Nativity with a Heavenly Host

“This Nativity includes the Holy Family, three wise men, and a “heavenly host” of eight angels. Many of the figures are holding their hands together in prayer.

The brightly painted figures were carved from cedar wood by the Jimenez family in the town of Masaya, near the capital city of Managua, Nicaragua. The mother, father, and children were all involved in the process. When the carving was completed, the figures were given to other artists in Managua for painting. The designs on their clothing depict a variety of floral forms in many different colors.

In Nicaragua, Christmas is not the only celebration in the month of December. La Purísima, in late November and early December, honors the Virgin Mary with devotion and prayers. During La Griteria, on December 7th, people set up shrines in their homes and open their doors to passersby. Those who chant and sing songs about Mary at the shrines are given traditional foods, sweets, and drinks by the homeowners.” (Ed and Kirsten Gyllenhaal, label text, “World Nativities 2020”)