Paper Nativities made their way into the Czech Republic from Germany about the second half of the 18th century. Merchants from Bohemia and from the town of T1ebi who had seen the Nativities during sales travels are said to have been the first to offer these Nativity designs. T1ebi especially developed a famous tradition with sets that were hand painted, and every figure was original. The oldest Czech paper Nativity extant dates from about 1800, and is located in the Strahov Monastery, Prague . At first, Nativities printed by copper plate appeared only in black and white. Later, the sets were colored by hand. Full color prints appeared about 1900 . More inexpensive than three-dimensional sets and thus affordable for the poor, the paper cribs initially were cut out. Later designs were produced by printing as well, and the sheets were sold uncut. Paper Nativities have remained popular in many parts of the Czech Republic, although their peak appears to have been the first half of the 20 th century when many famous Czech painters lent their talents to paper creche designs.
Czech artist Pavel Korber ( 1862-1925) designed the Nativity cutouts shown on our front cover. The idea for this paper crib came from a prelate at the church of Saint Vaclav (Saint Wenceslas) in Smichov, a part of Prague, and the cutouts were produced in 193 3. In 2000, another edition was published by Antonin Gigal on the 75 th anniversary ofKorber's death; it is this latter edition that is reproduced on the front cover.
The Korber Nativity of our cover is printed on four sheets of heavy paper and has 169 pieces. Figures are garbed in the clothing of ancient Palestine, often referred to as the oriental style; in the Czech Republic, it is called the Nazarene style, referring to the town of Nazareth where Mary and Joseph lived . This costuming tradition for the Nativity figures became widely used during the last decades of the 19 th century.
The entire assembled Pavel Korber crib (1933 edition) can be viewed on the website of the University of Dayton (www.udayton.edu/mary/gallery/creches/crech87.htrnl)
This article was done with Milan Zabransky. The Nativity cutouts shown are through the courtesy ofAntonin Gigal. Both live in Prague, Czech Republic.
Dear Readers,
Fall 2004 provided some of us with an opportunity to experience an international creche congress in a warm and welcoming Czech Republic. And for those who went on the Wrap-Around Tour through the beautiful Alpine regions of Germany and Austria, there was almost a sensation ofjoining Julie Andrews in The Sound ofMusic. More from some of our travelers in later pages.
Our Friends of the Creche cookbook project decidedly has to go on the back burner for now (no pun intended). While fourteen people sent in wonderful recipes, unfortunately, that indicated to us a fairly limited interest in the project. So for now, we shall limit the cookbook idea to a printing of those delicious recipes from time to time on the pages of Creche Herald. Our thanks to all who generously shared their dishes with us. Perhaps, in the future, we again shall pick up the concept. I, for one, can't resist interesting food.
The survey about the collections of our readers has been tabulated and will appear in the summer issue. I think you'll find the results interesting. Work also is proceeding on the Creche Herald Index, and that offering also will be available at the same time.
Spring, like the Birth of Jesus, is a time of new hopes and new beginnings. And it is in that spirit that we wish you a year of good friends, good health, joy, and happy surprises
Rita Bacher, Publisher
This paper Nativity by Heleny Horalkove, Czech Republic , was cut out and assembled by Catherine Rehfeldt, Des Moines, Iowa. The set has 100 pieces. Note that, other than Mary, Joseph and the angel, the figures are garbed in traditional Czech clothing. Czech houses dot the hillside.
MEMORIES of the International Creche Congress, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, September 2004:
Many traveled on the Creche Herald Wrap-Around Tour:
What stood out for me were the visits we had that were exclusive to the creche tour-namely the hospitality of Karl Mayer (and the love he and his wife share for the creche), and the unique work of Dieter Kastner. It was good to spend time with people who share a common interest.
Sue Weed, Kensington, Maryland
Thoughts on our Creche Tour : Making many new friends as we journeyed from Oberammergau to Hradec Kralove . Seeing the private Nativity collection of Dr Karl Mayer in his home in Garsten, Austria And having a chance to visit the Czech Republic for the first time and viewing beautiful Nativities created by local artists
James Johnston, Corpus Christi , Texas
Vivid in our memories are the white paper creche at the church in Diessen, Germany, where the paper gowns on the figures had the look of flowing fabric, and the mechanical creche at Jilemnici, Czech Republic, which after 121 years, still comes to life with incredible synchronization.
Richard and Catherine Rehfeldt, Des Moines, Iowa
Thanks for such a wonderful wrap-around trip. We enjoyed it so much-David (tour director David Harper) was terrific and the company most delightful
Judy Walburger, Whittier, California
Once again , it was really fun traveling with you There were so many highlights of the wrap-around tour that I couldn't begin to enumerate any The hotels were great; the visits to collections were outstanding, and the artisans were exceptional It was truly over the top
Diane Rigo , New York, New York
My hotel room in Berchtesgaden (Germany) had the most spectacular, breathtaking view. I like to close my eyes and remember the feeling it gave me of the beauty of the area The variety of creche displays we saw was wonderful It was fun to meet the actual artisans.
