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How To Set Up A Nativity Scene

By Tess

As Christmas approaches, different forms of decorations will be set up by families and also businesses. One of the most popular decorations is called a nativity scene. This is part of Christian traditions related to the Christmas season.

how to set up a nativity scene

It is an exhibition that is a representation of of Jesus’s birth. Instead of merely having a pectoral example, it is a three dimensional representation of this event.

It will consist of many different components, all of which must be placed in the proper order, to present this iconic scene that is so common during the holidays. Here is how to set up a nativity scene the proper way.

Understanding The Nativity Scene Components

If you have seen the nativity scene before, you have likely recognized it instantly. That is because the depiction of this event is presented in the same way by most people.

There are different figurines that are used including figures of mother Mary, the infant Jesus, Joseph the husband of Mary, and an assortment of other people, animals, and structures that are part of the scene.

All of this needs to be organized in a specific way so that it will characterize that event properly.

How To Organize The Components Of The Nativity Scene

Most nativity scenes will consist of 11 total pieces. This will include the North Star, the manger, the shepherds, an Angel, three Kings, baby Jesus, Joseph and Mary.

All of this will be presented within a stable along with animals that are part of the scene. The stable component is where everything will be placed. In the middle of the stable, there will be the manger of the Christ child.

On Christmas morning, this is when the figure of the Christ child will be placed atop or in the manger. It’s positioning depends upon the size of all of the components.

Mary will be on the right, closest to the manger and Joseph will be placed on the left. The shepherd will be placed near Mary and on the left side near Joseph will be the three wise men figures.

The wise men figures tend to be further out than all of the others. They are subsequently moved into the stable on January 6 which is called the Epiphany.

The animals will be in front of Joseph, the Christ child and Mary. The camel will be adjacent to the wise men. The sheep will be in front of the manger. Any remaining animals will be to the right nearest the shepherd.

The angel or angels will be placed above the stable. You can optionally place them behind the Christ child. Once this is done, the entire nativity scene will be complete.

Although you may arrange the different components in a slightly different order, Joseph, the Christ child, and Mary are in the center of the stable. When St. Francis of Assisi created the very first nativity scene in 1223 in Italy, it was likely arrange in a similar manner.

Now that you know how to do this, you may want to consider getting a smaller version with figurines or even a larger nativity scene if it will be placed outside.

By arranging all of the components in this way, you can replicate this very special day that is often displayed during the Christmas season. Learning how to set up a nativity scene is very easy once you know all of the different components and the order in which they need to be displayed.

Once you are done, it will likely resemble every other nativity scene that you have observed each Christmas.

Filed Under: Nativity Scenes Tagged With: Nativity Scene Set Up

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About Tess

Hi I’m Tess, ever since I was a child I loved Christmas and that hasn’t changed now that I have 3 little ones of my own. I want to make every Christmas special for them – and create memories for the rest of their lives! Christmas is a special holiday that most of us celebrate. If you want great tips on the best gifts this Christmas and on decorating your home this holiday season, check out my articles and posts – they sure will help you.

From the best Christmas gifts this year for your loved ones to outdoor Christmas decorations to decor all around the house, I have the best tips for you so you can enjoy this Christmas season.

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