The tradition of bethlehems comes from Italy. On Christmas in 1223, Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order adapted a small cave near the Italian village of Greccio as a chapel and prepared nativity scene there. It was a living nativity scene with a child, Mary and Joseph, and there were animals next to it. According to tradition, it was the first bethlehem and the Midnight Mass was celebrated here for the first time. This tradition later spread to other countries, nativity scenes began to be built - in churches, chapels, on squares. Bethlehems were also created by folk and professional artists and they were made of wood, paper, perceline and other materials. They have also spread in households.The most magnificent bethlehems were built in churches and leading artists took part in their creation.
Bethlehems have a long tradition in Slovakia. On the territory of today's Slovakia were dominated wooden carved bethlehems, the first appeared in the 13th century. Contemporary bethlehems also shows scenes from the life of the Slovak people and some well-known places and monuments. Carved from wood and moving are especially popular. Each bethlehem bellow is unique and is proof of the skills and artistic talents of their authors.
Bethlehems in Slovakia
