Nativity is a scene from the stories of the birth of Jesus. They are in the
Gospels of Matthew and Luke. With inspiration in these stories you use either figurines or live people to create the scene and convey the story.
In Slovenia you find on of the finest live Nativity plays in the famous
Postojna Cave
One of the wonderful traditions of Christmas is the Nativity. But you don't have to be Christian or a regular church-goer to love these wonderful displays. The creativity and artistry speak to all children and to the child in us all.
These scenes excite especially the children. Their happy smiles and their joy is so wonderfully rewarding. But adults as well enjoy both creating and looking at the nativity scenes.
This has developed into a huge handicraft industry in countries like Spain and Italy. Artists and craftsmen work all year round to create their next exhibits, which are sold especially at Christmas markets.
Families collect figurines and accessories from the markets and create their own displays at home. Churches, beginning with the Vatican, and cities and other institutions create their own annual exhibits that are venerated and celebrated.
This little book shows you some of the nativity performances we have seen and some of the figurines and accessories that you can find in the various Christmas markets and shops in Slovenia.
Nativity is today a Catholic tradition, separated in many countries from official society as Christianity does no longer have the same central function, although the European values and norms are deeply steeped in Christianity. Although Slovenia is a mainly secular country, Catholicism and Lutheranism still has a huge influence.
We show you also some alternative displays, usually with music that make the children, and adults, happy. What was striking was the ambience and the food. Everybody was out eating and celebrating