The Biblical Story in Postojna Cave, Slovenia
There are many different sources providing a large number of details about when and where the first Christmas crib, the nativity scene, was created, however, not all of them are in agreement. In the biography of Saint Francis of Assisi there is a piece information that in 1223 Francis celebrated Christmas in a rather unusual way together with his peers – in a cavity in the middle of the woods in Greccio.
The purpose and the significance of the nativity scene, and in particular the depiction of the life of Christ, most often his birth, have throughout time undergone a highly diverse development and depictions.
It needs to be mentioned that depictions of the birth of Jesus Christ, in particular in fine art, date back to the time of ancient Christianity – in catacombs there are some preserved images depicting the Three Wise Men and the birth. Depictions have later been present in all art movements, but these were not yet proper nativity scenes.
The Christmas crib, what is today referred to as the nativity scene, did not emerge until the 16th century, when the Jesuits in their college in Coimbra, Portugal, set up the first church nativity scene.
Today, there is an endless number of different versions of the nativity scene – all in accordance with the creators’ ideas and artistic sense. The most significant distinction of the nativity scene is that the scene is not limited to the birth of Christ only, but is focused on the happening prior and after the birth as well.
What makes the living nativity scene inside Postojna Cave so special is that it has been set up according to what is written in the Bible – as described in the gospels of Matthew and Luke; it starts with the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist and there are number of other scenes too: The Revelation of Joseph, Mary Visits Elizabeth, Population Control, Revelation to the Shepherds, etc.
All of these scenes are set up among the magnificent one-of-a-kind natural creations of the Karst underground world and are made even more enticing through music and lights. In addition to the choirs that will make the Biblical story an experience to remember for years to come, there will also be two young singers performing songs by the nativity scene.
The Living Nativity Scene in Postojna Cave will be open to visitors on:
25, 26, 29 and 30 December 2012; 5 January 2013;
on all of the days at 14.00, 15:00 and 16:00
Music aficionados can look forward to another special event, which will take place by the nativity scene on Saturday, 5 January 2013: a performance by Perpetuum Jazzile, an internationally renowned vocal group, which will make it all an even more unforgettable experience.
More info: www.postojnska-jama.eu / Pictures delivered by management of Postojna Cave.
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