Susan Seamons , Whittier, California
We saw a part of the world that was new to us We made friends, dined well , and learned a lot. My wife Betty came back with 17 " crechy things" to add to her collection.
Bob Morris, Williamsburg, Virginia
How can we forget the picnic in Austria, the musicians at Peter Miller's Hotel or the Czech musicians , with 28 people enjoying each other as well as the music. Most memorable for us was the invitation to Karl Mayer's house. The Nativity scene museum at Tfebechovice was also a fabulous treat.
Peter and Lo ttie Frein , Princeton, New Jersey
Outside of creches , my most significant moment was meeting Judy (Jitla) Keston in the old town of Hradec Kralove. Our visit with her reinforces my conclusion that the real beauty of any landscape is not nature or churches or palaces, but the people who live within it.
A l N ay lor, Minnetonka , Minnesota
Several attended the Congress as part of other travels:
What a beautiful experience it was to be part of a group so inspiring in sharing their stories and creches with us Our trip to the Museum of Eastern Bohemia gave us some background in the history of creches. I found it extremely interesting to see how our history changes our perception in the creation of our Nativity sets .
Constance Breen , Kettering, Ohio
A memorable experience! Tucked away in castles, churches and monasteries, Bohemian and Moravian creches were lost to the world for decades This congress was an expedition into paradise lost and retrieved
Reverend Johann Roten, Dayton , Ohio
For me, the highlights of our time were the many Nativity museums and special creche displays we visited before and during the Congress Members of Friends of the Creche can look for updates in the 2005 Guide to Permanent Nativity Displays.
Judy Davis, El Cerrito , California
Nativity presented by Friends of the Creche to the Cz ech Republic hosts at the International Creche Congress Work is by Santana Seonia , Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico There are 12 figures , ab o ut 2" high. Magi bring gifts of a drum , a blanket, and a mortar and pestle. Robert Davis, El Ce"ito, California , crafted th e 12" xi 2" woo den box
FROM THE CRECHE HERALD TRIP SKETCHBOOK TRAVELS TO THE MANGER
by a. naylor
Gutenmorgen
Morning awakens , the faint flush on its cheeks suggesting that it had run some distance to arrive at this moment, on time .
Yet its breathing is regular, controlled, barely stirring the leaves, letting a silence embellish the singing
of a bird and of a river, dark with mystery, as it moves swiftly toward the limits of the horizon.
But within their palisade of cliffs, the town remains shuttered, as if needing a full sun to reach out and shake its shoulders before it lifts the weight of night from its lids and strides into the day
September 19, 2004, 6:00 a.m.
Alan Naylor preserves his trip memories with journal notes, such as the sketch above, written during the Creche Herald Tour stop in Oberammergau, Germany
FROM OUR READERS
This email message from a tired reader arrived November 19, 2004 Her project sounded so interesting that I thought you might like to hear about it also
I started at 6:30 this a m. setting up the creches I had about 50 on display, some from parents and teachers. Started talks at 8 a.m ., speaking a half hour each to nine classes (Kindergarten8th grade) with a one hour break. Exhausting but rewarding.
At the end of the day, an interesting thing happened when the parents came to pick u'p their children. Children would drag their parents over to look at the creches as I packed Then the youngsters told the stories about the creches It was amazing what they remembered! They were telling about the "House of Bread" at Bethlehem, the nail Nativities from Puerto Rico, the various gourds from Peru, the Alaskan Nativity, and the various animals, the creches from the Holy Land, etc. , etc , etc.
Now I want you to know that arriving home at 4 p m. after packing up, I can hardly move from standing so long . But let me tell you, if you want to spread the message of the Nativity, we have to work with children.
I think I started something-and hopefully, they remember some of it. It was great fun.
Mary (Mary Fuller lives in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts)
In Fall 2003, my husband, Richard purchased a set at Sam's Club He asked friends at church how to display it. They created and lighted this Nativity as an event in an active village of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth. The scene was completed while we were on a two week trip to Spain. Richard went to the hospital the morning after our return, and died a few days later. He did not get to see the beautiful results.
We have donated the display to Northway Christian Church, Dallas, Texas, in Richard's memory. He was in the educational ministry for 47 years , serving 32 of them at Northway
Pat English, Dallas, Texas
Enjoying the Creche Herald. Thanks for your time and effort Eleanor Nealy, Trainor, Pennsylvania
Creche Herald
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Contributing editor: Mary B. Herzel
Communications : Frank B. Herzel
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Creche Herald subscription information
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Enclose check or money order payable to Creche Herald
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Creche purchased by Rev. Dr. Richard English , and given in his memory by his family to Northway Christian Church , Dallas , Texas
CRECHE HERALD NEWSMAKERS
Betsy Scott, Salem, OR, and her "World of Nativities" exhibit received front page coverage in the Statesman Journal.
