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birdienlI always thought of nativity scenes as a relatively modern habit, maybe started in the 19th century. But I recently learned that it was St. Francis of Assisi, who, in 1223, created the first nativity scene, in a cave near Greccio, Italy. This nativity was a living one, with humans cast in the roles of the Biblical characters and with animals. The motive for St. Francis to recreate the birth of Jesus was that he wanted to see and experience with his own eyes, the lowly circumstances under which Christ came to this world as an infant.
After obtaining permission of pope Honorius III, St. Francis set out, with the help of the villagers of Greccio to build the nativity scene. At Christmas evening he led the local people to the scene and there preached the Gospel of the birth of Jesus. Word of the nativity scene spread throughout Europe and the habit quickly became popular.
A 15th century fresco in the original Greccio nativity cave depicting St. Francis at the celebration in 1223
After obtaining permission of pope Honorius III, St. Francis set out, with the help of the villagers of Greccio to build the nativity scene. At Christmas evening he led the local people to the scene and there preached the Gospel of the birth of Jesus. Word of the nativity scene spread throughout Europe and the habit quickly became popular.
A 15th century fresco in the original Greccio nativity cave depicting St. Francis at the celebration in 1223
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