Christmas cribs feature in Irish homes for the holidays.
In Ireland, a nativity scene is often created in peoples' homes at Christmas time. Most refer to it as their 'Christmas crib.'
In the first few weeks of December treasured crib sets are retrieved from storage boxes in attics or cupboards. They are usually displayed on a window sill, or on a fireplace mantle, or on a table in the hall.
When I was a little girl growing up in Dublin, setting up our Christmas crib was an integral part of decorating and preparing the house for Christmas.
In this post we'll explore this Irish Christmas tradition plus you'll also find a free printable for little ones, featuring a Christmas nativity scene, with figures to cut-out and fill in the scene.
But first join me on a trip down memory lane as I recall my childhood days setting up our crib for Christmas.
Table of Contents
A Wooden Stable Forms The Crib
An Irish Christmas crib was usually a small wooden stable with straw or moss placed on its floor to create the setting. Porcelain, plaster or wooden figures, to represent each participant in the Holy Nativity, were used to complete the scene.
The Christmas crib set was often a family heirloom passed down through the generations. Some were simple, and some were made of delicate porcelain.
My parents received a beautiful Hummel porcelain Christmas set for their wedding. They still display it every Christmas, but I must confess it's not in perfect condition, thanks to me. Our Lady lost her halo and one poor shepherd lost a sheep, thanks to my high jinx one year.
Sequence for Populating the Crib
There are rules to populating an Irish Christmas crib. Figurines join the scene at different stages over the Christmas period.
Until Christmas Eve only animals, the manger and some hay are allowed inside an Irish homemade nativity scene. At some point on Christmas Eve, Mary and Joseph arrive and are placed in the stable. On Christmas morning the baby Jesus is laid in the manger.
The shepherds visit in the days after Christmas, but the golden rule is to keep the wise men out of the stable for quite some time.
They need to wait on another shelf far away from the crib for 12 days after the birth of Jesus. They appear in the crib on the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th, also known as Women's Little Christmas in Ireland.
A Crib In The Church
The Catholic Churches in Irish villages, towns and cities were also decorated for Christmas with a much larger crib than the one found in Irish homes. This tradition continues to this very day.
Visiting this crib during the Christmas season was part of most families' Christmas customs in years gone by.
Some people would even remove a strand of straw from the church crib to bring blessings to their household for the coming year.
Christmas Nativity Scenes In Towns
Nativity scenes also feature in town centers throughout Ireland. Sometimes even the smallest of villages will have a crib on display.
The nativity scene pictured above is a feature on Dublin's O'Connell Street each and every year.
Since 1995 a live crib scene is set up at Dublin's Mansion House. The Irish Farmer's Association works with Dublin City Council to display real animals in the crib.
Another fixture in Dublin is the Moving Crib at Saint Martin's Apostolate on Parnell Square. The moving figures on display here, date back to the 1950's and were lovingly restored in recent years.
There are many scenes from the Bible, animated by moving figures, displayed in the basement of an old Dublin Georgian building.
Visitors are greeted with a montage of stories, including Noah’s Ark, The Wise Men, and scenes from Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth.
I remember visiting the Moving Crib as a child in Dublin nearly fifty years ago. This vintage Christmas experience is one of Dublin's hidden gems, and part of Dublin's cultural heritage.
Christmas Nativity Cut-Out and Matching Game
To celebrate the importance of the nativity scene as part of our Irish cultural heritage, here's a lovely printable for little ones.
You'll find a Christmas scene to fill in with cut-out characters.
Find This Free Printable Nativity Fill-In Set Here
You'll find the link for this activity sent through the picture or the button abo ve. You'll be taken to a PDF file which you are welcome to print and share.
I hope your little ones will have some fun creating their very own nativity scenes this Christmas.
Thanks for stopping by to check out my Christmas stories from Ireland.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Here are some more Christmas recipes and ramblings you might enjoy...
Christmas Recipes
- How To Roast Potatoes Irish Or English Style
- How To Steam A Christmas or Plum Pudding In A Crockpot.
- Chicken and Mushroom Vol-Au-Vents
- Irish American Mom's Christmas Pudding
Christmas
- Fill Your Life With Merry DIY Santas
- Fifteen Sparkly Fun DIY Glitter Ornaments for Christmas
- Brighten Your Christmas With DIY Homemade Candles
- Tissue Paper Christmas Tree Cone Craft
Mary
What sweet memories you have with such strong traditions connected with your catholic upbringing. I’m so glad the “cribs” or “nativity’s” are allowed in Ireland yet! We put one up in our home throughout my growing up years. Blessings to you at this most holy time. Mary
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - I too am happy to see that Irish towns and cities continue the tradition of erecting a crib. I hope this lasts for many years to come.
Wishing you a very blessed and happy Christmas.
Mairéad
Marion Molloy Thomson
I already love receiving your em's but I would love to have the recipe e-book. My Mom & Dad were born in Ireland and my Grandma also came from Ireland to live with us when I was a baby. Then one by one all my Aunts and Uncles came and spent some time with us until they were able to go it on their own. So, I was surrounded with Irish Culture. I'm told that I started school speaking with a brogue. So sorry that I lost it. Thanks for bringing back many memories. Marion (Molloy) Thomson
Irish American Mom
Hi Marion - I'll send you an email with a link for the recipe e-book. Thanks for letting me know you didn't get a copy. Lovely to hear you were surrounded by Irish culture and ways throughout your early years, and that my recipes and ramblings bring back good memories.
Have a lovely Christmas.
Mairéad
Ken
What a beautiful Christmas article. It's so refreshing to see that Ireland has not gone the path of this country, where in the America, they are doing away with anything that references the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. And He, IS the reason we celebrate Christmas.
My mom is from Dublin, a "war bride" as they called them. And growing up, Christmas was a very special time of year with my mom. We did have a nativity scene, although I didn't realize at the time that it was such an ingrained Irish tradition. My mom lived her faith her entire life, so that's what I was used to.
I was very fortunate to be able to visit Dublin a couple of years ago, and it was everything my mom had told me. I got to see where she grew up, the church she attended, and met so many warm, wonderful people, including family that I had never met before. I then fully understood why she would always reminisce about "the old country" A beautiful country full of beautiful people. It was a strange feeling, when I left to come back to America, I felt as if I was leaving "home", and that I was leaving part of myself there.
After visiting some of the historical sites around the city, and visiting the Emigration Museum, it left and indelible impression on me, as to how resilient, and persevering the Irish people truly are. Which my mom was, and stubborn, once her mind was set. And through all of that, the Irish sense of humor is alive and well. Amazing people, amazing country.
After reading your article, it makes me want to go back and spend a Christmas there.
Thank you for making my day. And Merry Christmas to you, and yours.
Irish American Mom
Hi Ken - Thank you for sharing your Irish experience with us. It's wonderful to hear you made such a memorable trip back to "the old country" and that you got to meet family there. Ireland is magical at Christmas time. This year will be a little more subdued than usual, but the loving sentiments of the season will always remain.
Many thanks for following my recipes and ramblings. Have a wonderful Christmas and all the best for the New Year.
Mairéad