online bulletin
| Christmas nativity scenes |
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| Thursday, 28 January 2010 21:05 |
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Nativity scenes are an intrinsic part of the Christmas period.
Special displays (‘szopka’ in Polish) are created in Polish churches, market squares and homes depicting the infant Jesus, his mother Mary, his father Joseph, and the shepherds. The nativity scenes are on display until the 2nd of February. Nativity scenes date back to the times of Saint Francis of Assisi. When in 1223 Saint Francis, wandering about in the wilderness, forests and caverns, would stop for a moment of reverie and reflection, his favourite place was a cave – a hermitage on the road from Assisi to Rome. Once, in winter time, Saint Francis asked a shepherd to bring his animals to the cave, prepare a manger and some hay, and call the people to come and enjoy Christmas Eve there with a watchnight service. During the mass, He delivered a sermon which was a sort of a Bethlehem mystery play. This is how the concept of a nativity scene was born, which was later popularised by Franciscans throughout the world. In each country, the nativity scenes have their own, folklore inspired form. The Madonna and the shepherds in South America will look different than in Africa. On one continent Jesus is born in a cave, and in a shepherd’s tent on the other. A traditional Polish szopka is most often a small wooden hut, with a hay filled manger in the centre. Inside, an infant Jesus in a nappy, Mary and Joseph look after the Baby. The shepherds are most often peasants wearing traditional Polish costumes. They are accompanied by animals, sheep, cows, goats, and – uncommon in Poland – donkeys. At present, the nativity scenes in Polish churches feature contemporary elements such as characteristic local buildings visible in the background, or Polish historic figures, patriots, scholars or artists paying homage to Baby Jesus. The most interesting nativity scene in Poznan is located in a tiny church on St. Adalbert’s hill. The wooden hut, where the Holy Family lives, is located on the outskirts of Poznan, and the old town of Poznan with the city hall and town houses is visible in the background. Some elements of the scene are movable, and the figures around the manger are related to the history of Poznan. The scene is accompanied by a commentary and music. Several years ago, when the Church was the only free institution in Poland, the artists would include political or social elements in the design of the nativity scenes. They had become manifests of freedom, with anti-communist writings or scenic elements. The news of these nativity scenes would spread quickly, and crowds of Poznanians yearning for freedom would pilgrimage from church to church. Today, such situations are very rare. Democratic institutions take care of the freedom of citizens, and the Church remains apolitical. Very characteristic to Poland are the nativity scenes made in Kraków. These are elaborate constructions that look more like palaces or characteristic Kraków buildings, such as the royal castle on Wawel hill, St. Mary’s Basilica or the Cloth Hall. The custom of building these elaborate displays dates back to the 19th c. Often, a nativity play is staged in front of a szopka nativity scene. In December, an exhibition of Kraków nativity scenes was shown in one of the churches in Paris. Apparently, the French loved the colourful constructions. So, it’s well worth finding some time to visit the Poznan churches before the 2nd of February. |
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