Louise Cristina, Mamaroneck, NY, and her exhibition in the New Rochelle (NY) Public Library were featured in The Sound Report.
The Dallas Morning News noted the Dallas Arboretum's exhibit of the collection of the late Ray and Nan Harrington, Dallas, TX.
Betty Morris, Williamsburg, VA, and Reverend Johann Roten, Dayton, OH, were interviewed for a front page feature of the Virginian Pilot which also appeared on Pi/otOn/ine. Morris also was featured in The Virginia Gazette. Father Roten and his collection at the University of Dayton's Marian Library received nationwide coverage through an Associated Press article by James Hannah.
A display by Charlotte Pratt, Stoddard, NH, was covered by the Home Companion.
Mary Herzel, Harrisburg, PA, and Friends of the Creche received nationwide coverage in papers served by the Catholic News Service through a column by Antoinette Bosco. Not only did Holly Zenger, Midway, UT, attract 9000 people to the 750 scene exhibit she coordinated, but the event also received front page coverage in the Daily Herald.
Charles Hull, Seven Valleys, PA and his collection of225 sets were featured in several papers, including the York (PA) Daily Record, The Evening Sun, York Dispatch, and Community Courier
Michael Whalen, Clinton Township, Ml, and his exhibit were featured in the Madison Park News and the Macomb Daily. Whalen's collection also was showcased in an hour-long television documentary filmed in 2003 and shown on a local cable channel this past year.
Eileen Canty, Marion, MA, not only exhibited in several locations, she organized a Nativity Fair. The Fair ended on the Feast of Christ the King (Sunday before Advent ) . Among the activities at the Fair, first graders made creches in shoe boxes. Eileen's displays received television and newspaper coverage, among which was the Standard Times of New Bedford.
With Eileen at the Nativity Fair were Helen Sheridan and Kay Pffeifer, Natick, MA, who received coverage in the Metro West Daily.
Tim Goldrick, Assonet, MA, was nominated for Man of the Year by Standard Times for his work in organizing the popular "Christmas in the Village" event of his community.
The collection of Helen and Bill Holder, Austin, MN, is on that city's Convention & Visitor Bureau list for bus tours. This past season they hosted 7 busloads of visitors. They made the Austin Daily Herald, KTTC-TV, and were interviewed for the evening television news programs.
Has Your Home/Email Address Changed?
Friends of the Creche members: Send changes to: Michael Whalen, 19640 Driftwood Drive, Clinton Township, Ml 48038. Nativity@ameritech.net
Creche Herald subscribers: Send changes to Creche Herald, 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511. Crecher@op.net
A NATMTY SET OF MY VERY OWN by
John Ohlendorf
Even as a child growing up in a small town in central Illinois, I always was fascinated by Nativity sets, and longed for one of my very own. Then, in winter 1940, when I was six, my uncle from the big city of Decatur came to visit. To my surprise and delight, he presented me with my very own Nativity set.
I can see it still: the Holy Family, two kneeling angels, one in pink and one in blue, and the three kings. Bursting with excitement and pride of ownership, I told my mother I wanted to take the set to school the next day to show in class. There were six ofus in first grade that year, and the second and third graders were in the same room. I just knew that everyone, and especially those "big kids," would envy me, a lowly first grader.
Mom warned me that if I took the set to school, the teacher probably would want to keep it on display until the Christmas vacation. I assured her that was not a problem.
On Monday morning, I did take the set to school, and Miss Mary let me show it to the class. (I don't think the class was as thrilled as I, nor as envious as I had hoped either). Then horror of all horrors, Miss Mary promptly placed the set on the piano top where it was to remain until school was dismissed for the holidays. Right then, I realized both my mistake and my mother's wisdom. I wanted that set at home where I could arrange and re-arrange the figures on a daily basis.
It was then and there that I started toward a life of crime-I told the teacher the lie that my mother had asked me to bring the set back home (Well, she had warned me not to take the set to school in the first place). When my parents discovered the misdemeanor, they gently but firmly turned me from a life of duplicity and crime.
Gradually, over the course of the years, the original figures were replaced by others so that the only piece left was the Infant in the manger. Then I attended the "Creches by the Sea 2003" Friends of the Creche convention, and in the Manger Mart, I found the two standing kings who were exact duplicates of my original pieces. Of course, I had to buy them.
And, who knows, I may yet find the third king or the angels or even Mary and Joseph. They could be waiting for me in Santa Fe.
John Ohlendorf, Bourbonnais, Illinois, fnsists that the lie in first grade continues to be his only serious crime.
???? and Comments
Q. How is the city of Santa Fe (New Mexico) related to the story of the Nativity?
A. According to the Tourist Bureau of that city, its full name is: La Ciudad Real De La Santa Fe De San Francisco or The true city of the holy faith of Saint Francis. And what better connection than Saint Francis and the Nativity scene?
