Nativity Made from Banana Leaves

“A Venezuelan artist created this Nativity from banana leaves and other natural materials. The leaves were soaked to make them pliable enough to shape, and a clear shellac was added once they were dry. The faces have been delicately painted, and gold-colored thread has been used to decorate some of the figures.

It is common for families in Venezuela to have a nacimiento (Nativity scene) in their home during the Christmas season. Sometimes the scene is very detailed, with elaborate landscaping. The traditional gift giver is the Baby Jesus, who leaves presents for the children on Christmas Eve. Most families attend Misa de Gallo (a Catholic midnight Mass) that evening, and then go home for a special meal. Hallacas, a traditional Christmas food, is made with corn meal, a filling of beef, chicken, pork, olives, vegetables and spices—all wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.” (Ed and Kirsten Gyllenhaal, label text, “World Nativities 2020”)