Nativity Set and Santons

A traditional Nativity Set shows the Holy Family, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus.  The Jesus figurine is sometimes withheld until Christmas Day, especially in a Nativity set on display in a church.

Other figures are often those representing the first to visit Jesus.  They include shepherds and their sheep, angels, and animals representing those animals that lived in the place of Jesus’ birth.

The three kings who came via caravan and their camels are sometimes placed on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, although their arrival was probably delayed about wo years due to the length of their journey. 

So, a normal Nativity Set is a crèche with the normal figurines.

In Provence, France, there evolved a tradition of making the Nativity Set more personal.  Figurine, called santons, are added to the display. 

Santons, which is translated “little saints” are figurines representing people in various occupations.  The point that is being made is that a saint can come from any occupation.  The santons used are based on the occupation of a family.  When the practice began there would be but one occupation, but now there may be two. 

Of course santons would not be appropriate if placed at the crèche.  So, additional buildings, animals, and other figurines had to be added.

Apparently, there are people in Provence who make these, even today. 

A long time ago a priest, Father Karl, invited me to his small Christmas gathering.  It was in the rectory, and about six of us were invited.  In a nook he had his Nativity Set, or what he called the town of Bethlehem.  There were quite a few figurines and several buildings.  He explained that he bought the display little by little during visits to Rome.  Perhaps this was not quite the santons of Provence, France, but could be considered to be in the same idea.

The year I saw this set was the year before I got married.  Father Karl was invited as a guest, but showed up and began to put on his vestments.  I explained the priest from my wife’s parish was to be the celebrant, but he said when a priest is invited to a wedding he concelebrates.  So, he was my second priest for the ceremony.

Fontanini makes a quality Nativity Set, and there are many pieces beyond those traditionally used.  We have one, and it can be added to whenever desired.  The only thing we need to consider is whether the added pieces are comparable in size.

These are not santons.  Santons are of terra cotta, not wood, and dressed for the period two centuries back, not two millennia back.  And, not as many occupations of today are represented.  But, it does embellish the display to have the extra pieces.

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