The figures of the Holy Family on our front cover were inspired by the rural life of the Alentejo region of Portugal. Alentejo, in the south of the country, is warm and dry. As in many warm climates, life moves outdoors and tends toward the relaxed. On a sunny rifternoon, it is not unusual to see families resting or eating in the shade of the cork trees with happy children playing nearby. Such a different lifestyle from the bustling activity of thriving commercial and industrialized centers in Portugal's north!
Using the magical image of a joyful young Alentejo couple playing with their beloved baby, the sculptor, Delfim Manuel, presents a uniquely personal and Portuguese view of the Holy Family. For the sculptor, this vision conveys the idea that Jesus lives among the people.
The figures on our cover, clad in the traditional clothing of southern Portugal, are from the collection of Maria da Concei~ao M. Alvim Ferraz, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal.
Born in San Pedro de Bairro in northern Portugal, the sculptor, Delfim Manuel, comes from a large family of twelve brothers and sisters. He began working with clay when he was about ten years old. One of the first students to be admitted as an apprentice at the Ceramics School of the Cultural Arts and Crafts Center of San Pedro de Bairro (now the Castro Alves Foundation), he studied and worked there for eighteen years. He eventually opened a temporary workshop before moving in October 2000 to his present location in Santo Tirso. He has achieved continuing national recognition and has won major awards in national and international competitions. Among his awards are the following: 1997 - 1st prize; 1996 - 2nd prize: Fox do Douro National Craftsmanship Contest 2003; 1999 - 1st National prize: Lisbon International Exhibition 2003/2005; 2001/2003 - 2nd National prize: Craftsmanship Exhibitions organized by the Ministry of Culture and the European Union
Delfim Manuel Dias de Sa Rua do Loureiro n. 8 4795-211 Rebordoes, Portugal Email: delfimanuel@clix.pt.
Creche Herald
Dear Readers:
Two things are different about this issue. First, the issue is temporarily bigger. Second, there is a new column suggested by Muriel Freeman, Alexandria, Virginia. It's called "Promoting the Creche Tradition." We hope you'll keep us posted. Of course, we'll continue with the Creche Herald Newsmakers and our Fall/Winter line-up of exhibits and events.
For many collectors, summer is for traveling and discovering Nativity treasures in far-off places. For those of us staying close to home, this also is the perfect time for discovery. Summer's balmy days bring outdoor country auctions, flea markets, and neighborhood yard sales. Several years ago, I wandered over to one of the neighborhood household yard sales, having no particular objective in mind. Of course, I was hoping secretly to see if any of my neighbor's cast-offs would yield some wonderful long-desired treasure for me.
During the first few minutes of looking, I saw nothing that warranted my taking it home and adding it to the already extensive clutter of my house. But then, lo and behold, in a cardboard box filled with an assortment of mainly children's toys, I spied a celluloid shepherd figure. His tunic must have been purple at some time, although now the color seemed more gray. On his feet, he wore scruffy brown sandals which had a small hole in the bottom. The black paint of his beard was well faded, but I noted he had a sweet smile on his face.
Why, he would be perfect for an old Nativity set I had, and which always had seemed short of enough shepherds. And the price-? Ten cents! Sold! And it came home with me.
Rita B. Bacher, Publisher
Editor/publisher: Rita B. Bacher
Contributing editors: Mary B. Herzel; Eileen Canty Communications: Frank B. Herzel
117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A.
Web page: www.op.net/~bocassoc/ E-mail: crecher@op.net
Printed by Saint Joseph's University Press, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
???? and Comments
Q. What is the origin of the word Christmas?
A. The word comes from "Christ's Mass," originally referring to the mass said at midnight on the feast of the Nativity. A tradition had arisen that Christ was born at midnight, conveniently establishing the difference between "B.C." (before Christ) and "A.C." (after Christ).
That early Christian interpretation arose in part because of a passage in the Wisdom of Solomon, a first century Apocrypha believed to have been written by a Hellenized Jew in the late first century B.C. or early first century A.C.: "For while gentle silence enveloped all things, and night in its swift course was half done, thy all powerful word leapt from heaven " The night "half done" was interpreted as midnight, and "thy all powerful word" was seen as Jesus.
The belief fostered the idea of midnight mass to celebrate the event, still important in the Christmas season liturgy. Later, folklore arose that at midnight on Christmas Eve, animals spoke and knelt down in homage, or that flowers bloomed.
(For a calendar related article, see "Dionysius Exiguus-The Monk Who Gave Us A.D. 2000," in Creche Herald Winter 1999/2000).
In Search of Cartapesta Angels and Nativities
by Mary Herzel
"Mother found her first Italian papier mache angels, as they were called at the time, at a Christmas store near home in Connecticut, back in the 1970s," said Deborah CasciniBeardsley, creator and designer of art objects of her Italian heritage. As her mother, Karen Cascini, a university professor, built her angel collection, it became apparent that these hand made angels were difficult to find in the United States. Likewise, she experienced difficulty in her search for Neapolitan angels.
"Not to feel discouraged, mother and I began designing our own cartapesta angels, and we soon discovered the need to reach out to other creative artists. We traveled to Italy in search of artists who specialized in Neapoliran and cartapesta figures who could team with our venture," continued Deborah. Deborah and her mother learned that the real Iralian art form of making figures combining terracotta, straw, paper, and plaster was invented by the Italians in the 17 'h century.
The Italians first learned the art of paper making from the Egyptians. Much later, in thel600s, the Italians began using paper to create sculptural art of large statues. This had happened for economic reasons Because of the building of many elaborate cathedrals and monuments with much ornamentation designed to entice worshipers back to the Catholic faith during the counter-Reformation, monies were running thin. Local paper artists befriended some of the northern stone carvers and Neapolitan sculptors. Together, they came up with an affordable method for creating statues and architectural details for a fraction of the cost of carved marble. By the late 1700s, Puglia, in the heel of the boot of Italy, became famous for this art form that looked like stone. To this day, cartapesta artists in this region are commissioned to make statues for churches all around the world.
'The cartapesta process is a long and complicated one, and the pieces are limited," according to Deborah. She described a few steps. Straw is wrapped around a steel wire form and tied with silk or cotton string. Hand-sculpted terracotta bust and limbs are attached, and the body's pose is stiffened with the first layer of paper. Hand-made sheets of paper are wrapped, draped, and tied, forming the base layer for the clothing. After the first layer of paper is dried, small patches of paper are applied to thicken the form. When dry, hot iron tools of varying shapes and sizes are applied to smooth the surface to ready it for the application of gesso (a fine artist's plaster). Each layer of gesso is painted, dried, and hand-sanded. Finally, the terracotta face, limbs, and clothing are painted with oils.
