How to assemble a Christmas crib: check out the step by step and the meaning

One of the main traditions of the end-of-the-year parties is to make a beautiful decoration at home… Tree, flashing lights, garland and other objects are characteristic of the season. And of course we can’t forget to assemble the Christmas cribright?

This item is very important, remaining in homes until January 6th. But are you mounting it correctly? And what about the meaning of each of the elements? With that in mind, we’ve created a guide with everything you need to know to build yours today. Enjoy!

Learn how to make a Christmas crib

When to assemble and disassemble?

Nativity scenes are usually set up a fortnight before Christmas; and dismantled a few days after the New Year, being able to remain until January 6th (Early Day), as well as the tree.

ideal size

It is important to choose the size of the crib according to the proportions of your home. If you have a large room, you can invest in a decor that takes up more space. However, if you live in an apartment, the ideal is to opt for smaller cribs.

Where to put?

Prefer to assemble the Christmas crib in a visible place in your home, so that it is accessible to everyone. Placing it next to the tree is a great option!

Characters needed

The list of characters in the crib is made up of Baby Jesus (which should only be staged on the 25th), Joseph, Mary, the three wise men, angels, animals, shepherds and the star of Bethlehem.

Meanings of the elements

Before having a crib assembled at home, it is important to know the meaning of each character. Check out!

Maria

She is the Mother of the Son of God, who conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

José

He was Mary’s husband and took Jesus as her Son here on Earth.

Corral

The little house that housed the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary and Joseph) at the time of Christ’s birth.

Manger

She is the representation of humility. Even though Jesus was the Son of God, he came to the world in a simple place, showing that for a dignified and happy life it is not necessary to have luxury.

Magi

The three Magi were guided in the desert by a star and reached the place where the Baby Jesus was. Each King offered a gift to the Lord as a tribute: gold, which means royalty; incense, which symbolizes the divine power of Christ; and myrrh, which represents all the pains Jesus would go through to save humanity.

Star of Bethlehem

The star was what guided the Kings to where Jesus was. Therefore, it was a sign from God for the Magi to find him. It also indicates the light of God that always guides us on our paths.

Angel

The presence of the angel demonstrates that, at all times, God was there celebrating the birth of his Son.

Animals

The cow, the sheep, the donkey and the camel (of the three Magi) are the animals that most appear in the cribs, reinforcing the simplicity of the place where Christ was born.

shepherds

They are the residents of the corral region where Jesus was born, showing that Christ was already in the midst of simple and humble people.

Text: Alto Astral writing | Editing: Mariana Oliveira and Renata Rocha