In last month’s blog, “Tips for Buying and Setting Up Outdoor Nativity Set Displays,” we presented some practical advice on choosing and arranging your Christmas crèche scene for home, business, or place of worship. This month we will concentrate more on the abstract matter of aesthetics. After all, fashioning an outdoor Nativity set for your home can be a deeply rewarding experience. It offers not only a way to celebrate the season but also an opportunity to express creativity and spirituality. Here are several ways to find inspiration for planning and setting up your next outdoor Nativity set.
Reflect on the Nativity Story
Start by rereading the Nativity story in the Gospel of Luke or Matthew. Pay attention to the details, the setting, and the characters involved. This can help you decide which figures you want to include and how you want to arrange them.
Seek Inspiration Online
There’s a wealth of ideas on the internet. Websites like Pinterest, Instagram, and religious forums are full of photos and stories of Nativity scenes from around the world. Use these as a jumping-off point for your own design.
Explore Traditional Nativity Art
Visit museums and other art venues near your home or abroad and look for religious art depicting the Nativity. Many artists over the centuries have interpreted the scene in unique ways. You might find inspiration in the colors, arrangements, or specific elements they’ve included.
For example, The Star of Bethlehem (1890), a watercolor painting by Edward Burne-Jones, is vibrant yet quite simple, depicting the Holy Family in a bucolic setting and accompanied only by an angel and the three Wise Men bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Another example is the Nativity panel on the bronze doorway of Milan’s Duomo Cathedral. This remarkable piece of art is part of a series of intricately designed bronze panels that grace the main entrance of the cathedral, each telling a story from the life and death of Jesus Christ, and it captures the essence of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Designed by Italian sculptor Ludovico Pogliaghi between 1894 and 1908, the Nativity panel is a testament to Pogliaghi’s skill and attention to detail. The scene depicts Mary, Joseph, and the newborn Jesus as central figures, accompanied by an ox in a stable and several angels kneeling and flying overhead. The craftsmanship involved in creating such a panel involves a deep understanding of Biblical stories and a high level of artistic ability to convey the emotional and spiritual significance of the Nativity. The use of bronze as a medium adds to the durability and the aesthetic appeal of the work, allowing for a high level of detail and a sense of depth that brings the scene to life.
This piece showcases not only the artistic and religious importance of the Nativity scene but also the cultural and historical significance of such works in the context of Italian Renaissance and Gothic art. The Duomo itself, a magnificent Gothic masterpiece, provides the perfect backdrop for Pogliaghi’s work, with its more than 3,400 sculptures, exquisite stained glass windows, and intricate architectural details, making it an outstanding example of Gothic architecture.
For more Nativity-centered artistic inspiration, see our January 2020 blog article, “Art of the Nativity.”
Visit Local Nativity Displays
For a more contemporary view, take a tour of local churches, community centers, or neighborhoods that set up outdoor Nativity scenes. Seeing how others present the story can spark ideas for your own display. Large metropolitan regions, such as New York City, are an especially fertile locale for inspiration. For example, if you visit New York’s Saint Patrick’s Cathedral around Christmastime, you are bound to discover an impressive Nativity display like this:
Involve Family and Friends
Discuss your ideas with family and friends. They might offer perspectives or suggestions you hadn’t already considered. Plus, setting up the Nativity scene can become a cherished group activity tradition.
Consider Your Space
Think about the layout of your outdoor space and how best to utilize it. A larger yard may allow for a more elaborate setup with shepherds, animals, and angels, while a smaller space might call for a more intimate depiction.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Consider incorporating elements from your garden or the natural environment around your home. For example, placing the Nativity under a tree or using natural stone to create stable-like structures can add a beautiful, organic feel to your display.
Craft Some Elements
If you’re good with your hands, consider making some parts of your Nativity scene yourself. This could be as simple as constructing stable elements from reclaimed wood or as intricate as sewing costumes for figures.
Use Lighting Creatively
Lighting can dramatically change the look and feel of your Nativity scene. Experiment with different types of lighting, such as spotlights, lanterns, or even string lights, to highlight figures or create a serene ambiance.
Think Thematically
Decide on a theme for your Nativity set. Whether you aim for a rustic, traditional, or minimalist theme, let this guide your choices in figures, materials, and decorations.
Consider your Nativity Message
Finally, think about what message you want your Nativity scene to convey. Is it one of hope, peace, joy, or reflection? Let this intention guide your choices and setup.
By combining personal reflection, artistic exploration, and practical considerations, you can create an outdoor Nativity set that is both beautiful and meaningful. Remember, the process itself can be as rewarding as the final display!
