Editing Nativity scene (section)

==Traditions==
===Australia===
[[File:Australian Nativity Scene, 2012.jpg|thumb|Nativity Scene at St. Elizabeth's, Dandenong North. Creator and Artist Wilson Fernandez]]

Christmas is celebrated by Australians in a number of ways. In Australia, it is summer season and is very hot during Christmas time.

During the Christmas time, locals and visitors visit places around their towns and suburbs to view the outdoor and indoor displays. All over the towns, the places are lit with colorful and modern spectacular lighting displays. The displays of nativity scenes with Aussie featured native animals like kangaroos and koalas are also evident.{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}

In Melbourne, a traditional and authentic nativity Scene is on display at St. Elizabeth's Parish, Dandenong North. This annual Australian Nativity Scene creator and artist Wilson Fernandez has been building and creating the traditional nativity scenes since 2003 at St. Elizabeth's Parish.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Australian Nativity Scene Homepage|url = http://www.australiannativityscene.org/|website = Australian Nativity Scene Homepage|access-date = 22 December 2015|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151223030046/http://www.australiannativityscene.org/|archive-date = 2015-12-23}}</ref>

To mark this special event, Most Reverend [[Denis Hart]] Archbishop of Melbourne celebrated the Vigil Mass and blessed the nativity scene on Saturday, 14 December 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Kairos, Volume 25 Issue 23|url = http://www.cam.org.au/Portals/0/kairos/kairos_v25i23/index.html#18/z|website = www.cam.org.au|access-date = 22 December 2015|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045850/http://www.cam.org.au/Portals/0/kairos/kairos_v25i23/index.html#18/z|archive-date = 2016-03-04}}</ref>

Australian Nativity Scene (ANS) gained popularity and recognition over the years and in December 2016, the Australian Channel 7 captured the news of this famous creativity.

[[Shalom World]], the  Catholic, commercial-free, 24/7, HD family entertainment channel, reached out to the world with a [https://www.shalomworld.org/episode/australian-nativity-scene-wilson-fernandez live telecast] on Australian Nativity Scene on 24 December 2022. On 2 December 2023, Australian Nativity Scene marked its 20 years—a great moment for [http://www.stelizabethsparish.org.au/ St Elizabeth’s Parish] in Dandenong. To mark this occasion, [[Peter Comensoli|Archbishop Peter A Comensoli]] celebrated the Vigil Mass on the first Sunday of Advent (Saturday 2 December). Here is an article to mark the celebration - [https://melbournecatholic.org/news/back-in-time-australian-nativity-scene-celebrates-20-years ‘Back in time’: Australian Nativity Scene celebrates 20 years]

===Canada===
Bethlehem Live is an all-volunteer living nativity produced by Gateway Christian Community Church in [[Winnipeg]], Manitoba, Canada. The production includes a reconstruction of the ancient town of Bethlehem and seven individual vignettes. There is also an annual, highly publicized nativity scene at the [[St. Patrick's Basilica, Ottawa]] in Ottawa, Ontario.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/weekendmorning/episode/2010/12/12/doing-the-time-warp/ | title=Doing the time-warp | publisher=CBC News | date=12 December 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304000558/http://www.cbc.ca/weekendmorning/episode/2010/12/12/doing-the-time-warp/ | archive-date=4 March 2011 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bethlehemlive.com/index.html|title=Business-Class Web Hosting by (mt) Media Temple|access-date=26 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000537/http://bethlehemlive.com/index.html|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>

