which we think you will find appealing. We shall be presenting a creche photo project at Lancaster to see if it interests members in participating. We also are considering initiating a research project on the history of the creche tradition in the United States. At Lancaster, we will have had exchanges with the attendees concerning other interests that they might have. Those of you who could not attend the convention are most welcome to send me your suggestions for future activities. We also are looking for volunteers who can help us craft and establish a website.
In other FOTC matters, by the time you have received this newsletter, we shall have completed the revision of our Bylaws foilowing our January incorporation. We also shall have submitted our application to be a tax exempt,
non-profit organization. We also plan to submit our application to join the International Federation of the Creche by the end of 2001. The Federation will consider our application in February 2002.
In closing, I hope that you are looking forward to this Christmas season with great anticipation Many of us, I know, are looking forward to creche exhibits in our towns and regions. Some of us will surf the net a bit more looking for creche sites. Many of us who collect creches look forward to displaying them. And all of us look forward with warm and open hearts to celebrating that wondrous event, the birth of the Christ Child on Christmas Day. Through our promotion of the creche tradition, we seek to sustain the joy of this glorious event throughout the rest of the year.
On behalf of the FOTC Board and myself, I wish you a Blessed Christmas 2001.
Merry Christmas, Jim Govan, President, FOTC JimGovan@aol.com
(Prices are in American dollars, and certain taxes may be recoverable
I have just returned from Spanish Market in Santa Fe, and under ordinary circumstances, I would tell you about the creches and nacimientos I saw there. However, you should hear about Montreal's wonderful offerings while there is time to plan a late fall/early winter visit.
For me, Montreal's major winter draw is the marvelous display of creches at St. Joseph's Oratory, 3800 Ch. Queen Mary, (514-733-8211). During the year, their museum typically displays 50 or so of their nearly 900 creches and paintings from about 100 countries From mid November through mid February, over 300 are exhibited in aweinspiring fashion. The museum's director, Father Andre Bergelon, is an artist, as evidenced by his nativity-inspired paintings and the exquisite settings for the creches
Photos are not allowed at the Oratory, but about 40 scenes have been reproduced on Christmas cards at $7 per package of ten. While the gift shop has mostly traditional creches, this past January, they had a white bisque Inuit set complete with igloo and seals for about $30, or polychromed for about $55. If you can tour only one exhibit in the year, make it this one.
An added incentive for a trek to Montreal is the Exposition at Galerie Des Artisans du meuble quebecois, 88 est, rue St-Paul, Vieux-Montreal (514-866-1836). From mid November to mid January, the Galerie features about 100 Nativity scenes from 15 to 20 Canadian artists.
Even in early January when I was there, a wonderful variety remained. Wax infants in different poses and sizes by Sylvette Chanel hovered around $75. Similarly priced were fabric mache sets by Mario Paquette. For $90, Michelle Dube offered a 10" Raku Inuit Holy Family with backdrops featuring different clan signs; Wise Men were about $70 Others were a set with 13" Mohawk figures by Gemma Forlliano that included an 18" teepee and canoe ($400), a pottery set by Luis Argumedes featuring an unusual prone king in purple ($200), figures by Manon Malouin of brown paper, seaweed and other found objects ($150), and textured ceramic animals, and 7" figures with shoes out of Arabian Nights by Eva Ferenczy Reichmann ($400). Other creches ranged from $50 and up.
Churches and cathedrals of Montreal are always worth a visit, as is the annual display of creche figures at the StLaurent Art Museum, 615 boul. St. Croix, on the grounds of the College of St-Laurent in the nearby suburb.
Eileen Canty is a collector from Marion , Massachusetts
FROM OUR READERS
12 septiembre 2001
Tras las terrible sucesos que ha sufrido tu pals , las be/enistas de Pamp/ona queremos so/idarizarnos con todos las belenistas de EE.UV.
Unsaludo,
Jose M" Redin Perez
Secretario de las Asociaci6n de Belenistas de Pamp/ona (12 September 2001
After the terrible events that your country has suffered, the Belenistas of Pamplona wish to make common cause with all the creche lovers (belenistas) of the United States.