And while on the subject of New Mexico, its state slogan, The Land of Enchantment, comes from a book by Lilian Whiting (Boston: Little, Brown, and Company 1907, Copyright 1906). The book's full title is: The Land ofEnchantment: From Pike's Peak to the Pacific.
FRIENDS OF THE CRECHE NOTES
Dear Friends of the Creche,
Although it's only Spring, we ' re already looking forward to Fall when we'll be gathering for our third annual national convention in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The convention team and volunteers are hard at work to make this event as enjoyable as possible We know there's much anticipation among you because registrations for the event are substantially ahead of our other conventions at this point in time. This makes us want to work even harder on the preparations.
While we're focused on Santa Fe, I would like to report to you that the past year has been a very good one for FOTC. Our membership has exceeded 400 , and our treasury $20,000 The Pomona Annual Meeting was a real delight with about 70 participants. A major delegation represented FOTC at the International Congress in the Czech Republic. We achieved two major organizational objectives. First, we now have not one , but two websites: our permanent site, www.friendsofthecreche.org and our convention site, www.christmascrecheconvention.org. Check them out. Second, we now have an attorney committed to providing us with ongoing, pro-bono legal counsel. As a result of the membership adopting revisions to the Bylaws last summer, the Board was able to appoint Mrs. Victoria Romney, Provo, Utah, to the Board for a two-year term to assist us.
One further note. Although we have two websites currently, we realize that not everyone has access or interest in the internet. So, we also have initiated a periodic bulletin, The Crib Sheet, which will be sent only to members on a quarterly basis between issues of our FOTC Notes in the Creche Herald.
This summer will mark the fifth anniversary ofFOTC. The Board is pleased with the progress of the last five years, but wants to note the event by gathering for a mini-retreat at the end of April to assess our experience to date, and consider major objectives for the next five years. How satisfied are we with our society? What more can be done? Since FOTC is your organization, not the Board's, we welcome your comments and suggestions As in the last issue of FOTC Notes, I again invite your recommendations for future venues for conventions and the alternate year one-day meetings . I also invite you to volunteer to host or assist with any of these future gatherings. Please send your comments to me.
Jim Govan, President
(JimGovan@aol com or 3619 N. Nelson Street, Arlington, VA 22207) •
Annual One-Day Meeting Attracts Nationwide Crowd
About 70 Friends of the Creche members from around the country gathered on October 30, 2004 for our Annual Meeting, at California State Polytechnic University campus . Co-chairs of the event were Patricia Barrett and Wendy Reynoso. Keynote speaker was the cultural anthropologist Mary MacGregor-Villarreal, PhD, who spoke on her published research into the nacimientos of Mexican-Americans in the Greater Los Angeles area . Later in the morning , Jim Govan, President of FOTC, chaired a brief business meeting A barbeque followed, with entertainment provided by the Folklorico Dancers troupe. Afternoon speakers included Louise Polsky and Joanne Stevens Joanne discussed the development of styles and trends among various pueblos . Louise described the stunning manger pieces she has commissioned from local artists during her world travels
Submit a Nominee for Friends of the Creche Award
Friends of the Creche seeks to honor individuals who have made a significant contribution to promoting the tradition ofthe creche The individual nominated might be an artist , artisan, sculptor, writer, lecturer, exhibitor, web master, designer, or the like The nominee must be willing and able to receive the award in person at the Santa Fe convention in November 200 5 Deadline for nominations: July 15, 2005.
Names of nominees, along with their address , e-mail , phone , and a description of their contribution to the creche tradition should be sent to : Mary Herzel, fherzel@aol .com or 681 Maria Drive Harrisburg_ PA 17109
Young dancers whirl at Annual Meeting luncheon. Photo: Charles Hull
Unveiling Creches in Central Asia
by Mary Herzel
"Finding creches in Central Asia has been a dream for me and my wife, Ines," said Juan Aguilar, a Guatemalan physician working for UNICEF since 1984. He and his wife are based in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Arriving in Almaty in January 2004, they were impressed with a rich and diverse culture. "Everywhere there was a sense of great past civilizations and continuous history. Alexander the Great strode here. Marco Polo had visited. Here was the Great Silk Road that united East and West."
Their first view of Almaty, the old former capital, was the city tour that included the Russian Orthodox Cathedral. They saw no creches and the church shop was closed. On their second visit on Resurrection Sunday, they witnessed the rites and practices of the Russian Orthodox people. "This time we were rewarded by seeing the offerings brought to the church which included colored boiled eggs, special breads and pastries, and candies A long line of people was waiting for baptism, which included a full water splash "
On this visit, the Cathedral shop was open, and they were surprised to see a small icon with the Nativity scene Made of wood laminated with golden plated scenes, the icon opens like a triptych. In the front is the Annunciation, and the central part is composed of nine small paintings about the Nativity. "Of course, we bought it," said Juan.