===Czech Republic===
[[File:KJ hrad.jpg|thumb|Part of the Krýza's crèche – a castle]]
The [[Czech Republic]], and the cultures represented in its predecessors i.e. [[Czechoslovakia]] and the lands of former [[Crown of Bohemia|Bohemia]], have a long tradition regarding ''betlémy'' (literally "Bethlehems"), crèches. The tradition of home nativity scenes is often traced to the 1782 ban of church and institutional crèches by emperor [[Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor|Joseph II]], officially responding to public disturbances and the resulting "loss of dignity" of such displays.<ref>{{cite web|title=From Nutshells to Life‑size Statues|url=http://www.dzm.com/~zuzana/pics/misc-bus/mag/nativity.pdf|publisher=Bridge Publishing House|access-date=24 November 2013|date=December 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202235005/http://www.dzm.com/~zuzana/pics/misc-bus/mag/nativity.pdf|archive-date=2 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Velinger|first=Jan|title=Czech Nativity scenes|url=http://www.radio.cz/en/section/czechs/czech-nativity-scenes|access-date=24 November 2013|date=7 December 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203060737/http://www.radio.cz/en/section/czechs/czech-nativity-scenes|archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref> As this followed the [[1782 Edict of Tolerance|Edict of Toleration]] proclaimed the previous year, it reduced State support of the Catholic church in this multi-confessional land.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nhart.schoolwires.net/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=2657&dataid=697&FileName=Joseph_II_Edict_of_Tolerat.pdf|title=Edict of Toleration (2 January 1782): Emperor Joseph II|publisher=New Hartford Central School District|location=New Hartford, New York|access-date=30 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203003605/http://nhart.schoolwires.net/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=2657&dataid=697&FileName=Joseph_II_Edict_of_Tolerat.pdf|archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Eighteenth Century|url=http://noemewv.nl/Kerkgeschiedenis/Tijdlijn/chrono18.html|publisher=LITURGIE &CETERA|access-date=24 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232426/http://noemewv.nl/Kerkgeschiedenis/Tijdlijn/chrono18.html|archive-date=2 December 2013}}</ref>

====Třebechovice pod Orebem====
{{Main|Probošt's mechanical Christmas crib}}
The Museum of Nativity Scenes in [[Třebechovice pod Orebem]] has over 400 examples dated from the 18th until early 20th century, including the [[Probošt's mechanical Christmas crib]], so called ''Třebechovice's Bethlehem''.
 
The issue of cost arose, and paper-cut crèches, "the crèche of the poor", became one major expression,<ref>{{cite news|last=Osborne|title=Paper Crèches|url=http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/baker-exhibit.html|access-date=24 November 2013|year=2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231125011/http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/baker-exhibit.html|archive-date=2014-12-31}}</ref> as well as wood-carved ones, some of them complex and detailed. Many major Czech artists, sculptors and illustrators have as a significant part of their legacy the crèches that they created.

The following people are known for creating Czech paper crèches: 
*[[Mikoláš Aleš]] (1852–1913), painter famed for his murals of the [[National Theatre (Prague)|National Theatre]]
*[[Josef Wenig (artist)|Josef Wenig]] (1885–1939), illustrator, theatre decorator and playwright
*[[Josef Lada]] (1887–1957), known for his work in ''[[The Good Soldier Švejk]]''
*Marie Fischerová-Kvěchová (1892–1984), illustrator of a large number of children books

====Krýza's crèche====
{{Main|Krýza's crèche}}
Tomáš Krýza (1838–1918) built in a period of over 60 years a nativity scene covering 60 m<sup>2</sup> (length 17 m, size and height 2 m) which contains 1,398 figures of humans and animals, of which 133 are moveable. It is on display in southern Bohemian town [[Jindřichův Hradec]]. It figures as the largest mechanical nativity scene in the world in the ''[[Guinness Book of World Records]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Krýza Nativity Scene|url=https://www.mjh.cz/en/museum-exposition/kryza-nativity-scene|publisher=Jindřichův Hradec Museum|access-date=2021-09-27|archive-date=2021-09-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901103357/https://www.mjh.cz/en/museum-exposition/kryza-nativity-scene|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Gingerbread crèches====
Gingerbread nativity scenes and cribs in the church of St. Matthew in Šárka (Prague 6 [[Dejvice]]) have around 200 figures and houses, the tradition dates from since 1972; every year new ones are baked and after holidays eaten.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}

===Italy===
{{main|Christmas in Italy}}
[[File:Campania_Caserta8_tango7174.jpg|thumb|The [[Neapolitan nativity scene]] of the [[Royal Palace of Caserta]].<ref name="positanonews">{{Cite web|date=2019-12-26|title=Presepe napoletano, la storia. Quali sono i personaggi e che significano|url=https://www.positanonews.it/2019/12/presepe-napoletano-la-storia-quali-personaggi-significano/3351502/|access-date=2021-01-26|website=Positanonews|language=it}}</ref>]]
[[Christmas in Italy]] begins on 8 December with the [[Feast of the Immaculate Conception]], the day on which traditionally Christmas trees are erected, and ends on 6 January of the following year with [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=November 25, 2013|title=The Best Christmas Traditions in Italy|url=https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/things-to-do/christmas-traditions-in-italy|access-date=January 26, 2021|website=Walks of Italy|language=en-GB}}</ref>

The [[Neapolitan nativity scene]] is a representation of the [[birth of Jesus]] traditionally set in [[Naples]] in the 18th century.<ref name="positanonews" /> The Neapolitan crib art has remained unchanged for centuries, becoming part of the most consolidated and followed Christmas traditions of the city. Famous in Naples, in fact, is the well-known via dei presepi (via San Gregorio Armeno) which offers a showcase of all the local crafts concerning the nativity scene. 