Following two years of travel, inquiry, and introductions to Italian art professors and artists, Karen and Deborah were able to launch Cascini Designs for Angeli Art Imports, LLC. The Cascinis work closely with their artists in designing unique sculptures and backdrops. They import limited Neapolitan creche figures, micro-miniature creche scenes, cartapesta, and Sicilian wax figures. "Our enterprise is focused on providing Italian religious art to museums, churches, stores, and art collectors," states Deborah, "with many of the figures being of museum quality."
Information on Cascini art www.AngeliArt.com or 401-841-0497. Mary H erzel writes from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Nativity Focused Travels
By Joyce Douglas
The first of two parts describing the peregrinations this past year of Joyce and Max Douglas as they combined their love of the Nativity with visits to friends, relatives-and shops-around the United States.
When the busy holiday season arrives each year, it often becomes too easy to get so overloaded with "must do" activities related to family, work, church, and other social obligations that you easily can forget to take time out for your special interests. This past year, Max and I took driving trips in November and December that were enhanced by our interest in Nativity viewing and collecting.
We spent the week following the Friends of the Creche annual meeting in Pomona, California, exploring the magnificent coast of that beautiful state. One of our delightful discoveries was the Saint James by the Sea gift shop in La Jolla The manager and her helper were unpacking Nativities for the upcoming Christmas Open House, and we lightened their load by purchasing eight unusual Nativities. This is a shop where self control is hard to practice.
Another stop suggested by fellow FOTC member, Charlie Hull, was City Lights in San Diego. We found a large selection of commercial Nativities and other Christmas seasonal items. Here we settled on a new Dept 56 Nativity and a second set with the Holy Family integrated into the word, "Joy." It also was a place of novelty Nativities featuring dogs, bears, and moose.
Continued on page 12 under Nativity Travels
Cartapesta figures by Cascini Designs for Angeli Art Imp orts.
FRIENDS OF THE CRECHE NOTES
Dear Friends of the Creche,
As we celebrate our fifth year, some of us have taken time to reflect on our early experience to help us look forward to the next five years. Part of this effort was a special session of the Board in late April. While this issue of Notes goes to press before I can report on this meeting, one clear desire is to seek more interaction with our membership, especially those who are unable to attend our meetings.
One step we're initiating is to communicate more with you. You now are receiving a new quarterly bulletin, The Crib Sheet, which will carry more news of individual member activities. Initial reaction has been very positive. The other step is to reach those of you who have access to the internet. Our permanent website, www.friendsofthecreche.org is online and still being completed. We have a concurrent website for the convention, www.christmascrecheconvention.org. We invite all to let us know what you would like to see in The Crib Sheet and on our permanent website.
This issue of Notes invites your participation in two other FOTC activities. First is the notice about our Award of Recognition given to individuals who have contributed in a special way to promoting the tradition of the creche. Your nominations are invited. We do expect awardees to attend the convention to receive the award. The other is the announcement of our annual election for members of the Board of Directors. You may wish to submit your candidacy or nominate someone else, with that person's consent, for one of the four seats.
Finally, I'm happy to report that excitement about our coming convention continues to build. We have a full and very attractive program of presentations and events. Our attendance is limited to 225-230 attendees based upon hotel facilities. Hopefully, by the time you receive this issue of the Notes, there is still space for those who desire to join us.
Thank you for your continued support, and please feel free to communicate with me.
Jim Govan, President (JimGovan@aol.com)
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 of the 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 2005. Deadline for nominations: J u l y 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
Board of Directors Election
Strong leadership and commitment are critical elements in a growing organization such as Friends of the Creche. We encourage you to consider running for a position on our Board of Directors.
There are four seats in this year's election as there will be normally every year. We would like to emphasize the option of a member nominating another member to broaden the field of candidates. Following is the official election announcement.
The 2005 Board of Directors (BOD) election is for four seats of the 14-member Board. Any member in good standing is eligible. Per the by-laws, a candidate must be an active member for one full year prior to the November preceding the election, i.e., a member since October 31, 2003.
Duties: The Board meets three times yearly. At least one, sometimes two, are direct. Otherwise, the meetings are byemail. Members are expected to be active in special projects, convention participation, and recruitment.
Term of office: 3 years, starting Fall 2005. Seating at Friends of Creche BOD meeting held at the National Convention in Santa Fe. Limited to two consecutive 3-year terms. May seek re-election after one year off Board.
To app ly: Submit a statement of no more than 200 words describing qualifications and reasons for wanting to serve. You also may submit an application for another member with the latter's consent.
Send to: John Musser, 5715-82nd St., Kenosha, WI 53142, or e-mail: musserjd@wi.rr.com. If you would like additional information, please write or email.
Nominations must be received by July 13, 2005. Eligible members will receive a ballot about August 15, with a return no later than September 15. Results will appear in Creche Herald and The Crib Sheet.
Friends of the Creche (FOTC) was approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a S0I(c)(3) organization on January 3, 2003, effective to the date of incorporation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on January 2, 2001. The purpose of the organization is to promote the tradition of the creche. The official registration and financial information of FOTC may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State. Pennsylvania residents may call toll free: 800- 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Information may also be obtained on the internet from GuideStar at www.guidestar.org. FOTC does not have a permanent office. Principal business address is: Friends of the Creche, % Julia Colflesh, Treasurer, 523 Springfield Avenue, Folsom, PA 19033. Inquiries also may be addressed to: James Govan, President, 3619 N. Nelson Street, Arlington, VA 22207.
From our Readers
Are there any collectors in my area? I live about 30 miles from San Antonio, Texas, and about 220 miles from Houston. Would be nice to be able to share experiences.
Evelyn L. Braden, PO Box 214, Floresville, TX 78114. Tel: 830-393-2320
Our first Nativity and Music Festival at Trinity Lutheran Church this past December was a huge success with over 600 registered visitors. We displayed about 100 sets with the highlight being a life-size set that was from the 1950s. My husband, Tom, and I had spent the previous year restoring the figures. Visitors complimented us for setting the mood for their celebration of Christmas.
Barb Clark, Maysville, Kentucky
In 1973, on a trip to the Galapagos Islands, I found this carved wood Nativity in a little shop in Ecuador. I had never seen a foreign one, so I was intrigued by the hair style and dress. It was very different from the familiar Bethlehem version. This purchase was the beginning of the collection that has brought me so much joy over the last 31 years.
To make the story better, I met my second husband on that trip. We married. I left Texas and moved to New Jersey where I spent nearly 24 of the happiest years of my life. Together, we traveled the world where I always searched for Nativities. That creche from Ecuador marks a wonderful turning point in my life, a new beginning, a new interest, new friends and family, even a new state. It is indeed a treasure.
