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Articles and Products of History History of Nativity SetsAlthough nativity sets are a popular indoor decoration for many homes during the Christmas season, they were not always small, motionless figurines. In fact, the original nativity set was live, with people dressed as Mary and Joseph, and real animals used in the barn. The first live nativity sets were said to be created by St. Francis of Assisi in the 12th century, which eventually spread to Germany in the 1600's. Traditionally, the sets were displayed at the front of medieval churches and temples. Eventually, artists began carving these images into wood or making them out of straw, and when the nativity sets moved to other countries like Italy, other materials were used such as stone and ivory. Many Italians commissioned the work of famous artists to hand carve and create their nativity scenes. In Rome, a large nativity scene is put out in the square of the Vatican just before Christmas, where many believers come to see its beauty. When the town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania was settled in America in the year 1741, the people there brought this old tradition to the United States. Today, nativity sets are a popular Christmas decoration in many homes. Originally, nativity sets in America were called crèche, which means crib in French. The materials used today can range from paper mache, to glass, to resin or ceramic. Many people choose a barn-like container as the background, while others prefer simpler, more natural backdrops such as rocks or grass. Most nativity sets contain the three Wise Men, the shepherd, the star, some sheep, donkeys and cows, a manger with the baby Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. Many families choose to pass their nativity scenes down from one generation to the next as an heirloom gift. They have become a worldwide tradition for those wanting to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
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