Nativity Figures and their meaning

The Holy Family carved in wood 

The main figures of the nativity scene are the members of the Holy Family, consisting of Jesus himself, Hail Mary, and St. Joseph. The figure of Jesus is a representation of God, who came into the world without worldly possessions, and is usually carved either in a one- or two-piece cradle. With the latter there is the possibility of moving the child and placing him into Mary’s arms who is either sitting or kneeling next to the cradle itself. She embodies innocence, purity, and faith in God's work. St Joseph stands next to or behind his family, holding a lighted lantern or leaning on a stick. He symbolises protection and is considered the 'Guardian of Light', illuminating the world with the birth of Jesus. 

Alternatively, the Holy Family can also be found carved in a single block of wood. In this case, the figures cannot be separated from each other: this is a useful option for those who do not have enough space to set up a multi-piece nativity scene. 

In the Dolfi shop you will find the Holy Family carved in wood in a wide variety of different styles: from the Western style, to the Eastern one and from the rustic Tyrolean style, up to modern variants. 

The ox and the donkey 

Behind the Holy Family there are the ox and the donkey, and although they are never mentioned in the Christmas Gospel, they are still considered to be part of the crib’s main figures. Isaiah 1:3 reads: "The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master's crib." They probably acquired such importance, because of the important role in the Old Testament that the relationship between God, man and animals played. Both the ox and the donkey are considered so-called 'beasts of burden' and represent the burden that Jesus acquired whilst wanting to help others. 

The Three Kings 

The Three Kings Gaspar, Balthazar, and Melchior, or 'the three Wise Men’, are, together with the Holy Family, the ox, and the donkey, among the most important figures of the crib, and it is around them that most myths have developed. They probably represent the three continents that were known at that time: Africa, Asia, and Europe. They are depicted baring gifts, namely myrrh, incense, and gold. Gaspar is dark-skinned and represents the African population. He is the bearer of Myrrh, whose bitter taste illustrates Jesus’ later suffering and death. Balthazar on the other hand represents Asia and brings incense, symbolising prayers, and sacrifices. Melchior represents Europe and brings gold, which takes on the meaning of wealth, wisdom, and power. 

The Angels 

Angels were sent by God to spread the Good News around the World and they are described as winged childlike figures. There are two types of Angels in the crib: the Angel of Glory and the Angel of the Annunciation. The first is located right above the Holy Family, attached to the stable. His name comes from the cry "Gloria in excelsis Deo" and in some cases he is depicted with a banner in his hands. The second one is standing and is supposed to represent the Archangel Gabriel, who brought the Good News to Mary during the sixth month. If there are several angels in the crib, they symbolise the heavenly choir. 

The Shepherds 

When Angels announced the Good News to the shepherds, they immediately went to look for the Saviour. They represent ordinary people and - symbolically - the care that Jesus took of others. That is exactly why it was such hardworking people who were the first to know about his birth and who played a central role in the Nativity scene. They are often depicted baring gifts such as lambs, wood, or food. 

Other animals made of wood 

Apart from the ox and the donkey, there are often other animals in the Nativity scene, such as the sheep belonging to shepherds. Sheep were particularly valuable as they were the main source of food and indispensable for making clothes. Lambs, on the other hand, were sacrificial animals, which is why they can sometimes be found being carried by the shepherds themselves, on a shoulder or in their arms. Sheepdogs were used to protect the flocks of sheep even back then and represent vigilance. It is also said that Balthazar arrived at the stable on a camel, Gaspar on an elephant and Melchior on a horse. 

Buying crib figures 

The meaning behind crib figures still leaves a lot of room for interpretation. In fact, every year new figures are created and inspire collectors all over the world. They may have personal or regional significance.  

In the Dolfi shop you can buy South Tyrolean nativity figures in different styles, and they are entirely hand-carved! On request, they can also be made in special sizes (even man-sized!). In addition, it is possible to place orders for individual characters or to purchase a crib in blocks or complete sets.