The next creche shopping adventure was about a four hour drive to the capital city, Bishkek, of the neighboring country of Kyrgyzstan. This country's mountains rise to soaring heights from the Central Asian steppes to pastures of a largely agrarian society. The bazaar in downtown Bishkek attracted the Aguilars. Piles of vegetables, meats, fruits, sacks of spices, rugs and electronics were displayed, accompanied by loud shouts and music, smells of food, and crowds of people.
As the country is mostly Muslim, Juan believes the creches they have found are for tourists like themselves. It was at a handicraft shop that sold many small figurines representing local people in traditional dress and nomadic scenes where his wife, Ines, discovered three creches that she bought.
One creche included figures dressed in white felt tunics with an embroidered felt yurt Yurts are typical nomadic dwellings of Central Asia still found in remote parts. Many there still maintain a semi-nomadic existence, moving with flocks and yurts from collective farms to summer pastures every year. At times, roadside yurts serve as small restaurants offering meals of rice, mutton, carrots cooked over an outdoor fire and accompanied by drinks such as tea or fermented mare's milk
A second creche shows the Infant tightly wrapped in a white tunic and bound around the arms and waist, reflecting the regional custom of swaddling newborns in a blanket. A third creche is in a small wooden egg about 8 cm high. Back in Guatemala, the Aguilars' new treasures will join about 550 other miniature Nativities.
Mary Herzel, of Harrisburg , Pennsylvania, traveled by email to Central Asia for this interview.
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This Nativity from Almaty, Kazakhstan, featuring the felt tunics and yurt typical of the region , is in the collection ofJuan and Ines Aguilar, Guatemala City, Guatemala
DESTINATION 2005: SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
by Susan Topp Weber
The Friends of the Creche Convention in " The City Different" is shaping up as a not-to-be-missed program in a city so fascinating you might well consider staying for the week. Our hotel is La Fonda , located on the plaza at the end of the Santa Fe Trail in the heart of historic Santa Fe.
In the lobby, especially for the convention, the hotel will display its famous Nativity made in 193 8, and usually placed on the roof during the Christmas season. The traditional southwestern Christmas lights will be out.
If you arrive in Santa Fe early enough on Wednesday, November 9, you can take the historic tour of the city. And certainly, you' 11 want to attend the reception that evening at the Museum of International Folk Art . Doctor Joyce Ice, Museum Director, has agreed to display Nativities not usually seen.
Keynote speaker and prize winning santero, Doctor Charles Carrillo, has designed the convention logo and will present a view of the santero tradition. He has designed a new Nativity to be available in the Manger Mart, and which he will sign.
Maria Romero Cash, another famous Santa Fe santera, will speak on the evolution of the santero tradition.
If you pack and unpack your growing collection, you know things happen. To help treat the breaks and paint peels that occur, Kathy Chilton, a restorer of Nativities, will tell us how to repair items that we might otherwise discard A panel of experts, including Doris Monthan, will discuss Southwest Indian Nativities. Doris and her husband, Guy, wrote Nacimientos, a classic work on that subject. Other highlights include demonstrations in different media by local artists
If all this description of regional southwest style Nativities makes you want to own one , the Manger Mart will give you the opportunity. In many cases, you'll be dealing with the artist who made the set. While there will be Nativities from around the world, regional artists will be represented prominently.
Father Jerome, the current priest at the church off the plaza, will discuss the Spanish Nativity folk plays After dinner, we will stroll across the plaza to watch one of those plays performed in Spanish by the Caballeros de Vargas at the Saint Francis Auditorium. Don't understand Spanish? Notto worry There will be a translated text and a narrator in English Following the performance, we will enjoy traditional hot chocolate and New Mexican biscochitos. For the lucky ones included on the buses to Jemez Pueblo for the Feast Day of the village saint, San Diego, this will be an adventure long remembered . Nativity makers will sell to you inside their homes, and a street market will sell wares from outside Jemez. If you miss the bus opportunity, consider renting a car for the day with like-minded friends
The Land ofEnchanting Nativities will show you a region of our country where Christianity was introduced long ago, and nurtured in such isolation that its Nativities have retained a distinctive, recognizable style. Sign up now and stay longer
Susan Topp Weber, Santa Fe , New Mexic o, chairs the 2005 Friends of the Creche Convention
A BOOK ANSWERING CHRISTMAS QUESTIONS
Review by Barbara Beckwith
Concise and readable, The Origins of Christmas by Joseph F. Kelly, (Liturgical Press, 2004, 145 pages), is a fascinating little book that explores such questions as:
How was the date of Christmas fixed?
Why do the Gospels differ about Jesus ' birth?
Why did Matthew give so much attention to the "begats," the genealogy of Jesus?
Why is Joseph often portrayed as an old man?
Was the star of Bethlehem real or metaphorical?
How did the Bible's " Magi from the East" become Three Kings named Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar who rode camels?
Why does the Syrian Church speak of 12 Magi?
How did the first Christmas art and music arise?
Who was Saint Nicholas? (Kelly concludes, "It is unlikely that the historical Saint Nicholas would be able to recognize himself today.")
Why did the Puritans try to ban Christmas celebrations?