Dorothy Davis, Rowlett, Texas
At Christmas, I purchased a Nativity throw. I used this when I did my talks about the Nativity, but when it was almost Christmas, I just laid it on a sofa that is seldom used. Not only that, but my cat, Weezie, very seldom goes into this room. One day as I was passing through, my eye caught the scene you have in the photo.
Alice Aultman, Hornell, New York
Weezie lends her animal warmth to the Holy Infant in Alice Aultman's Nativity tapestry.
PROMOTING THE CRECHE TRADITION
Muriel Freeman, Alexandria, VA, developed a slide show with a descriptive narrative featuring 63 creches from her extensive collection. During the 2004 Christmas season, she presented her program to several organizations.
Victor Agius, Xaghra, Gozo, Malta, started teaching and set up a large project of Nativity lectures and exhibitions. He wrote: I also founded a local association to encourage more use of the crib in my native village of Xaghra. At our exhibit, we had eight large creches like I have in my home, seminars on the techniques of creche building, crafts, concerts, Adoration in the church, publications, and guidelines for visitors. The name of the group is "Ghaqda ILMilied fix-Xaghra" or "Christmas In Xaghra Society."
Let us know what YOU are doing to promote the creche tradition. Send to Creche Herald, 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511. Crecher@op.net
The creche that Dorothy Davis purchased in Ecuador, and which symbolizes the turning point of her life.
A Land So Remote Beckons Creche Collectors
by Susan Topp Weber
If you haven't yet registered for the Land of Enchanting Nativities Friends of the Creche National Convention in Santa Fe, New Mexico, what are you waiting for? Don't be left out of this one. It will be special, and here are the reasons why.
Dr. Joyce Ice, Director of the Museum of International Folk Art, has announced that Nativities not usually on display will be placed in cases in our honor. Ree Mobley, Librarian at the Bartlett Library in the Folk Art Museum, has made a list of Nativity books. We shall have a reception at the Museum, and will be entertained by a special local musician whose instruments will remain a surprise until that evening.
Charlie Carrillo, our featured presenter, is a fascinating speaker. One of his newest books, Saints of the Pueblos, combines the Christianity of the Spaniards with the design elements of the Pueblos. Then Bill Field, Director of the Spanish Colonial Art Museum, will discuss the role of Spanish Market in creating demand for New Mexican style Nativities. With Bill, who grew up with the market, will be Sabinita Lopez Cordova, a respected santera, whose style of unpainted carved wooden figures is distinctive of the village of Cordova.
The title of Kathy Chilton's talk is "Oops, I dropped my favorite Nativity. Now what do I do?" Maybe what you do is call Kathy, because she is an expert at all types of restoration, and she loves Nativities. Her advice may help you repair little accidents that do happen in life.
If your taste runs to Pueblo pottery or Navajo culture, our panel of experts will inform you of Southwest Indian Nativities from the past up to the present. Doris Monthan has been called a "living treasure," and her experience in the field goes back decades. Her book, Nacimientos, now is out of print, but Judy Davis may comer the market and offer copies for sale at the convention. Al Anthony, panel moderator, also has decades of experience with Southwest Indian Nativities. Rob Lucas runs the popular Case Trading Post at the Wheelwright Museum where Nativities are featured, and Andrea Fisher's Gallery does too, right on the plaza of Santa Fe, a block from La Fonda.
The very likeable priest from the Cathedral next door to La Fonda, Father Jerome, is now the Reverend Martinez y Alire, but his wonderful way of presenting a subject puts you at ease while making you think. You might like to attend mass at the Cathedral while in Santa Fe. The century-old French stained glass windows are back in place after cleaning and restoration, the kind of attention good windows deserve every hundred years. A chapel in the Cathedral dedicated to Saint Joseph has reredos by a New Mexican santera.
A special New Mexican treat, a Nativity play performed by the Caballeros de Vargas, will be presented at the Saint Francis Auditorium. The roots of these productions are centuries old. Arsenio Cordova has written carols for his group's plays, and if we are lucky, he and his fellow musicians will show 4s what pure northern New Mexico liturgical music sounds like.
Esther Cajero, a prize winning potter from Jemez, will discuss Nativities at Jemez Pueblo. Her home is open to us at the Jemez Feast. Myron Gonzales, of San Ildefonso Pueblo, will discuss Christmas at the Pueblos, a subject that makes you wish you could be nineteen places at one time. Later, we shall have a ballroom full of artists demonstrating traditional New Mexican crafts. A couple of these are children, ages 9 and 13.
There is so much more to see and do in The Land of Enchantment, that a week might not be enough. And be warned, one trip here usually leads to another! Come one! Come all to Santa Fe this Fall.
Susan Weber, chair of the Friends of the Creche convention, is a long time resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Creche Herald subscription information
US annual rate: $18; Canada/Mexico: US $21
Other countries: US$23
Enclose check or money order payable to Creche Herald. Mail to: Creche Herald, 11 7 Crosshill Road Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A.
Be sure to include name, address, telephone, e-mail.
GLOBAL
-TIJi.1!11i-
GIFTS
Global Gifts in San Pedro, California, is already hard at work planning its 21 " annual Nativity Show and Sale, set for this coming November-and in the meantime, all year 'round, Global Gifts remains the West Coast's hub for oneof-a-kind handmade folk-art creches.
A nonprofit shop which donates a portion of its proceeds to projects around the world aiding children and mothers, Global Gifts constantly makes contacts with new artisans, distributors, craft cooperatives, and other sources for creches, and offers an ever-changing, always-surprising range of hand made creches.
So far, sources have been found in dozens of countries, including Argentina, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Greece, Ecuador, Poland, Zimbabwe, Haiti, Hungary, Lithuania, Dominican Republic, Canada, Spain, Canary Islands, Ghana, Romania, Nepal, and Bosnia, as well as several Native American tribes including the Pueblo, Navajo, and Inuit. A new source in Puerto Rico soon will be providing Global Gifts with unique creches made from builders' nails.
An all-volunteer staff gives Global Gifts a genuine oldfashioned hands on ambience which emphasizes personal service. Telephone requests and orders from anywhere in the country also are filled with care.
Global Gifts, 531 West 7,h Street, San Pedro, CA 90731 310-548-1762
Christmas Recipes Around the World
In our call for a Friends of the Creche cookbook, we did not receive enough responses for a book, but those we did get were wonderful. From time to time the recipes will appear in Creche Herald. We start with an authentic Czech Christmas dinner and a savory Italian party dish.
A Traditional Czech Christmas Dinner from Jana Zabranska,
The Christmas dinner menu usually consists of a fish soup and breaded fried carp with potato salad. In southern Bohemia, women prepare an old fashioned dish called "black kuba."