Moreover, there are numerous city and non-city museums (such as the [[National Museum of San Martino|museum of San Martino]] or the [[Royal Palace of Caserta]]) in which historical pieces or entire scenes set during the birth of Jesus are exhibited.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Storia del presepe napoletano|url=https://associazionepresepialemaiori.it/storia-del-presepe-napoletano/|access-date=2021-01-26|website=associazionepresepialemaiori.it|language=it}}</ref>

===Philippines (''Belén'')===
{{See also|Christmas in the Philippines|Panunulúyan|Parol}}
[[File:Candon Church Christmas 2009.JPG|thumb|A ''Belén'' set up in the altar of the [[Candon Church]] in the [[Philippines]] with a [[parol]] above it]]
In the majority-[[Catholic]] [[Philippines]], miniature, full-scale, or giant [[diorama]]s  or [[Tableau vivant|tableau]]s of the nativity scene are known as ''Belén'' (from the Spanish name for [[Bethlehem]]). They were introduced by the Spanish since the 16th century. They are an iconic and ubiquitous Christmas symbol in the Philippines, on par with the [[parol]] (Christmas lanterns depicting the [[Star of Bethlehem]]) which are often incorporated into the scene as the source of illumination. Both the ''Belén'' and the ''parol'' were the traditional [[Christmas decorations]] in Filipino homes before [[American colonial period of the Philippines|Americans]] introduced the [[Christmas tree]].<ref name="Bondoc">{{cite news |last1=Bondoc |first1=Joshua |title=Christmas in our isles, a long enduring feast (First published 1978, TV Times magazine) |url=https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2021/12/22/2149349/christmas-our-isles-long-enduring-feast-first-published-1978-tv-times-magazine |access-date=24 December 2021 |work=PhilStar Global |date=22 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="Ferrolino">{{cite news |last1=Ferrolino |first1=Mark Louis F. |title=A Christmas like no other |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/christmas-like-no/ |access-date=24 December 2021 |work=BusinessWorld |date=15 December 2017}}</ref><ref name="Macairan">{{cite news |last1=Macairan |first1=Evelyn |title='Belen most important Christmas decor' |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2010/12/19/640363/belen-most-important-christmas-decor |access-date=24 December 2021 |work=PhilStar Global |date=19 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="Gonzalez">{{cite book |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Joaquin Jay |title=Filipino American Faith in Action: Immigration, Religion, and Civic Engagement |date=2009 |publisher=NYU Press |isbn=9780814732977 |page=18}}</ref><ref name="Laquian">{{cite news |last1=Laquian |first1=Eleanor R. |title=Christmas Belen tradition brings Baby Jesus to Vancouver homes |url=https://www.canadianfilipino.net/sections/culture/christmas-belen-tradition-brings-baby-jesus-to-vancouver-homes?start=8 |access-date=24 December 2021 |work=CanadianFilipino.net}}</ref> Most churches in the Philippines also transform their altars into a ''Belén'' at Christmas. They are also found in schools (which also hold [[nativity play]]s), government buildings, commercial establishments, and in public spaces.<ref name="Dice">{{cite book |last1=Dice |first1=Elizabeth A. |title=Christmas and Hanukkah |date=2009 |publisher=Infobase Publishing |isbn=9781438119717 |page=33}}</ref><ref name="Bowler">{{cite book |last1=Bowler |first1=Gerry |title=The World Encyclopedia of Christmas |date=2012 |publisher=McClelland & Stewart |isbn=9781551996073}}</ref><ref name="Llamas">{{cite news |last1=Llamas |first1=Cora |title=The Philippines Has the Longest Christmas Season in the World |url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/december/philippines-longest-christmas-season-commercialism-catholic.html |access-date=24 December 2021 |work=Christianity Today |date=20 December 2021}}</ref>

