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Greccio Birth Scene Sparks Nativity Tradition Across Europe
The Bethlehem legend prompts St. Francis to renew its spirit in Greccio Italy, where a life size manger with live animals astonished a Christmas Eve crowd in 1223. Inspired artisans, especially in Naples, created lavish creche displays for noble homes, influencing European practice. The Metropolitan Museum preserves many 18th century Neapolitan creches prized for carved wood bodies and terracotta heads by renowned Naples sculptors.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bethlehem
Italy
Francis of
Giovanni Vellita
Mary, Joseph and
Greccio
St. Francis
Europe
Naples