Nativity scenes at Liturgica

MANILA, Philippines - St. Francis of Assisi is said to have introduced the three dimensional Nativity scene to the world after a trip to Egypt and Acre in 1220. He popularized the use of the crèche or manger scene, and is said to have used live humans and animals on the set. The idea of the Nativity scene soon spread to Germany in the 1500s and Christians put these scenes in their churches, homes, and parks.

The tradition lives on today in many Eastern European countries, where the crèche, rather than the Christmas tree, is often the centerpiece of many of their holiday celebrations.

And Liturgica, the one-stop religious shop for church needs and individual devotions at the SM Megamall, brings you back to Bethlehem with its collection of Nativity scenes.

Here, one will find one of a kind collectibles that will bring the true meaning of Christmas to the home. There are Nativity scenes from Russia inspired by the iconic Faberge eggs; as well as traditional wooden pieces from the Czech Republic.

Poland’s Szopka or Nativity scenes are traditionally built in the form of a cathedral with gothic spires, baroque domes, and Renaissance facades. Children bring these from house to house as they sing Christmas carols.

Slovakia’s manger scenes reflect their folk art tradition of exquisitely crafted woodworks, as well as dolls made from corn leaves.

The collection also includes pocket-size Nativity sets from the Holy Land, and of course, the festive Filipino Belen.

The Liturgica Store is at the fifth floor of SM Megamall Building B. For inquiries, call 636-7652 or 638-4839.