This 8.5 Inch Nativity Scene Set
is made of resin. There are 10 pieces included, the Holy Family, Three wise men, shepherd, a donkey, ox, and a sheep. The baby Jesus lies in his crib (attached). He lies with a light blue blanket under him with a cream colored one laying on top. Mary kneels before Jesus with a cream colored mantle over her head and a cerulean blue shawl around her shoulders. She wears a red gown as well. Joseph wears a sienna colored tunic with a hunter green cape draped around his shoulders. He holds a lantern in his left hand. King Gaspar wears a hunter green tunic with a burgundy cape. He has a grey crown on his head. He holds the gift of frankincense in a gold vessel. King Melchior has royal blue tunic with a light brown cape with a fur collar. He has a gold crown upon his head and holds a chest of gold for Jesus. King Balthazar kneels before Jesus in an burnt orange tunic with a royal blue cape and a fur collar with gold trim. In front of him is a chalice filled with myrrh. The shepherd is wearing a light blue shirt with hunter green pants. He has an orange red cape draped over one shoulder. He wears a woolen sack and holds a sheep in his hands. The donkey, sheep, and ox are all in lying positions. The donkey is grey, the sheep is white and the ox is a burnt sienna color.
Select this link to view our Nativity Creches for Nativity Sets.
Candles.
Man has been using candles since 3000 B.C. The ancients used them to prolong the day. Candles became a symbol of expressing joy. The Romans exchanged glowing tapers as expressions of goodwill and affection. The use of candles for Christmas celebrations was absorbed into the symbol of Jesus as the light of the World, and as a symbol of everlasting life.
The tradition of putting candles in the windows comes from Ireland. When Christianity was suppressed in Ireland, the priest had to travel secretly, through the night, to visit his parishioners. Irish Christians left their doors unlocked and candles in the windows to show the priests where there was a friendly place to stay and to guide them through the dark night. When the English authorities questioned the people, they explained that the candles were for Mary and Joseph.
Christmas Cards The very modern tradition evolved from English school boys in the early 1800’s. They would send Christmas pieces or greetings to their parents. They were written on decorated sheets to show off their progress in composition and penmanship. In 1842 William Egley tried to make a commercial success of Christmas cards but failed to arouse any interest. In 1847, Sir Henry Cole commissioned J.C. Horsely to make a card. There was little interest at first, but by 1868, it was a common practice in all of England. Louis Prange began the public sale of Christmas card in America in 1875.