Regards,
Jose M" Redin Perez
Secretary of the Association ofBelenistas of Pamplona)
You are a God send. Received the (Creche) Herald, and the cover information was what I had been searching for . I am planning a children's sermon where I sing to them the song, "Some children see Him " and I have the baby Jesus in white, brown, dark, but none for words saying "with almond eyes and yellow skin."
I am a collector and do not have any Oriental creche to show as I sing the song, so if I do not find one by December, I will use your picture.
I am also looking for a small, inexpensive creche that I can get in quantity to give the kids If any of your readers can help me, I would appreciate it.
Bill Smith, Eufaula, Oklahoma, billjr@eufaula.lib.ok us
We are looking for a Nativity scene with cowboys, and hope Creche Herald readers can help.
The Holy Family is the center of a festive holiday table setting by Holly Zenger, Midway, Utah .
PATTERNS FOR COSTUMES
For craftspersons who get the task of creating costumes for the school pageant or church play, Simplicity Patterns has costume patterns to help you.
The Christmas Pageant: Pattern# 8276
The Nativity Recreated: Pattern # 8275
???? AND COMMENTS
Q. I have heard that Christmas was not always a holiday in the United States. Is that correct?
A. According to Matthew Powell, author of The Christmas Creche: Treasure of Faith, Art & Theater (Pauline Press, 1997), the British colonies, especially New England, opposed Christmas as a pagan or "Popish" celebration. The Pilgrims' first Christmas in 1620 was a work day, and a law in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1659 levied a fine of five shillings on anyone who observed the feast. As late as 1856, Christmas was a workday in Boston, and that city's schools held classes on the holiday until 1870. It was only with the great immigrations of the Irish, Italians, Germans, and Eastern Europeans that the celebration of Christmas became commonplace.
1 945 N. JACKSON HWY. HARDYVJLLE, KY 42746 270-528-5042
CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY
SING FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS by
Mary Herze/
Christmas is magical to Joyce and Bob Byers, creators of Caroler figurines and now collectors of creches too. Their most recent addition came on a trip to Cuzco, Peru. "We couldn't resist buying the creche," said Joyce, "I enjoy seeing the cultural differences in the interpretation of the birth of Jesus."
The Peruvian creche will be an addition to their collection of more than 200 hand crafted Nativities from artisans all over the world, and includes a spectacular I 8th century Neapolitan presepio. Even Joyce's recently designed creche using her own Caroler figures can be seen.
How did the Byers get started on doing the Carolers? "One of the favorite parts ofmy childhood Christmas was singing carols, and I thought, why not design carolers to use as holiday decorations." Joyce explained. "I began making the figures using materials around the house." In 1966, the Carolers became gifts for friends, and over a ten year period, the figures became a seasonal hobby.
In 1978, Bob took a dozen of the Carolers to the New York Gift Show. "There was a lot of excitement," recalled Bob, "and the rest is history. The main premise of our company is to serve God, and to give something back, whether that something is a delightful figurine in praise to God, or in a contribution to charity."
Creches are on display year round at the plant's exhibit salon next to the Christmas Galleries. Byers Choice, Ltd. 4355 County Line Road, Chalfont, PA 18914. Tel: 215-822-8070. Visiting hours: Mon-Sat: l0a.m.-5 p.m., Sun: noon-5 p.m. Closed holidays.Free.
In the Byers Choice Christmas Galleries, a Carolers Nativtiy.
NATIVITY CHARMS AND MUCH MORE
Brenda Dudderar sells a small 3-dimensional sterling silver Nativity charm that she suggests makes a wonderful stocking stuffer. The charm also is available on post or wire earrings
Although the Nativity charm is Dudderar's most popular item at this season of the year, she also stocks over 500 others in sterling silver and venneil. Her Christmas charms include Mary with the Baby, a 3-D church, various Santas and traditional Christmas trees. She has signs of the Zodiac, domestic and wild animals and birds, and a myriad of charms to cover practically any subject you can think of. Her comment is, "I wish I could send a picture of them, but pictures do not look nearly as cute as the charm."