Preparation of the fish
The traditional Christmas fish in Bohemia is a carp that is bought fresh. It is sometimes living, and is kept in the bathtub until Christmas day. The carp's scales are scraped off; head, fins, and tail are cut off, and entrails removed and cleaned The carp torso is cut into steaks.
Traditionally, the fish scales are washed well and dried between sheets of paper to keep them fiat. At Christmas dinner, a scale is placed under each person's plate. It is believed that if you keep the fish scale until the following Christmas, you will never lack for money the rest of the year.
The fish soup
Chop celery, parsley root, and carrot. Slice a medium onion. Melt butter in a large pot and saute vegetables. Add sufficient water to cover and provide enough broth. Add salt to taste, whole peppercorns, allspice, and bay leaves. Heat to boiling. Add the fins, cleaned entrails, and carp head from which the eyes have been removed. Boil about 15 minutes.
Strain the contents of the pot. Remove and discard fins. Sieve boiled vegetables through a strainer and return to pot. Cut into pieces meat from head and entrails and return to broth. Prepare a roux of flour and butter and add to pot to thicken soup. Boil a few minutes.
Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley on the top. Serve soup with toasted bread cubes or buns.
The carp steaks
Carp steaks are salted and first dipped in flour. Then they are dipped into beaten eggs and covered with breadcrumbs. Breaded steaks are fried in oil, and before serving, are sprinkled with lemon.
The potato salad
The day before: cook unpeeled potatoes and a large carrot until tender. Remove skins from cold potatoes and carrot. Cut into cubes and place in a large bowl. Add chopped sweet pickles, a chopped peeled apple, green peas, chopped onion, slices of ham cut into strips. Use a dressing of a light mayonnaise flavored with vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Southern Bohemia "black kuba"
Soak barley and dried mushrooms for several hours. Melt fat in a large pot; duck or goose fat will give the tastiest results. Add chopped onion and saute until golden. Add water, the soaked barley and mushrooms Salt to taste. Simmer until the barley is tender and all the water has been absorbed. The dish is flavored with mashed fresh garlic. Serve with sweet pickles or smoked pork.
Jana Zabranska lives in Prague, Czech Republic.
RiceTorta
from Diane Rigo
12 servings
Crust:
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
dash of pepper
1 egg
about 1/3 cup ice water
Mix the first four ingredients. Add water gradually, and only as much as needed to form a ball of dough which will be rolled. Grease an l lx 8 inch baking dish with olive oil. Roll dough and arrange in pan.
Filling:
1 pound rice
1 cup tightly packed Italian parsley leaves
4 to 6 cloves garlic
1/4 pound butter ( 1 stick)
1/4 cup olive oil
dash of pepper
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 eggs
Instructions:
Cook rice until tender. Chop parsley and garlic, and saute them in the melted butter and olive oil until soft but not brown. Add this mixture and pepper to the cooked rice and mix . Mix in cup of Parmesan cheese. Cool.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly beat three of the eggs and add to the rice mixture. Mix well. Pour this mixture on to the dough. Beat the fourth egg and spread it over the top of the open rice pie. Bake 30 minutes or until the torta is just golden. Remove from oven, and let stand a few minutes before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature as side dish, with a salad for a light repast, or as an appetizer with drinks. May be reheated, but cover portion to be reheated so rice doesn't dry out.
According to Diane:
This recipe was created by my maternal grandmother, Mary Raffetto De Vincenzi, who came to America, Greenwich Village, New York, in 1905, at the age of five . She was from Santo Stefano, Genoa, Italy. As a young woman, she and my grandfather owned and operated a fresh pasta and ravioli store.
The torta recipe was passed on to my mother, Audrey Mariani , who passed it on to me.
Thi s dish is made especially at Christmas, being kept on hand for guests, and being brought to family and friends when visiting.
Diane Rigo live s in New York, New York.
Creche Hunting in ... Montreal...Again by
Eileen Canty
(Prices shown are in United States dollars. Taxes of about 15 % are levied, and partially refunded at the border)
On my list of creche hunting sites, Montreal is written in bold. Not only are wonderful creches on view, they also are for sale. On a recent quick trip to see the display at Saint Joseph's Oratory, I visited three shops that have yielded treasures in the past.
Our first stop was the gift shop at the Oratory (3800, Ch Queen Mary, 514-733-8211) Even though it was early January, the store was well stocked with both locally made a nd mass produced Nativitie s , a few of which were even o n sale. Prices ranged from close to four figure s to under $10. Unfortunately, not all were marked as to country of origin, and the sales staff were uncertain A beautifully decorated and dressed set of nine 9" figures, possibly from Germany, or even Spain, was about $600 on sale, but a very s imilar set from China was only $100. A 20" five-piece set, also fr o m China, was made of pressed paper pulp but looked like carved wood and cost $165. Quebec artists Isa be ll e Crepeau offered a ceramic 5" Holy Family on a two-inch thick rock slab for $45, and Lorraine Dery, an unusual scene with H o ly Famil y, sheep, tree and stable of embo sse d stiffened paper for $50.
Next, we went to the Galerie des Artisans du meuble Quebecois (88 est rue St. Paul, 514-866-1836) for their annual display and sale of creches. This year, the creations of 23 featured Quebec artists were augmented by additional works from their regular inventory. I found works of wood, glass, ceramic, wax, fabric mache, and even fi sh bones. Roseline Joseph arranges fish bones from Gaspe int o delicate scenes encased in slim shadow boxes with glass fronts a nd backs. A 3"x4" scene with star, tree, and Holy Fa mily was $50. Michel Dube's sets of whimsical Inuit Holy Family a nd backdrop with tribal insignia se ll for $100, a nd the Wise Men, $110. Sylvette Chanel's traditionally styled wax Infants average about $100. Chantal St. Lo uis, whose work I h ad admired in the Oratory's display, was represent ed with a tenpiece ceramic creche for $400 and a five-piece set for $ 110.
Flat painted wooden wreaths, candelabra, a nd creche scenes by several artists ranged from $75 to $200. A personal favorite, Luis Argum e des, made brightly painted cl ay creches in three dimensions for about $300, and interestin g scenes of flattish figures for about $200. W e went h o me with a mixed media piece by Claudette Buss iere Driftwood suggesting a bird perches over a ceramic stable, shepherd, sheep, and Holy Family attached t o a three inch cross section of a tree ($220).
The two mo st unusu a l creches were a M od igliani in sp ired Holy Family by Stephanie Leve ille, who se work a lso was in the Oratory show, a nd a wooden piece by Luci e Bertrand for $3000. Imagine a slab of wood with vertical walls creating 8 or 10 slots int o which inch thick cut o ut s of traditi o n a l mang e r figure s are plac ed Only the H o ly Fa mil y is cl ea rly viewed. All others are see n simply as partial s ilhouette s poking out.
