We had family photos done at Mepkin Abbey three years ago (including my profile photo) but I hadn’t been back there since, despite mentioning the place in my most recent story. Our family was invited out there today, with friends, for the annual Creche Festival, which I found ever-so-delightful. What better way to launch the Christmas season but a celebration of nativity scenes from around the world?
In the courtyard outside the abbey library, where the nativity scenes were displayed, I saw this beautiful tree and tried to capture the sunlight shining through its branches.
Inside the library, the first thing we saw was this nifty tree made of a thousand origami crane.
(I’m not sure how the formatting of the rest is going to turn out … captions are supposed to appear beside the photos!)
Some of my favorites … a nativity from Italy, of terra cotta dressed in real fabrics … such detail!!
Part of a nativity scene from Germany where woodland animals join in adoration of the Christ child:
One from the Philippines, of wood and woven reed and straw:
I loved this one, from Peru (check out the native dress, especially the hat on the shepherd in whte!) …
One of woven raffia, from Colombia …
And, an especial favorite, the “Happy Nativity” … look at the joy in the figurines! Even the animals are smiling.
Less than a third of an incandescently lovely porcelain and silver set … I loved the wise men and their mounts!
And two, from Africa. I know I keep saying “I loved,” but I really did love how the different cultures interpret the Nativity through their own lenses. God truly is the God of all nations!
Afterward, we walked down to the river and went to the Laurens family cemetery, a spot I’ve wanted to visit for some time … but that’s another post for another day.
brings back the memory or being at the National Cathedral last Christmas where ther was a similar display. enjoyed!
I found your website entirely by accident while googling "Happy Nativity." I saw your Mepking blog and wanted to say I made the cranes for the tree and hung them. I am glad you enjoyed the exhibit.
Happy Advent and Merry Christmas
Mepkin. Sorry. Apparently, I can fold birds, but not type.
OK, I totally missed that you were taking pictures, even though I was standing within 8 feet of you most of the time. Anyway, I am SO GLAD you took these pictures!!! I smiled all over again looking at my favorite–the Happy Nativity.
Thank you so much for stopping by, Josie! The tree was breathtaking … my camera phone did NOT do it justice!
And Tamara, LOL! You didn't wonder why I kept waving my phone around?? LOL
Very nice. Any idea where one can purchase the nativity set from the Philippines made of wood, woven reed and straw?
Also came across your blog by mistake and LOVE the nativities. My favorite is the "happy nativity." Do you happen to know who the artist is? Thanks!
I don't, Katie! but thanks for the kind comment.