Christmaski decorations
The Nativity Scene (szopka) tradition in Krakow, Poland is a social practice originating from Christmas celebration customs, originally centered around constructing cribs (mangers). Born in the nineteenth century, the tradition is connected to the City of Krakow and based on skills and knowledge passed down for generations. The szopka is a lightweight construction featuring the nativity scene surrounded by representations of houses and monuments of Krakow, all transformed by the individual maker. Other scenes are also represented through figurines and artificial lighting, depicting historical, cultural and contemporary social events relating to life in Krakow, Poland. On the first Thursday of every December, makers gather on Krakow Main Square to present their work, and the Historical Museum of the City displays their work to the public from December to February, helping to transmit knowledge related to the practice.
Last week, dozens of Nativity scenes were taken on a procession through the medieval city under a steady snowfall. The tradition goes back to the 19th century when local carpenters created them with surplus wood and paper and sold them in winter when there was less work. “The Nativity scenes reflected what was around them — the architecture of Krakow,” Justyna Matwijewicz, a member of the jury that will be awarding a prize for the best creation. The Nativity scene competition was set up in 1937 to save a tradition that was dying out after the First World War. Figurines of all kinds can be included this year one representing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a devil and Polish protesters were among the unusual characters making an appearance in traditional “szopka” Nativity scenes in Krakow.
Nativity scenes come in all shapes and sizes: (as illustrated in the video below) they might be life-sized, using actors to represent the protagonists, or they might be tiny wooden scenes made to display in a living room. Nativity scene makers taking part in competitions create their works over many months, reproducing in detail the rich architecture of Krakow. However, their nativity scenes are a product of the creator’s imagination and a stylistic mix.
Practitioners include a group of forty of the most active bearers, who construct new cribs every year and run workshops and lectures to promote the practice and transmit related knowledge. The tradition is open to everyone, encompassing a wide circle of people including spectators and visitors belonging to the urban community. The practice also has significant educational functions, passing on knowledge about the history of the city, its local architecture and customs.
Decoration distractions
My wife asked me to get out of the house because I can’t stop singing Christmas songs.
I said, “But Baby, it’s cold outside.”
My wife bought a Chinese aluminum Christmas tree this year and looking at it all decorated,
Standing there in the corner brought a plastic teardrop to my eye.
It was Christmas time and the family was unpacking the Christmas decorations to put on and round the tree. Our three year old was unwrapping the porcelain statues for the nativity scene. He said, “Here is a king, and here is a donkey.” Then he got to the baby Jesus that was molded into the manger. Our son exclaimed, “Here is baby Jesus in his car seat.”
Two blondes are looking for a Christmas tree at the garden center.
After two hours of searching, one finally says: “Let’s just take one without ornaments.”
December 10th Birthdays
1985 – Raven Symone, 1961 – Nia Peebles, 1977 – Emanuelle Chriqui, 1815 – Ada Lovelace
1983 – Xavier Samuel, 1965 – Bobby Flay, 1851 – Melvil Dewey, 1997 – Joe Burrow