Our final stop was Desmarais and Robitaille (60, Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, 514-845-3194). Offering traditional church goods and religious articles, the shop has a broad se lection of international and Canadian creches. In add iti o n to Santons de Provence, they carry several other popular santon lin es from Canada. Average prices for sing le figures range from under $30 to $40. Wonderfu l mass ive creches by R . Monna cost three to four thousand do ll ars while sma ll e r se t s start at $350.
I fo und Jean Doucet's Creches du Monde Entier, Mystere et Traditions de la Nativite ($30) published in France in 2002. Th e book features pictures from the 300 plus c rec h e collection of the Museum of Arts and Pop ul ar Traditi o n s h o used in the Blain, a 12'h century chateau in the west of France. From what I can read, it is a treasure h ouse of information with bibliography and pages of display locations, but I am on my way to buy a French dictionary.
Eileen Canty lives in Marion, Massachusetts.
Black />ottery Nativity by Lawrence Vargas, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Real turquoises ornament the figures. From the collection of Louise Polsky, Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
A
NATIVITY OFFERING OF LOVE
by William Gay
Near the end of our trip in Costa Rica last July, my wife Susanne and I were in a store in Atenas that featured fine artisan work. We eagerly purchased a number of whimsical clay and wood Nativity scenes. As I was checking out, the store manager, Maria, remarked that we certainly seemed enchanted by Nativities, and we explained we were collectors.
Having noticed large feathers with paintings on them, I asked Maria if she had ever seen any with a Nativity scene. Surely that would be representative of this country's environmental richness and long-standing Catholicism, I told her, and she said, "One moment, please, I'd like to make a phone call."
When she finished, she said she had passed along my idea to her niece who was an artist. The niece said if she ever found the right feather, she would paint a Nativity for us. Maria asked for our home address and telephone, saying she would contact us if her niece were able to follow through.
We left the store with only the remotest hope that we'd be contacted-in part because we assumed she merely was being polite, in part because the entire conversation had been in Spanish, and the likelihood that I had mis-spoken or misunderstood was high.
Four months passed, and we gave little thought to the conversation.
Then one day, a large envelope arrived in the mail, postmarked Atenas, C.R. Inside was a Spanish Christmas card with the greeting: "Un nifio ha nacido en Belen y con el ha nacido el amor" (A child was born in Bethlehem, and with him was born love). Written on the inside was the following note (also in Spanish): "Mr. & Mrs. Gay, I am sending you this gift. I am the woman who works in the store where you bought some Nativities for your collection in Atenas, C.R. I offer you a Nativity on a feather, and send it to you with much affection, Maria Soledad, Arce Vlante." Wrapped in tissue, mounted on mat board, was an intricately painted Holy Family on what looked like a turkey feather. It took only moments before we recognized the painting replicated the photo of the stained glass window painted on the card.
An offering of love, indeed. It is exquisite art. It is one of a kind. It enriches our collection on many levels. But more than anything, it is a cross-cultural connection between strangers that we shall treasure always.
William Gay lives in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
FOR SALE
Ukrainian Hutsul Nativity scenes custom-carved by Bohdan, traditional Carpathian woodcarver based in Lviv. By special order only. Nativity sets: $250; Jesus, Mary and Joseph trio: $125; angels: $45/$55. Available for Fall delivery. ontact Orysia at orysia_tracz@hotmail.com Photo available upon request.
Glastonbury Thorn (Crataegus monogyna) After the death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea went to England to bring Christianity. Being tired when he arrived, he lay down to rest. As he did so, he stuck his staff in the ground. The staff took root and sprouted. It came to bloom on Christmas as well as spring. Trees grown from its cuttings were believed to heal anyone who touched them on Christmas Day.
Holy Family painted on feather from Costa Rica. Collection of William and Susanne Gay, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
READERS ARE SERIOUS COLLECTORS
Results of the Creche Herald Survey
Seventy-three readers answered the Fall 2004 Creche
Better than half catalogued their collection, with more Herald survey, about 10% of readership. Responses were tending to use cards or other manual system rather than nearly evenly divided between men and women; only one computers. About 40% did not catalogue at all. respondent was under the age of 45.
Favorite places to shop for Nativities. A majority (60%) It was a good response, but I tried to determine what said they often purchased creches on their travels, and a good would make it better the next time What I found was that readers apparently were loathe to cut out the survey page. Nearly two-thirds of respondents had copied the survey and mailed it in, with one individual noting, "I did not want to destroy my issue." So, next time, dear readers, I promise to include a separate survey form to make it easier for you to respond.
Thanks to all who took the time (and the commitment to copy the survey) in order to respond to our questions. Tabulation and analysis were by Doctor Yochi Shmuely, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.
Number of sets owned: All owned more than one set, with the number owned ranging from 3 to 600. About half (49%) owned 159 or more. Ten percent owned 500 or more sets.
Impact of the number of sets on other characteristics: The more sets owned, the more likely that the collector had purchased a set within the last twelve months, and had catalogued his/her sets.
Most did not specialize in their collecting. Only about 10% said they did so.
Many countries or cultures were represented in collections. Nearly half ( 46%) said their collections included 25 or more countries or cultures, with some owners having 80-100.
How number of countries impacted other characteristics: The more countries in a collection, the more likely the collector was to base purchases on country of origin or to catalogue his/her collection.
Uniqueness and region/country of origin the most important qualities for many. The most important attribute of a Nativity set for more than half the respondents (52%) was its uniqueness. About forty percent (38%) ranked country or region as their most important purchasing criterion. The artist, colorfulness, materials, and brand name ranked first for the least number of respondents (about 10%).
Where collectors exhibited their Nativities. The vast majority (86%) exhibited their sets at home for family and friends, while some had home exhibits open to the public (19%). More than a third (35%) held exhibits at church, and a quarter exhibited at places such as nursing or retirement homes, museums, offices. Only 13% said they exhibited at schools.
Most had made a Nativity related purchase during the last 12 months. The vast majority (88%) said they had bought some Nativity item. About a fifth (19%) said they spent more than $20 for a single item. Of those who said they bought a set of three or more items, about half (51 %) spent more than $50.
Collectors had a variety of long term plans for their Nativities. About half of respondents (51 % ) did not know what they planned to do with part or all of their collection. A nearly similar number (46%) said they would give all or part to family while others indicated they would donate to a museum or church (Both 19%) Few (3%) considered selling.
number (40%) often frequented local shops. Somewhat less often used were fairs/craft shows/conventions ( 22 % ) , auctions/flea markets (13%), and on-line vendors (11 %). Very few (4%) said they often commissioned a creche.
