The tradition of celebrating Christmas Savior inEuropean countries is inextricably linked with the concept and action of the den. And the Christian Christmas scenes, short plays, telling about these events, are to some extent its personification.

What is a nativity scene?
Literally - from Old Slavonic - means"cave". This is where Jesus was born. Birth Cave is located in the city of Bethlehem. This prototype became the progenitor of all subsequent verteps, which are a kind of man-made copies of the original.
The story of the den
Many masters and craftsmen eventually becameto make models of the cave from papier-mâché, plaster, cardboard, clay and other materials. At first Christian Christmas scenes were played out only with the help of dolls. Nativity scenes were distributed in all countries of the Christian world. At one time, they also played an important educational role, reproducing scenes from the Bible for illiterate converts to Christians. And in Italy, for example, in the 13th century, "live" dens appeared. Here the roles of the characters were already played by actors — ordinary people. Such dens are still popular in European Catholic countries. And in the territory of the former Soviet Union - in Western Ukraine.

Christmas scenes
Christian traditions suggest an activeChristmas celebration. It is considered one of the greatest events in the history of mankind. A Savior is born, born into the world, as a man, the Redeemer, who has accepted all our sins, past and future. Traditionally at this time it is customary to empathize, as if to repeat the action that took place many centuries ago in their faces. At first, in previous years, this was done, probably, to recall the sequence of events that took place, to teach the Bible new parishioners, often illiterate, and children. Then, the Christmas scenes were perceived by Christian followers as a good tradition and belonging to a secret community, sometimes forbidden by state authorities. And now in the modern world, where there are no bans, such a celebration of Christmas becomes pleasant and fun, especially for the younger generation of parishioners.

Christian Christmas scenes for children
Kids, by virtue of their purity and sincerity,very well perceive and depict short scenes on the Christmas theme. The general direction of such plays is beyond doubt. It is dedicated to the central event - the birth of Christ the baby. The following themes are most popular: the worship of the Magi, Christmas itself and the arrival of the shepherds. Here is an example.

Adoration of the Magi
In the basis - the events that occurred immediately after birth. Magi, seeing a bright star, come to worship the new King of Peace. And having bowed, they leave to carry the good news on all sides of the Light.
Characters (for children under 12): the three wise men, Joseph, Mary, Christmas Star.
Scenery: traditional nativity scene.
The costumes of the Magi are made of old household dressing gowns. There may be false beards. Star costume is made of bright clothes, decorated with foil.
Действие (сопровождается стихами и песнями):The star notifies everyone about the birth of Christ, the Magi come to worship, Joseph and Mary come out to them, holding a large doll in their arms - the baby, the Magi worship and disperse in different directions.