Christmas scenes are Christian. History and Practice

The tradition of celebrating the Savior's Christmas in European countries is inextricably linked with the notion and action of the den. A Christmas sketches are Christian, short plays, narrating about these events, appear to some extent his personification.

What is a den?

Literally - from the Old Slavonic - means "cave". This is the place where Jesus was born. The Birth Cave is located in the city of Bethlehem. This prototype became the progenitor of all subsequent denots, which are original man-made copies of the original.

The history of the den

Many masters and craftsmen eventually began to make models of the cave of papier-mache, from plaster, cardboard, clay and other materials. At first, Christian Christmas scenes were played out only with the help of dolls. The nativity spread throughout all the countries of the Christian world. At one time they played an important educational role, reproducing scenes from the Bible for low-literate converts of Christians. And in Italy, for example, as early as the 13th century "live" denominations appeared. Here the roles of characters were played by actors - ordinary people. Such denots are still popular in European Catholic countries to this day. And in the territory of the former Soviet Union - in Western Ukraine.

Christmas Scene

Christian traditions assume an active celebration of the Nativity of Christ. It is considered one of the greatest events in the history of mankind. The Savior comes, born into the world, as a man, the Redeemer, who took upon himself all our sins - past and future. Traditionally, at this time, it is accepted to empathize, as it were, to repeat in the faces the action that took place many centuries ago. In the beginning, in former years, it was done, probably, to remind the sequence of events that happened, to teach the Bible to new parishioners, often illiterate, and children. Then christian scenes Christian followers perceived as a good tradition and involvement in a secret community, sometimes banned by state authorities. And now in a modern world where there are no prohibitions, such a celebration of Christmas becomes pleasant and cheerful, especially for the younger generation of parishioners.

Christmas Christian Scene for Children

Children, by virtue of their integrity and sincerity, very well perceive and depict short scenes on the Christmas theme. The general trend of such plays is beyond doubt. It is dedicated to the central event - the birth of Christ the infant. The most popular are the following subjects: the adoration of the Magi, Christmas itself and the arrival of the shepherds. Here is an example.

Adoration of the Magi

In the basis - the events that occurred immediately after birth. The Magi, seeing a bright star, come to bow to the new King of the World. And after bowing, they leave to carry the good news on all sides of the World.

Characters (for children under 12 years): three magi, Joseph, Mary, Christmas Star.

Scenery: traditional den.

The costumes of the Magi are made from old home dressing gowns. Possible overhead beards. The costume of the Star is made of bright clothes, decorated with foil.

Action (accompanied by verses and songs): The star notifies everyone about the birth of Christ, the wise men come to bow, Joseph and Mary come out to them, holding a large doll - a baby, the sorcerers worship and divergent in different directions.