The city of [[Tarlac]] holds an annual competition of giant ''Belén'' in a festival known as "Belenismo sa Tarlac".<ref name="pna">{{cite news |last1=Moaje |first1=Marita |title='Belenismo' continues tradition of bringing hope, inspiration |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1159756 |access-date=24 December 2021 |work=Philippine News Agency |agency=Republic of the Philippines |date=15 November 2021}}</ref><ref name="Concepcion">{{cite news |last1=Concepcion |first1=Pocholo |title=Bringing back the 'belen' |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/278893/bringing-back-belen/ |access-date=24 December 2021 |work=Lifestyle.Inq |agency=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=15 November 2017}}</ref><ref name="Dayrit">{{cite news |last1=Dayrit |first1=Christine |title=Belenismo: A spectacle of hope |url=https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/sunday-life/2018/12/16/1877192/belenismo-spectacle-hope |access-date=24 December 2021 |work=PhilStar Global |date=16 December 2018}}</ref>

===United States===
[[File:White House Nativity Scene.jpg|thumb|White House nativity scene, 2008]]

Perhaps the best known nativity scene in America is the Neapolitan Baroque Crèche displayed annually in the Medieval Sculpture Hall of the [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]] in New York City. Its backdrop is a 1763 [[choir screen]] from the [[Cathedral of Valladolid]] and a twenty-foot blue spruce decorated with a host of 18th-century angels. The nativity figures are placed at the tree's base. The crèche was the gift of [[Loretta Hines Howard]] in 1964, and the choir screen was the gift of The [[William Randolph Hearst]] Foundation in 1956.<ref>[http://www.metmuseum.org/special/Christmas2009/images.asp Special Exhibitions] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091204010906/http://www.metmuseum.org/special/Christmas2009/images.asp |date=4 December 2009 }} Metropolitan Museum of Art</ref> Both this presepio and the one displayed in Pittsburgh originated from the collection of Eugenio Catello.

A life-size nativity scene has been displayed annually at [[Temple Square]] in [[Salt Lake City|Salt Lake City, Utah]] for several decades as part of the large outdoor Christmas displays sponsored by [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]].

Each holiday season, from [[Light Up Night]] in November through Epiphany in January, the Pittsburgh Crèche is on display in downtown [[Pittsburgh]], Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh Creche is the world's only authorized replica of the Vatican's Christmas crèche, on display in St. Peter's Square in Rome.<ref name="Pittsburgh Créche">{{cite web|url=http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/things_to_do/p/creche.htm|title=Pittsburgh Créche – Pittsburgh Nativity Scene|author=Albrecht Powell|work=About|access-date=26 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226094306/http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/things_to_do/p/creche.htm|archive-date=26 December 2014}}</ref> Pittsburgh's [[Carnegie Museum of Art]] also displays a [[Naples|Neapolitan]] presepio. The presepio was handcrafted between 1700 and 1830, and re-creates the nativity within a panorama of 18th-century Italian village life. More than 100 human and angelic figures, along with animals, accessories, and architectural elements, cover 250 square feet and create a depiction of the nativity as seen through the eyes of Neapolitan artisans and collectors.<ref name="Neapolitan Presepio">{{cite web|url=http://web.cmoa.org/?page_id=319|title=Carnegie Museum of Art|access-date=26 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514131350/http://web.cmoa.org/?page_id=319|archive-date=14 May 2013}}</ref>

The [[Radio City Christmas Spectacular]], an annual musical holiday stage show presented at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, features a Living Nativity segment with live animals.<ref>{{cite web|title=Living nativity scene in Radio City Christmas Spectacular|website = YouTube| date=2 October 2012 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpDAMNU0wSM|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310144031/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpDAMNU0wSM|archive-date=2017-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Arrival of live animals that appear in Radio City Christmas Spectacular's living nativity scene|website = YouTube| date=8 November 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28D6VN-seR8|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309095441/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28D6VN-seR8|archive-date=2017-03-09}}</ref>

In 2005, President of the United States of America, [[George W. Bush]] and his wife, [[First Lady of the United States]], [[Laura Bush]] displayed an 18th-century Italian ''presepio''. The ''presepio'' was donated to the [[White House]] in the last decades of the 20th century.<ref>Walters, Gary. [https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/ask/20051216.html "Ask the White House"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712045840/https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/ask/20051216.html |date=12 July 2017 }}. 2005.</ref>

The [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]] in New York City and the [[Carnegie Museum of Art]] in Pittsburgh annually display Neapolitan Baroque nativity scenes which both originated from the collection of Eugenio Catello.