The nativity scene is an integral symbol of the Christian holiday of the Nativity of Christ. A week before Christmas Eve, a scene of the birth of baby Jesus with figures of the protagonists is set up in churches and homes. Today nativity scenes are especially popular in Europe. In Russia, in the old days, children and adults assembled portable puppet theaters in the form of nativity scenes and showed Christmas performances.
You can make a nativity scene yourself if you cannot buy figurines of saints or if you want to create a Christmas miracle with your own hands.
It is necessary
- To create a den, you will need:
- - cardboard box with high walls
- - an illustration or painting depicting the birth of Jesus
- - materials for making figures: plasticine, or cloth, or paper, cardboard and pencils, paints, matches, matchbox
- - pieces of hay or pine needles
- - a piece of silver or gold foil
Instructions
Step 1
Decide what you will be making the main characters of the den. Remember that traditionally the scene of the birth of Christ represents the baby Jesus in the cradle, the Virgin Mary and the carpenter Joseph beside him, as well as, if desired, the three wise men, shepherds and animals in the stable.
Step 2
If you chose plasticine for making a nativity scene, mold a manger (similar to a trough or a box) from it. Place a molded baby figurine in them. Taking an image from an illustration or a painting about the birth of Christ as a sample, sculpt the figures of Mary and Joseph. Draw facial features with the pointed end of a match or a toothpick.
Step 3
Take a sheet of paper, paints, crayons or felt-tip pens to make cardboard shapes. Draw a manger, Mary and Joseph, optionally three wise men, several shepherds, a dog, and sheep. Some figures can be drawn in profile. Cut out each design and glue it onto heavy cardboard. Glue a piece of cardboard to the inside of the figure at an angle of 45 degrees to stabilize the nativity scene.
Step 4
Sew doll figures of protagonists and animals from pieces of fabric and wool. Make hair and wool from thread or yarn. Take a matchbox and cover it with brown cloth. In the resulting creche, place a baby doll or a folded cloth in the form of a swaddled baby.
Step 5
Place the cardboard box on its side and support it against a wall or stable object. Attach a Christmas icon to the inner wall or paint the wall in the form of a barn wall. Scatter pieces of hay or pine needles on the floor of the den. Place a manger in the center of the den, place the figures of Mary, Joseph and all the other heroes around. Glue a cut out foil Christmas star to the outside top of the nativity scene.
