The first real crib in history was created in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. This custom became so popular that soon many other churches joined it. Each one created a particular and unique nativity scene. The nativity scenes were often adorned with gold, silver, jewellery and precious stones. Although very popular among the richer classes, this opulence was the farthest removed from the significance of the birth of Jesus.
We owe the present nativity scene to St Francis of Assisi, who in 1224 decided to create the first nativity scene as it was truly described in the Bible. The nativity scene that Saint Francis created in the village of greccio, was made of carved figures, straw and real animals.
The message was direct, and could be understood and received by everyone, rich and poor.
The popularity of the nativity scene of St. Francis grew to expand throughout the world.
In France it is called creche, in Germany krippe, in Spain and Latin America it is called nacimiento…