Most respondents belonged to a collector's club. The vast majority of respondents belonged to Friends of the Creche (83%). About 10% each belonged to the Fontanini Club and to Golden Glow; about 6% belonged to the Hummel Club. Ten percent did not belong to any club at all.
How respondents felt about subjects covered in Creche Herald: Most felt that the incidence of travel related articles and book reviews was about right ( 61 %; 56%). A majority would like more on purchasing sources (54%), Nativity related events/exhibits (54%) and interesting collections (60%). The coverage of historical information was nearly equally balanced between those who thought it was about right (40%) and those who wanted more (47%); a similar stand off occurred between those who felt myths and legends were appropriately covered (35%) and those who wanted more (38%). Nearly half (43%) felt the coverage on children oriented articles was about right.
Summary: Generally, respondents had large, unspecialized collections from many regions and cultures to which they added frequently. Uniqueness of the Nativity scene was an important consideration in purchase. A favorite purchasing source was travels, possibly by the collector, possibly by others. Most collectors exhibited, either in the home for friends and relatives or in more public venues. While there was some uncertainty about long term plans for the collections, selling was considered by very few. Many catalogued their collections either manually or by computer. Most respondents belonged to Friends of the Creche. For the most part, readers seemed satisfied with subject coverage in Creche Herald, although there was interest in having more on purchasing sources, Nativity related events and stories on interesting collections.
Friend s of the Creche members: Send changes to: Michael Whalen, 19640 Driftwood Drive, Clinton Township, MI 48038. Nativity@ameritech.net
Creche Herald subscribers: Send changes to Creche Herald, 11 7 Crosshill Road, Wynn ewood, PA 19096-3511. Crecher@op.net
This Polish style szopka, made in the United States by Ed Gronkiewicz and George Sekora, is surrounded by other Nativities in Gronkiewicz's collection. Ed is a collector in Berwyn, Illinois.
Federaci6n Espanola de Belenistas: www.belenistas.com
Associaci6n de Belenistas de Madrid: www.abelenmadrid.com
Associaci6n de Belenistas de San Sebastian de Los Reyes www.iespana.es./belenistasdesanse
Associaci6n de Belenistas de Pamplona: www.imenas.com/abp
Associaci6n de Belenistas de La Moras de Zamora www.geocities.com/belenlamorana
Researched by Benito Santivafiez, Sunnyvale, California
FABRIC
DESIGNS CELEBRATE THE NATIVITY by
Lethiel Carol Parson, Ph.D.
For my Nativity exhibit a few years ago at the Italian American Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, I displayed several new fabric art works along with other original Nativity art and needlework. These were fabrications by Meleen C. which are one-of-a-kind app liqued mixed media collage compositions.
The fabrics used are deep-toned strong designs of traditional African patterns, which are used to shape the unique fashions of the clothing worn. Metal beads, circles and chains form decorative accents and jewelry on the characters. Archival paper forms the head and limbs.
Meleen C. also produces fabrications on commission and can be reached through Carola-Cachet Design Gallery & Boutique, 14 McMahon Avenue, Clinton, Massachusetts 01510-13 29. Email: carenterprises@comcast.net.
Dr. Parson, previously director of the G. Eric Library, Atlantic Union College, South Lancaster, Massachusetts, lives in Clinton.
CRECHE HERALD NEWSMAKER
Judy Davis, El Cerrito, CA is personally profiled along with her extensive collection on the Crechemania website. Catch the interview and some of her Nativities on http://crechemania.com/php/modules. php ?name=Conteudo &pa= list_pages_categories&cid = 12.
Judy's article, "Nacimientos Mexicanos," also is on the Crechemania website.
Silent Night, a fabric creation by Meleen C. Collection of Lethiel Carol Parson.
Nativity Travels continued from page 3
Returning to Denver, Colorado, by the southern route, we stopped at some of our favorite places in Arizona and New Mexico. In Arizona, we purchased Nativities in Carefree at a craft fair, and in Tubae at the Pot Shop and Accent on Mexico. In New Mexico, our lucky stops were at Jackalope Pottery, the Christmas Shop, and Montez Gallery. As always, our stop at Susan's Christmas Shop and lunch at The Shed with Susan Weber were enjoyable.
Our second trip, from Denver back to the Midwest, provided us with the opportunity to visit several well known places in combination with our family visits. Branson, Missouri, has been a popular destination for several of our friends, so we decided to see what the attraction was. On the way, we stopped by Carthage, Missouri, to visit the Precious Moments chapel, museum, and gift shop. Little did we realize what we would find. It was a charming place where we could trace the history of the Precious Moments figurines and see the beautiful chapel created by Samuel J. Butcher. For years, I had coveted the Precious Moments Nativity, so we purchased one at this very special place.
Branson, Missouri, afforded the opportunity for us to really get into the Christmas spirit. The week after Thanksgiving, we explored the area and attended several Christmas shows. One really Nativity related program was presented by Tony Orlando. The unlikely title was "Santa and Me," but Santa ended up teaching Tony about the importance of having a Nativity scene among all the seasonal decorations in his home.
From our associations with Friends of the Creche, we have learned that Nativity events are happening from coast to coast if we are tuned into them.
Last year, on our Midwest travels, our premier stop was the Marian Library in Dayton, Ohio, on the campus of the University of Dayton. Select Nativities from their extensive collection are on display year 'round, but Christmas is special. In fact, Nativities are loaned out to other venues in the city, such as the Dayton Art Institute. The Nativities in this collection are among the most unique we have seen. Several have been commissioned to illustrate specific countries and cultures. To experience many one-of-a-kind exhibits adds special meaning at this time of year, and opens our eyes to a broader vision of the Christmas story. An overview is on the Marian Library website (www.udayton.edu/mary).
(To be continued) Joyce and Max Douglas live in Denver, Colorado when not visiting Nativity exhibits or family and friends.
Remember to send notices of Nativity exhibits and events this holiday season. Email to Mary Herzel: fherzel@aol.com or write to her: 681 Maria Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17109
A Renewed Nativity at the Mission of San Juan Capistrano by Jim Graves
In the early 1950s, sculptor Fred Rolla was commissioned to create a life-sized scene depicting the birth of Christ. Rolla was a prominent artist whose long and distinguished career in religious art had included numerous works in churches across the country, including the ornate marble altar of Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.
Using cardboard and plaster of paris, Rolla created an elaborate 12-piece Nativity scene which became the focal point of the community's Christmas celebration. On Christmas Eve, Capistrano residents would celebrate Las Posadas, the highlight of which was the bringing in of the Infant Jesus to complete the Mission's Christmas scene. The care of the beloved set was turned over to the townspeople of San Juan Capistrano.