In addition to jewelry, Dudderar sells antiques, crafts and handmade baskets from the 150 year old log cabin she has refurbished in Hart County, Kentucky.
Write to: Brenda's 1945 N. Jackson Hwy. Hardyville, KY 42746 Tel: 270-528-5042
Full of beauty stood the Mother, By the Manger, blest o'er other, Where her little One she lays. For her inmost soul's elation,
Fontanini Collectors' c.1.u,b· In its fervid jubilation, Thrills with ecstasy of praise. Jacopone da Todi, 13 th century
STIINNING BAND CARVED NATIVITY
Bali, the romantic island in the South Pacific, is the origin of this unique hand carved set in polished wood. Includes a handsome wood box for storage or display. Carved by talented but physically disabled young people under the sponsorship of the Yakkum Institute in Indonesia. Figures are 6 to 9 inches tall. $120 including US Postal Priority Mail GN International 98859 Olena Street Aiea, Hawaii 96701
gni@hawaii.rr.com
A SZOPKA IS UNIQUELY POLISH
The Szopka (shop-kah) is the creche uniquely made in Cracow, Poland. Modeled after the historic medieval, renaissance and baroque architecture of the city, the szopka resembles a fairytale castle with soaring towers, graceful arcades, and stained glass windows. They are made from found materials, such as cardboard, sequins, beads and brightly colored foil. Cracow Cribs have a shallow depth, with a fully detailed facade and an unornamented back. They can be a few inches high or as tall as nine feet.
Popularized in the mid 19th century, the making of the creche resulted from the custom of bricklayers and young boys singing carols as they walked from house to house. The Cribs carried often were made by the bricklayers who could earn extra money in the empty work days of winter.
Traditionally, the Nativity scene is placed on the upper floor of the church-like model, although the structure also includes historical and legendary figures. Architectural elements are combined in a free and fanciful manner.
After World War I, manger scenes became smaller and less spectacular. Afraid that their special Christmas tradition was dying, the Cracow authorities, in 1937, organized the first contest for the most beautiful manger scene. Since that time, the competition is held the first week of December on the square of Mariacki (St. Mary's Cathedral).
There is a collection of about 50 at the Historical Museum of the City of Cracow, including the oldest one, from the late 19th century
CREATING NATIVITIES IN AUSTRALIA
Adrian Deepings, a former science teacher from Sydney, Australia, now creates Nativity dolls in Tasmania, the island due south of the mainland of that country.
Made from white sassafras, the figures are hand turned and painted by a group of local crafts persons. "White sassafras is botanically a hardwood, although it is one of the softer ones and has very little grain to interfere with the work of the doll painters," says Deepings
Designs often originate from the requests of customers, photos, books, or the imagination of the workers. "The painters have very original styles," he adds. "Ann's work is in a naive style, with very child-like features; Jilli and Ineke describe theirs as 'rustic.' Marie's portrayal of draped fabrics is remarkable."
Nativity figures range in size form 58mm to 130mm (23/8" to 5-1/8")
Wooden Nativity from Cracow, Poland. 7-l/2"h x IO 1/2" w. Collection of Catherine Rehfeldt, Des Moines, Iowa
Szopka made by Tadeusz Gilbert, 1986. Photo courtesy of POLART Distribution (USA) Inc ., Sarasota, Florida fs'i'fs~fj
'ffie 'Deepings 'Dolls
Each unique Nativity set is hand turned and hand painted in Southern Tasmania, using selected white sassafras timber.
Visit our website to see examples of our many styles: www.deepingsdolls.com
E-mail : info@deepingsdolls com
The Deepings: 118 Nicholls Rivulet Road , Nicholls Rivulet, Tasmania 7112 , Australia
LET'S SWAP PHOTOS!!
I BUILD A NEW PRESEPIO EVERY YEAR AROUND NOVEMBER.
IF INTERESTED, SEND PHOTOS OR WRITE TO: Vince Barresi
P.O. Box 68083
Vire:inia Beach, VA 23471-8083
SHAKESPEARE AND CHRISTMAS
The following passage is said to be the only one the great bard devoted to Christmas . He speaks of Ch ri stmas about three times in his works, but they tend to re fer onl y to a season of the year.
"Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated , The bird of dawning singeth all night long; And then, they say, no spirit can walk abroad ; The nights are wholesome; then no planets strike, No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm , So hallow'd and so gracious is the time " Spoken by Marcellus, an officer of the watch in Haml et He and his men have just seen the ghost of the dead king, Hamlet's father. Act I, Scene I.
united nations association
6LOBAL 6IFTS
For All Your Holiday Shopping Needs
6LOBAL 6IFrS is now ready for its annual Nativity show and sale in November. Collectors throughout Southern California and many neighboring states head for this event hailed as the region's largest.
6LOBAL 6IFTS is staffed exclusively by volunteers. Proceeds go toward UNICEF projects around the world .
This year's unusually large stock of Nativities comes from countries such as Haiti, Tibet, Hawaii, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Greece, Czech Republic and dozens more. These exquisite pieces reveal the true soul of their creators who craft Holy Families in a wide range of materials such as silver, mother-of-pearl, exotic woods, and textiles.
Longtime collectors also will be displaying their favorite pieces, and sharing experiences about their hobby and adventures. Visit the GLOBAL GIFTS shop , or call for information about our Nativities and hundreds of ·other unique offerings 6LOBAL 6IFTS, 729 W. 711, Street, San Pedro, CA 90731. Tel: 310-548-1762
THE NATIVITY ACCORDING TO DANCE
by Mary Herze/
At Christmas, Father Robert VerEecke stages the annual A Dancer's Christmas at Boston College , Chestnut Hill , Massachusetts. "It's the Christmas story danced through the ages," said VerEecke. "More than any other human act ivity , dance reveals to me the wonder and mystery of God!" A dancer most of his life, the Jesuit started formal training when he entered the priesthood. Few know that Jesuits have a tradition of dance The Order's founder, Saint Ignatius of Loy ola, said one could "find God in all things," and dancing was an integral part of some 17th and I 8th century Jesuit schools . Now VerEecke, dancer-choreographer, continues the tradition. He not only produces the show, but has a limited role as a lame beggar in the second act. He said the role fit him. "I'm a beggar in all things ," he claimed , "I'm the pastor at St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill."
A Dancer's Christmas tells its story in three acts over three historical periods. Though VerEecke has, from time to time , rewritten some elements, the product ion, now in its 21 st year, remains essentially the same.
A few years ago however, the Jesuit was inspired to rework the first act. "We needed to begin with the Passion and move back to the Birth to understand what this is all about. I envisioned the piece as a memory on the part of Mary after the Crucifixion She is seeing a juxtaposition of the images of life and death. It is her memory of the Annunciation, the Visitation, and Nativity woven together with memories of moments in Jesus' adult ministry ." The act closes with Mary downstage at the time of Jesus' birth, while upstage behind her is Mary holding Jesus' body after removal from the Cross " It's an extremely affecting movement for people," VerEecke observed.
The second act takes place in medieval times with dancing monks and nuns, traveling jesters, angels, a lame beggar, and townspeople who witness the miracle of the new birth. It is danced to medieval and Renaissance Christmas music The piece was inspired by the medieval custom of players who went from town to town performing mystery and miracle plays .
Act Three is danced to a modem celebration of the Christmas season that weaves Christmas carols together. "Most people do not know that the term 'carol' was derived from a dance form The songs of this holiday call for movement and dance to accompany them."
A Dancer 's Christmas employs a cast of about fifty adults and children. In addition to the many professional dancers , there are alumni and students from Boston College, where the Boston Liturgical Dance Ensemble is the resident dance company under the artistic direction of VerEecke. These dancers carry on a dramatic expression of worship, beauty , and communication
Performances are scheduled at Boston College's Robsham Theater Arts Center, Chestnut Hill , Massachusetts. December 14-23 . Fridays/Saturdays , 8p .m. , Sundays 2p.m. Special children's performance: December 22 , 2p .m.Tel : 617-552-4800 .
Rejoicing at the birth of the Christ Child. From A Dancer 's Christmas choreographed by Fr Robert VerEecke, S.J. Photo by Bill Parsons.
