Nativity-Palace
Wooden Nativity Sets & Scenes - Religious Gifts from Italy
The very earliest woodcarving displays date back to ancient Egypt around 4000 B.C. Woodcarvings from the Gardena area in Italy began around the 16th or 17th centuries, during the Renaissance Era. During this period, Italian woodcarvers became enthralled in the art of creating beautiful carvings for everyday use. Items such as nativity sets and scenes were made for their use in decorating. Later they began making beautiful pieces other than a single nativity scene. Dancers, clowns and other figurines were created by Italian woodcarvers for selling at local fairs and eventually this act became a well known tradition that is now appreciated throughout the world.
The traditional technique of woodcarving is kept intact in the Gardena area. Woodcarvers select their special wood and using a cutting tool or carving knife, create beautiful sculptures and figurines. Although the most popular items from Gardena today are still the nativity scenes and nativity sets, other hand carved items have masses of collectors. The woodcarvers in the Gardena area are members of the Chamber of Woodcarvings. This association from Bolzano issues a certificate which shows the works as "Entirely Hand Carved". Members of this organization are sure to provide their customers with wooden carvings that are made with the utmost tradition in mind.
Although Gardena lies in Italy, it is primarily of German and Austrian culture. The traditional German method of creating beautiful hand carved figures and pieces is well reflected in the works that the Gardena woodcarvers provide. From the beautiful religious nativity scenes to the simpler and lovely figurines of everyday people, Gardena woodcarvers, such as Anri, Bernardi, Demi Art and Deur, provide exquisite pieces of handcrafted wood that are even more popular today than they were centuries ago. Nativity Sets and Scenes are great gifts for Christmas time and the holiday season.
Nativity Scenes made in Italy - Christmas Is Never More Than a Year Away
Even though nativity scenes are more common during the months surrounding Christmas Day, you can easily keep them on your mantel or bookshelf throughout the year and move them into a more prominent position once the holiday season arrives. If your nativity set consists of attractive and detailed Italian woodcarvings, you might have difficulty packing them away when January comes. That's why it's important to remember that you can keep your nativity scenes around
even when it isn't Christmas. It's a personal choice that is yours alone to make.
For Christians, nativity sets are a beautiful reminder of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior. There is no better way to create meaningful nativity scenes than with intricate Italian woodcarvings, made in South Tyrol / Italian Alps, depicting the different people and animals that were present at the birth of Jesus. These Italian woodcarvings enable you to put together a scene that celebrates Our Lord.
These high quality wooden nativity figurines made in South Tyrol / Italian Alps enable you to create peaceful nativity scenes featuring Mary, Joseph, and infant Jesus in the manger. Finely detailed Italian woodcarvings help you build nativity sets that will bring joy to everyone who sees them.
No nativity scenes would be complete without Italian woodcarvings of the three wise men, visitors to the site of the birth, and the animals that were housed in the shelter where Jesus was born. Sheep, donkeys and oxen are common sights in nativity scenes along with shepherds and fishermen.
Nativity scenes look lovely underneath a Christmas tree, prominently displayed in a window, laid out on a table or covering a shelf. Wooden nativity figurines that are made in made in South Tyrol / Italian Alps are some of the most beautiful pieces that you can own. These Italian woodcarvings will really help you get into the spirit of the Christmas season and honor the true meaning of the holiday. There is no wrong way to display nativity scenes. If you take the time to choose the perfect spot, these Italian woodcarvings will be an excellent reminder of the day Jesus was born.
Nativity Sets
Nativity sets are a beautiful and meaningful way to decorate your home every Christmas. From large Nativity sets with many figurines spread across a table to a small set with just the Holy Family on a corner shelf, there’s a Nativity scene for every home.
Across the world Nativity sets are made from many materials, but wooden Nativity figurines are some of the most popular of all. Some of the most beautiful Nativity scenes are made in Val Gardena South Tyrol, a province in the Alps of northern Italy. Made from linden, pine, and other trees, Nativity sets are high quality Gardena Art – 100% made in Italy.
Carving Nativity sets from wood has been a traditional winter hobby in the South Tyrol region for generations, and the Nativity scenes made in Val Gardena South Tyrol are often considered some of the highest quality wooden Nativity figurines worldwide. From small figurines only 12 cm (just under 5 in.) tall, to sets of 25 cm (10 in.) or more, wooden Gardena Art – 100% made in Italy – comes in many sizes. Fortunately, people can choose from a wide variety of designs and sizes to best fit their homes and personalities.
Nativity scenes can also have vastly different appearances based on their color and designs. Some wooden Nativity sets made in Val Gardena South Tyrol are left with their natural wood coloring, while others may be darkened with finish or brown oils. However, most Nativity sets are hand painted, creating colorful Gardena Art – 100% made in Italy.
Different designs create even more variety than color differences. Traditional Nativity sets are carved with realistic faces, period clothing, and a rustic wooden stable. While these are still the very popular, more modern Nativity scenes are also available. Contemporary wooden Nativity sets often have very vague features. Instead of well defined face with eyes, nose, mouth, and plenty of wrinkles, each figurine has a smooth face with vague curves for facial features.
Wooden Nativity sets made in Val Gardena South Tyrol, can be bought as a complete set, but many people enjoy building a Nativity scene a few pieces at a time. The collection begins with the Holy Family, just Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus. Then people can purchase the stable or crèche along with more wooden nativity figurines, such as wise men or magi, shepherds, sheep, and other animals.
