Forwarded -------- Original Message -------- Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 20:07:01 -0800 (PST) From: Stefan Probst <stefan.probst@opticom.v-nam.net> Hi all, "Krippe", especially "Futterkrippe" is the manger where food for animals is placed, and in what Jesus is supposed to have been laid after his birth. "Krippen / Futterkrippen" are still used in Bavarian Forests to feed roe deer in winter, when snow makes it difficult for them to find sufficient other food. The word "Krippe" is furthermore used in "Krippenspiel", i.e. Nativity Plays, and as the name ("pars pro totum") of the kind of modelled scene as Mary Ann Allen described it in the other posting. Such "Krippen" are not only in families, but are also placed in most churches during the Christmas time. The most important things in a Bavarian "Krippe" are the figures. There is always the Jesus-Child, lying in a manger ("Krippe") together with his parents Mary and Joseph. Next to them there is usually one ox and one donkey ("to warm them"). Furthermore there are usually some shepards and sheep, "in the fields". At Epiphany one would usually add the three "Kings", one of them is usually of black skin. They may also come with camels etc. Mostly there is some kind of housing. The described "cave style" is one option, but more often it is some kind of miniature stable. The angels, moss, candles are also typical. Definitely not typical (I would say even a sacrileg ;-) ) is an electric train!!! The customs of the Krippe goes back - as far as I remember ;-) - to Francis of Assisi. You can buy the figures for the Krippe (and housings) also ready made in shops in Bavaria. The small town of Oberammergau is famous for their carvings. You may even be able to "expand" your collection (and by this the size of the arrangement) from year to year by buying additional figures (shepards, sheep, sheep dog, angels, ...) Since Christmas time is a time of visiting others, you would always talk/admire/comment about the host's Christmas tree (did you know that there are different styles of them?) and their "Krippe". I guess you should be able to find several pictures of "Krippen" in the internet. Maybe you can already order them online ?? :-)) Rgds. Stefan