Why are secularization and commercialization of Christmas not new phenomena?
Doctor Kelly is chairman of the religious studies department at John Carroll University, Cleveland (Ohio).This new book is a polished diamond : sound scholarship rendered in clear prose Review originally appeared in the December 2004 St. Anthony Messenger. Barbara Beckwith , Cincinnati, Ohio, is book review and managing editor Used with permission. Book may be ordered.from Liturgical Press: 1-800-858-5450 or email: sales@litpress.org.
Hand crafted box with Nativity by Dieter Kastner , Bad Reichenhall, G ermany. Collection ofJay Bullock, Co lumbia, Maryland
CRECHE HUNTING IN ARIZONA
by Eileen Canty
The spate of Southwest Airlines' low fares coincided nicely with the Friends of the Creche annual meeting in Pomona, California. When we discovered that flying from Providence to Phoenix to Ontario, and back would cost only $229 per person, we decided a stopover in Phoenix would let us visit not only the Grand Canyon, but also some fertile fields for creche hunting.
We established a base in the fabled artist colony of Sedona. Numerous galleries and gift shops stocked one or more Nativities , many from the Holy Land and some of Native Americans But the stellar creche sites were found in two major tourist attractions.
The first was the gift shop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross (780 Chapel Road, 928-282-4069). The basement store stocks a nice assortment, both mass produced and hand made, from around the world. A long Nativity tapestry runner was $24 and a locally made clay ornament was $12. A colorful and whimsical Bolivian set sold for around $75, and for the first time, I found something from Uruguay-a beautifully glazed Holy Family for $152. There were also unique sets from several Arizona artists-beautiful and pricey at up to $600. The shop charged no tax, but provided no shipping.
Torke Weihnachten Christmas (336 Hwy 179, Ste A 116, 800-758-2425) is in the Tlaquepaque shopping complex Specializing in European and Arizona Christmas handcrafts, the shop was chock full , with a nice assortment of Russian, German, and Polish Nativities . Standouts were a multicolored glass bas relief from Poland ($56), a terracotta set with adobe hut and white robed figures by Arizona artist, Peggy Klapkeke ($180), a ceramic plaque from Saint Andrew's Abbey in Valyermo , California ($80), and a glass Nativity ornament from Uzbekistan ($24). Taxes and shipping added about 15%.
While the shops at the Grand Canyon didn't have a wide selection of Nativity items, a few such as the Grand Canyon Trading Post (928-638-2417) carried several Jemez Pueblo items. The Nativity sets were close to $400, and a Flight to Egypt piece, something I hadn't seen before, was $275.
From Sedona, we drove to Tucson, where we discovered Borderlands Outlet (309 East 7th St., 520-622-3476). A warehouse for a website, they don't ship, but they did have some nicely priced items from Mexico. A nine-piece, ten inch corn husk Nativity set sold for $80, small brass and copper sets were $26, and glass encased scenes, $18 Magellan Trading (276 S Park Ave, 520-622-4968) carried a good selection of the creches found at Ten Thousand Villages and SERRV shops. One I hadn't seen elsewhere was from the Philippines. It had eight 7-inch figures of what looked like soldering wire ($33).
A day trip to Nogales, Mexico, led to a 15 piece, IO-inch typical Mexican set in hot pink ($100), a beautifully carved Holy Family ($85) and a 25 piece creche of heavily embellished, or as I learned, embroidered white clay ($125).
On our return to Arizona, we stopped at the artist colony of Tubae. Galleria Tubae (31 Tubae Rd, PO Box 4214, 520-3989088) had a Christmas shop in the back with a large inventory, including Fontanini, much ofthe Roman line, and creches from individual artists. La Paloma de Tubae (I Presidio Dr, 520398-9231) included among their 10,000 pieces of folk art, creches and retablos from Peru , Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico.
When not traveling, Eileen C anty lives in Marion, Massachusetts.
CHRISTMAS CARDS:
Picture Poems on the Nativity
A book by Daniel Burke, FSC
In his introduction to this slim but exquisite book (Philadelphia, PA: La Salle University Art Museum, 1991), Brother Daniel Burke quotes Simonides of Ceos (556-468 B.C.): "A poem is a speaking picture, a painting, a silent poem." And on every page, a short poem or meditation written by Brother Daniel is reflected in a gorgeous illustration from the La Salle University Art Museum. Thus, a poem on the Annunciation is paired with a page from a 15 th century illuminated manuscript; one on the flight into Egypt is paired with an 18th century masterpiece by French artist Noel Nicolas Coypel; a poem entitled "First Magi" faces a 16 th century woodcut by the German Albrecht Durer
The fifteen small illustrations are in the same palette as the original work of art, whether it is a full color oil painting (there are nine full color pictures!), black and white wood cut, or red chalk drawing. An appendix gives information on the art. There are sixteen poems or meditations . Cost of the soft cover volume (6" x 9") on excellent quality paper is $7 and includes US postage. Please add $3 if mailing address is another country. Send to Daniel Burke, FSC, La Salle University Art Museum, 1900 West Olney Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19141.
