By Sandhya S , NewsKarnataka – Mangalore
Christmas Crib is an imaginative portrayal of the birth of Jesus. Traditionally, a Crib is set up at a Church or a community center. However, that does not stop you from having your own personalized Crib at your home.
The history of the Christmas Cribs probably started in Italy, where they were using Cribs to decorate churches. But soon some citizen houses joined to this tradition and after that there was quick expanding all over the Christian states.
A Christmas Crib showcases the scenery of Jesus Christ’s birth, with figures of people, angel, shepherds, etc. Later this became a strong tradition. Even in these times, when every tradition falls in oblivion, the Christmas cribs are still very popular.
On the other hand the most important “decoration” which conveys the essence of this great feast is the Christmas crib. While at Mangalore a crib represents every church, association or even a house.
Cribs are a new way of telling the story inspired this lovely devotional practice which is still very much alive. The Cribs around the city were captured displaying the joyous mood of Christmas, whereas children gathered around it and cherished the moment.
The Cribs showcased are from St Joseph Church, Milagres Church, Paldane Church, St Sebastian Church, St Anthony, Bishop House and many others.
The Gospel story of the Nativity addressed in the biblical, Luke 2 and added elements of Isaiah 1:3 the ox and the ass and his masters crib are the ones portrayed normally in a crib.
The solemn but joyful expression of faith, using live animals and real people, transmits the wonder and the humility of God coming to us as a tiny baby in a stable.
There are websites devoted to the encouragement of children’s artistic efforts and practical suggestions for making this most wonderful and joyous family devotion a teaching and learning experience. However the scale of your particular cribs, whether at home or in Church, is sure to experience the joy and mystery of this particular devotion.