Somehow, by 1960, Rolla's work mysteriously had disappeared without explanation. The life-sized figures had been placed in storage and then forgotten. Then, in the 1980s, the Mission archeologist began using the mannequins in Mission displays as Spanish padres, soldiers, Juaneno Native Americans, and the like. Upon seeing the mysteriously resurrected figures, several old time community members longed for the return of the Nativity scene they once had known.
In 1996, Mission volunteers and sraff members spearheaded the effort to restore the Christmas set. The group set to work washing, fumigating, re-plastering, gluing, painting, and spraying the figures with a protective varnish coating. Broken off fingers, noses, ears, toes, were replaced.
Two San Juan Capistrano residents, Carmen Oyharzabel and Maryruth N ieblas agreed to prepare costumes. Both women had cared for the Nativity scene in its early days. Oyharzabel, in fact, had kept many of the costumes from previous years, and was within weeks of discarding them when she was approached by Mission volunteers. In addition, a local church supply company presented a special gift of a sorely needed 21-inch Infant Jesus.
Collectively, over 200 volunteer hours were logged in the Nativity scene's restoration, and more have been required since then. One of the volunteers, noted, "It's been a labor of love, and we've brought the Christmas mannequins back to life. They're so beautiful that a visitor will see the Nativity scene and take home a special memory."
The Mission San Juan Capistrano Nativity scene is on display in December until early January
Jim Graves is th e communications director of Mission San Juan Capistrano, California.
HOW TO PLAN A CRECHE EXHIBIT
by Holly Zenger
Organizing, planning, and hopefully having a successful Interfaith Creche Exhibit has become my part-time to fulltime job (depending upon the season of the year), my hobby, and my passion.
But what is a successful Creche Exhibit? The number of creches exhibited? The number of people who attend? Both of them are to a certain degree. But there is another definition of success. That is the experience and feelings that are generated. One woman who had spent time setting up the displays came out of a room weeping. When I asked her what was the matter, she said, "I have held hundreds of figures of Baby Jesus today." She went on to say that she always had decorated with bears and this year she was going to purchase a creche. Other comments from visitors we have had: "I've touched Heaven"; "Christmas at last, without a Santa Claus," and "Thanks for helping us remember the Savior."
As you can see, we hope to touch people's lives and provide an experience for them to connect with the true meaning of Christmas.
I have been organizing Creche exhibits for eighteen years, and the exhibits have evolved into rather complete and complex displays. This is not to discourage anyone who wants to display creches in their home or in their church. Everything I share can be done on a much smaller scale.
The display in Midway, a small town of about 2,000 people in the mountains of Utah, had an attendance of over 9,000 last year over a four day period. Some visitors had traveled two hours to attend. The exhibit has become a major community and interfaith project. We have from 100125 exhibitors, exhibit 600- 700 creches from 80 different countries, and have over 300 hosts. We have over 22 committee chairs with helpers, all of whom work with me and my wonderful co-coordinator, Julie Owens.
Following are seven of our major committees: Creche Committee: This committee is in charge of the 100150 exhibitors. A small manila envelope is prepared with a label of each exhibitor's name, address, etc. on the outside. Inside also are the display cards from the previous year. Letters are sent telling exhibitors when to deliver and pick up their Nativity scenes. The Creche Committee organizes the check-in and check-out process, and all that entails.
Hosting: We assign hosts to a specific area of the building. Because we are an interfaith exhibit, we have hosts coming from many churches. We have set up teams of 4, 8, and 16 hosts to cover shifts. We have a Day Leader, and use 80 hosts per day-320 for four days. They are responsible to protect the creches, and also welcome visitors.
Music: During the day, we have background music. All the music is in the chapel area of the building so people can go in and sit down. Each night, we have special performers, perhaps a concert by a high school or church choir.
Room Design: We use an entire building, with as many as 1516 different areas. We group the creches in various ways: one is by continent or large geographic area (Africa, South America, Asia, Middle East, etc.); another is by medium (wood, fabric, paper, pottery, etc.), and another is by interest (paintings, eatables, childlike, etc.). Our room design people help set up the displays and add interesting touches such as rocks, greenery, books, quilts, fur, bamboo, runners, etc.
Children's Activity Room: We created an area for children; we can have as many as 1,200 coming to the exhibit. Usually, the children have been carefully watched by their parents or hosts, told to keep their hands in their pockets or clasped behind them. Now they have an area where they can play or be creative.
We provide a craft to make each year. This craft usually takes some assembly work, and we have used women prisoners to help us. The local sheriff previews what we are asking the prisoners to assemble. When we receive permission, we deliver the foam pieces and glue for the assembly work. For example, the women glued figures of Baby Jesus in the manger with hay, and put them together in one week.
In the Children's Activity Room, we also will have a picture to color, a fabric or wood Nativity with which the children can play, and a short film. We have made Nativity clothes in which the children can dress and have their pictures taken. We print the pictures on-site, but have thought about taking the photos with a digital camera and emailing them. Needless to say, this room always is very popular.
Seek and Find: As soon as we have the Nativities in place, we have two or three young mothers make up a Seek and Find Sheet. We ask visitors to find aspects of a Nativity in a certain area. This has become very popular, not only with the children, but also with adults. The adults say they find things they would have missed without these sheets.
Children's Art Exhibit: We have a committee that passes out to the children a sheet of paper with a border. The sheet will have a scripture passage and space to draw a picture. In addition there is a place for the child's name, age, and church. The chair of this committee gives out between 200500 sheets. The finished drawings are taped on the cinderblock walls of the hall.
Other committees we use are: Computer, Fabric and Boxes, Greenery and Small Lights, Stanchions, VIP Reception, Publicity, Lighting, Scripture and History Trail, Marionette Show, Haul and Drag, Maintenance, Signs, Security, Miscellaneous Decorating Areas, Volunteer, Setup and Takedown. Depending upon circumstances, sometimes we have to add other committees.
I think that one of the best outcomes from doing the creche exhibits is how it has united people of all faiths. In a way, it is a coming together of churches.
Holly Zenger , Midway, Utah , shortly will be publishing her book on planning a Nativity exhibit. She also will have a CD.
PROGRAM: LAND OF ENCHANTING NATIVITIES
Friends of the Creche National Convention:
November 9-11, 2005, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Unless noted, meals are on your own.
Wednesday, November 9, 2005
8 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration
l0a.m. & 12:30p.m. Optional Historic City Tour
12 noon-4 p.m. Manger Mart open
5:15 p.m. Start boarding buses for visit to Museum of International Folk Art
5:30- 7:30 p.m.