RBB
Nativity set from Venezuela. Collection of Anchorelle van Sprang, Orlando, Florida
Nativity Lands-From the Alps to the Czech Republic
by Joyce Douglas
On September 17, 2004, twenty-five avid Nativity collectors met their tour guide, David Harper, in Munich, Germany, and set off on a pilgrimage through Bavaria and Austria to the final destination of the International Creche Congress in Hradek Kralove, Czech Republic. On tour were: Bud& Rita Bocher; Jay Bullock; Max & Joyce Douglas; Peter & Lottie Frein; Frank & Mary Herzel; James Johnston; Shirley Kuhn; Dee Lisy; Bob & Betty Morris; Jeanne Muhlestein; Al & Dena Naylor; Dick & Cathy Rehfeldt; Diane Rigo; Martha Rogers; Betsy Sakata; Sue Seamons; Judy Walburger, and Sue Weed.
Our main attraction in Munich was the Bayerisches National Museum and its fabulous collection of creches, considered to be the most important display of 17ili to 19ili century Nativity scenes. We were treated to a guided tour of about 70 unique Nativities. Especially outstanding were the Neapolitan presepi with their precise miniature accessories and colorful scenes of daily life
Oberarnmergau and its environs was our destination for the first two nights. What a beautiful place to enjoy the glistening snow-capped Alps, flower bedecked balconies, wood carving shops, and charming painted houses. A special excursion was a trip to Diessen where we toured a rococo Marian Muenster and a unique Nativity collection. One of the most impressive was a large scene of cut and folded paper figures. Another stop was the Benedictine Abbey at Ettal, featuring a beautiful rococo church which hinted how wonderful Heaven must be.
We continued on to the town of Berchtesgaden for two nights, but first there were stops at Rattenberg, a glass blowing center, and a cruise on the Koenigssee through the Berchtesgaden National Park.
A full day of excursions from our base took us to Salzburg, Austsria, for sight seeing and shopping. Then off to Bad Reichenhall to visit Dieter Kastner, a craftsman who makes krippen in Spanschachteln style (painted boxes typical of the area), a craft his father and grandfather practiced before him. He explained that the boxes and scenes may take over 100 hours to make. Many in our group were enchanted with the boxes and added the treasures to their collection.
Continuing on through Austria, we reached the Christmas town of Steyr. Highlight of this stop was a visit to the home of Doctor Karl and Elfriede Mayer who are experts on the Weihnachtskrippen in the Garsten/Steyr area, and who also had their own private collection that included two mechanical creches which they had personally restored. We also were invited to lunch with the Mayers, so we shared a couple of very pleasant and informative hours with them.
Our evening stop was the medieval town of Cesky Krurnlov, Czech Republic. There was time to explore this charming castle town and make more purchases. The last day of the tour we visited Prague and its beautiful baroque city center before continuing on to Hradek Kralove.
Eight other Friends of the Creche members joined our group: Connie Breen; Bob & Judy Davis; Jim Govan; Rev. Johann
Roten, and Mike, Teresa & Jenny Whalen, giving us a grand total of 33 from the United States at the Congress . The convention had about 425 persons from 23 countries representing 27 delegations
For the next two days, buses transported us to museums and other exhibits planned just for the conventioneers. One of our excursions was to the Krkonose Museum in Jilernnice to view a mechanical Bethlehem by Jachym Metelka which took him 30 years to complete (1883-1913). The scene featured 14 2 figures with 350 moves set to music. While the scene has been given general maintenance, it has never required any repairs
Probably, the most spectacular creche we saw was at Tfebechovice. It was a natural wood mechanical creche completed at the beginning of the 20ili century by Josef Probost and Josef Kapucian The scene consisted of 2000 carved pieces, 170 of which were mechanized You really had to see it to believe the intricacy of the display.
The final night of the Congress we were treated to a Moravian Christmas program with orchestra, costumed dancers, and a Holy Family pageant. A buffet reception followed.
To close the Congress, a special mass was held Sunday afternoon with the Bishop of the region presiding. Choral and organ music was beautiful. What a fitting way to end. Now we look forward to the next meeting in Germany . Joyce and Max Douglas, Denver, Colorado, travel extensively to add to their unique collection.
After 121 years, Jachym Metelka 's Bethlehem at Jilemni ce remains perfectly synchronized with music and movement Photo:Max D ougla s
PROTOEVANGELIUM
JACOBI: The Proto-Gospel of James
Some of the elements that we have come to associate with depictions of the Christmas Nativity, such as the birth in a cave, arrival of the Magi nearly immediately thereafter, Joseph's mature age, the presence of a midwife (see Winter 2002/2003 Creche Herald cover), come, not from the New Testament or artists' imaginations, but from writings in the early Christian era. During the first several centuries after the death of Jesus, his followers sought to learn more about his life and origins, and about the people who surrounded him. The evangelists had been sparse in the Infancy Narratives, and particularly, had left no written information about Mary, her parents, and very little on the miraculous conception and birth. In response to such interests, early Christian authors filled the gap with writings that have come to be called New Testa.mentApocrypha. These works, sometimes colorful or fanciful, have served to give a sense of the religious feelings of the time, and reflect the questions that early Christians asked . However, they are not considered authentic devotion or knowledge and are not included in the New Testament.
