Throughout the world, people set-up crèches at Christmas time—on the front lawn, under trees and on fireplace mantels. This beautiful tradition can even be found in Washington, DC. One of my favorite places is at The Pope John Paul II Cultural Center (3900 Harewood Road, NE, Washington, DC 20017 – 202-635-5400).
The annual crèche exhibit: “Joy to the World: Celebrating Pope John Paul II’s Marian Spirituality” is one of the best exhibits that the Center features all year, in my opinion, and one that you won’t want to miss. With over 200 creches from around the world, visitors have the opportunity to experience and learn the cultural traditions of other nations. From Poland, the “szopki,” a rich folk art form from the Middle Ages, present the nativity scene not in a stable but in designs reminiscent of the magnificent gothic church architecture of the city of Krakow. From native-American cultures, the three kings, in the browns and turquoise shades of native-American art, bring corn, pottery, and a chicken to the newborn Child. From Italy, terracotta figures are molded in the exquisite tradition of eighteenth century crèches from Naples where the carving of crèches reached a high art form.
The National Cathedral (Wisconsin and Massachusetts Avenues NW, 202-537-2223) in Washington, DC also features a creche display from the Cathedral's collection of over 500 nativity sets. The creches are from many countries and cultures from around the world, and many U.S. states and territories are represented in the display each year. The exhibit runs through January 6, 2009.
Dates and Times to see the nativity scenes:
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Dec. 15-20
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Dec. 22-27
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Dec. 29-Jan. 3
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Jan. 5-6
