Weihnachtskrippe (Nativity Scenes) At the time od Francis od Assisi (1181-1226) nativity plays and scenes became popular as a way to bring the Christmas story to the people. The first models of the manger scene found in the churches was very simple. Hundreds of years later they developed into a work of art. Famous wood -cavers especially in the monasteries, created, detailed figurines which were then decorated and dressed regally by the nuns. Each region in Germany gave some local color to the nativity scene. later nativity scenes spread to private homes. In the 18 th century scenes were very popular, but soon interest declined. Today nativity scenes are found in many homes. In my home town , the Nativity Scenes in the church, was a live scene at midnight on Christmas eve. Katharina _____________________________________________________________________________________ Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com