OUR COLLECTION — LATIN AMERICA — BRAZIL 26. PRESEPIO NATIVITY
This Brazilian presépio (Nativity scene) was handcrafted by artisan Neide de Caruarù, follower of Master Vitalino—the foremost figure maker in Brazil’s history (1900-1964). The set has 19 painted clay pieces: Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus, a cave with gold star, two rocks, two cactus trees from the dry northeast of Brazil, an angel standing on a rock, a shepherd, three kings, a donkey, a cow, a horse, two sheep, and a rooster. Most figures are approximately 3.5 inches tall.
Most Brazilian families go to a special worship service on Christmas Eve, called the Missa Do Galo (rooster). It gets its name from the legend that a rooster, present when Jesus was born, was the first to tell the world about His birth. The legend further states that the only time the rooster has crowed at midnight was the night when Jesus was born.
The Nativity scene, called a presépio, is one of the most important of all Brazilian traditions—more important than Papai Noel (Father Christmas) or the Christmas tree. Life-sized statues, sometimes including a rooster, are found in presépios handed down from one generation to the next, but each family member may add personal touches, especially animals (tigers, alligators, birds) and fruits (pineapples, bananas, mangoes) native to Brazil. Some may add mountains, lakes or pine trees to the scenes. The presépio may be set up anytime in early December and family members may keep adding to it as Christmas draws near.
Most Brazilian families go to a special worship service on Christmas Eve, called the Missa Do Galo (rooster). It gets its name from the legend that a rooster, present when Jesus was born, was the first to tell the world about His birth. The legend further states that the only time the rooster has crowed at midnight was the night when Jesus was born.
The Nativity scene, called a presépio, is one of the most important of all Brazilian traditions—more important than Papai Noel (Father Christmas) or the Christmas tree. Life-sized statues, sometimes including a rooster, are found in presépios handed down from one generation to the next, but each family member may add personal touches, especially animals (tigers, alligators, birds) and fruits (pineapples, bananas, mangoes) native to Brazil. Some may add mountains, lakes or pine trees to the scenes. The presépio may be set up anytime in early December and family members may keep adding to it as Christmas draws near.