While there were many Apocrypha by anonymous writers, one especially has been influential in the artistic expression of the Nativity of Jesus. The full title given to it in the 16th century by William Postel, a Jesuit, was: "The Proto-Gospel or the Historical Word of the Inspired James the Less Concerning the Births of Jesus Christ and of His Own Mother the Virgin Mary," but the name by which itis best known is Protoevangelium Jacobi or Proto-Gospel ofJames; the prefix "proto" implies it is the earliest good news, or what we have come to call "prequels." It is attributed to the apostle James the Less based upon a note at the end: "I am James who wrote this narrative, while there was a tumult in Jerusalem, because Herod had died " Possibly written to describe events preceding the Gospels, it enjoyed great popularity and influence in the Eastern Churches. It is believed to have been written about the middle of the second century
The following are narrative highlights pertaining to the birth of Jesus from the Proto-Gospel ofJames.
The Proto-Gospel ofJames gave, for the first time, the names of Mary ' s parents: foachim and Anna Mary was born in Anna's advanced years, and at the age of three was placed in the Temple to live. When she was twelve years old, the priests became concerned that "she defile the sanctuary" as she was at the age of young womanhood. An angel of the Lord came to the High Priest, Zechariah, and told him to "call together all the widowers and have each one take a staff, and the Lord will manifest a sign to him who will have her as his wife."
Joseph was among those who gathered. While the staffs of the other widowers did nothing, his sprouted a dove which landed on his head. (In a version which I remember from my Italian mother, Joseph's staff burst forth with a white lily reflecting his purity). Mary went to live with Joseph, but only as his ward : "And, fearing, Joseph took her into his care."
The narrative skips about four years. When Mary was about sixteen and Joseph was away, a voice came to her saying, "' Rejoice! you who have been transformed by God's grace, the Lord is with you , blessed are you among women ' . . .. And behold an angel of the Lord stood in front of her saying, ' Cease being afraid, Mary, for you have found favor before the Master of all, and you will conceive by his word (A) power of the Lord will overshadow you .... And you will call his name Jesus' .... And Mary responded, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord May it be done to me according to your word ' "
However, when Mary visited her cousin, Elizabeth, she forgot what the angel had said, and she asked, "Who am I, Lord, that all generations are blessing me?" Mary stayed with her cousin three months and then went home. In the sixth month of her pregnancy, Joseph returned He was decidedly upset. Even when confronted, Mary did not remember the Annunciation angel, and told Joseph, "As the Lord my God
lives, I do not know how this happened to me." Fortunately, an angel came to Joseph in a dream, and his fears were resolved.
Things got complicated when Annas the scribe discovered Mary was pregnant and told the priest. Joseph and Mary were made to take the bitter water test; results confirmed their purity (The test of marital fidelity by ingesting dust and water is detailed in Numbers 5: 11-30) .
When the Emperor Augustus issued his census summons, Joseph, his sons from his first marriage, and Mary went to Bethlehem. On their way, Mary's time came . Joseph found a cave in which Mary could rest. Meanwhile, he went to look for a Hebrew midwife while his sons stayed with Mary.
A woman who turned out to be a midwife approached Joseph. He told her of Mary who was a virgin and was about to give birth to a child. When they reached the cave, a "luminous cloud overshadowed the cave" and "a great light shone." When it was over, the Baby had appeared. The midwife was joined by a woman named Salome. Salome, doubting a virgin birth and doing a crude test ofMary's virginity, then was cured of an ailment that appeared with her initial doubt.
Soon, the Magi, having seen the star in the East, arrived in Bethlehem to pay homage to the Child . Herod was disturbed and asked the Magi to return with information about the newborn. The Magi continued on their journey and found Mary and Jesus " They took out of their sacks gifts: gold and incense and myrrh "
Subsequently warned about Herod in a dream, the Magi returned to their country by another route.
Sources : Luigi Gambero, Mary and the Fathers of the Church (English edition, 1999). Bertrand Buby, S M. , Mary ofGalilee, Vol JI! (1997) Narrative text and quotations from Father Buby 's translation used with permission. RBB
Tour group sits for portrait in the garden of Doctor Karl and Elfriede Mayer, Garsten, Austria.
Zdenek Farsky ' s Adoration of the Magi at the Old Town Hall in Hradek Kralove. Photo by Jana Zabranska.
Moravian dancers entertain at International Creche Congress banquet.
Larger than life straw Holy Family welcomes visitors to the museum at Tfebechovice