8-10 p.m. Reception Hospitality Room, Manger Mart open
Thursday, November 10, 2005
8-9 a.m. Late registration Hospitality room open
Members Museum open
9 a.m.
9:30-10:30 a.m. Convention opens Keynote speaker: Charles Carrillo, Ph.D. "Spanish Colonial Tradition in New Mexico"
10:50-11:50 a.m. William Field: "Nativities at Spanish Market"
Sabinita Lopez Ortiz: "Cordova Style Nativities"
12-2 p.m.
Members Museum; Hospitality Room Manger Mart open
2-2:45 p.m. Kathy Chilton: "Oops, I Dropped My Nativity? What do I do now?"
3-4 p.m. Panel discussion: Southwest Indian Nativities
Alexander Anthony; Andrea Fischer; Robb Lucas; Doris Monthan
4:15-5 p.m
5-6:30 p.m.
7 p.m.
7:30-8:30 p.m. 9-10 p.m.
Rev. Msgr. Jerome Martinez y Alire: "Devotional Origins of the Nativity Scene"
Members' Museum, Hospitality Room, Manger Mart open. Leave hotel to walk to Saint Francis Auditorium
Los Tres Reyes Magos Nativity Play
Traditional post-play hot chocolate and biscochitos
La Fonda: La Terraza Room
Friday, November 11, 2005
8-9 a.m.
Members' Museum, Hospitality Room, Manger Mart open
9-9:45 a.m. Esther Cajero: "Nativities at Jemez Pueblo"
10-10:40 a.m. Live Auction
10:50-11:35 a.m. Myron Gonzalez: "Christmas in the Pueblos"
11 a.m.-3 p.m. PUBLIC DAY. Public invited to see Manger Mart, Children's Art Exhibit, Historic Nativities.
11:35-12: 15 p.m.
12:15-1:30 p.m.
1:30-3:30 p.m.
3:40-4:45 p.m. •
6:15-7 p.m.
7 p.m.
Friends of the Creche Membership Meeting
Members' Museum, Hospitality Room open
Mixed media presentations byl2 artists
Susan Topp Weber: "Jemez Pueblo Briefing"
Reception and Carol Sing: La Terraza Room
Closing Banquet and Entertainment
-J=OR ;yoaRsel-J= OR -J=oR sorneooe ;yoa love
CR£CHEH£RALDP£NDANT
Logo in lustrous sterling silver
Size: about 2"
$40 plus $4 s/h (U.S address)
Send to: Creche Herald 117 Crosshill Road Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 USA
Pendant created by Peggy Hart from logo designed by Michael Stumpf. Crafted by Hand & Hammer Silversmiths
An African American Nativity from th e collection of Geraldine Wolters, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Wolters did the cross stitch embroidery of the background
The Legend of the Madonnenthaler
by Steve Aaker
Coins long have served as mobile forms of communication. On the very earliest coins of well over two thousand years ago, the message usually was either a depiction of the ruler, one of the local gods, or something emblematic of the place of issue. Because coins traveled between hands and across lands and borders, they worked very well at disseminating information. In a way, early coins were the newspapers of their times. (The word "gazette" comes from an o ld Venetian coin known as the gazetta). Inevitably, emperors and other coin-issuers began to use the coins as propaganda. The most typical use of coin imagery, however, was to express and define nations and their cultures, values, and heroes.
It is not surprising, then, that the Madonna has made frequent appearances on coins of Christian nations. One of the most popular issues was the small Hungarian "Madonna and Child" denar, honoring the Virgin Mary as patroness of that nation. The coin initially was issued nearly five centuries ago, during a time of religious war. In this period, the Ottoman Turks, under Suleiman the Magnificent, were attacking Christian regions, including Hungary. The imagery of the coin served to remind the populace of their close ties with Christianity, and the design was so popular that it continued to be struck in various denominations for several centuries. In fact, the image of the Madonna graced Hungarian coins even into the twentieth century. The Italians of Genoa issued Lira-denominated coins in the 1 7,1, and 18'1, centuries which have come to be known as Madonnina, for the depiction of the Virgin. And several German states also issued coins featuring her, in various poses and forms.
Beyond the intended purposes of the coin-issuer, the populace often attributed other meanings and properties-including talismanic properties-to some coins. We see this even today-in a time when "people know better." We still are superstitious about coins: we speak of lucky pennies, throw coins into fountains and wishing wells, or put a "lucky" sixpence into a bride's shoe.
However, one of the most fascinating beliefs associated with coins takes place with the large (42mm) silver coins of 18•h century Bavaria. The coin depicts the Madonna and Child, both with halos, floating in the clouds, with glories radiating from behind them. The Virgin's feet rest upon a crescent moon. Mother and Child are surrounded by the words, Patrona Bavariae, as well as the date of issue. Known as the Madonnenthaler ("thaler" being the denomination, and the precursor of our modern word, "dollar"), this coin came to be imbued with extraordinary medical properties.
To best understand, we need to back up to the manufacture of coins. When they initially were issued, the mintmaster would weigh each planchet or blank carefully before striking. He was, after all, accountable to the king to provide exact-weight coins.
Light weight coins would be considered fraud against the king, with severe punishment for the minter, including possible removal of a hand. Heavy weight coins would hurt the minter financially, as the coins would contain more silver than the stated value. So, if the silver planchet were overweight, he would remove some metal by use of a file, leaving parallel striations on the un-struck surface. Those "adjustment marks" sometimes were visible even after the coin was struck.
The native population, ignorant of the minting process, developed an interesting legend regarding the origin of these striations. Expectant mothers would scrape shavings of the coin taken from the Madonna image, and mix tiny bits of silver with their food or drink. According to the lore, the ingestion of this silver would serve both to protect the mother and infant, and ease the pain of childbirth.
Over the years, the legend strengthened until eventually it was accepted as "common wisdom" among midwives and pregnant women. On coins examined today, it sometimes is difficult to tell whether the striations occurred before the coin was struck, or as prelude to a birth.
Oddly enough, the legend might have some basis in science. Silver and certain silver alloys have been shown, in modern research, to have medicinal value as an antibacterial and healing agent. Whether the benefits of the coin's medicine were real or imagined is open to question, but the public's fascination with the image on the coin is not.
Steve Aaker is a dealer and consultant in antique and rare coins. His website is steve@numismart.net.
This Madonnenthaler, dated 1766, is in the collection of Steve Aaker.
This wood carved Holy Family by Martinez Labra, Santiago, Chile, is in the collection of The Most Reverend David J. Monroe, British Columbia, Canada.
Photo: Chuck Bishop
This 4-1/2 foot by 2-1/4 foot embroidery on cotton is from Mexico. It is in the collection of Carolyn Winterroth, Bloomington, Illinois.
