THE NATIVITY SCENE FIGURINES – HISTORY AND MEANING “THE ANGELS”

Being essential figurines, angels have at all times stimulated the genius of art-sculptors and art-painters on their creations; thus, renowned as enhanced images in any and all stories of the birth of Jesus.

Nevertheless, they are mentioned as of the canonical gospels only; specifically, in the writings of Matthew and Luke all the scriptures are associated with angels. This since the apparition to Zechariah, which announced Elizabeth’s pregnancy, up to the announcement to Mary of the birth of Jesus Christ. This birth praised by the angels with “Gloria in excelsis Deo” and announced to the shepherds among the nativity area as well.

The angels - gloria annunciation - indoor nativity scene - woodcarvings

WOOD ART FOR THE ANNUNCIATION

Since ever any angels appealed significantly to those who love nativity scenes, in fact their unique-brilliant profile is recognized per excellence as the image of holiness. Such artistic features, that emphasize devoutness, turn pretty enriched on the sculptures and paintings of the artists. The colors highlight their immaculate clothing same as their remarkable wings; all the latter turns in nobility and tenderness of the angels. In her collections, Sonia offers a number of styles which may remind us the renown works inherited through the art history of Val Gardena. Nevertheless, the latter manifold characteristics share the same one and single message: “the announcement of the salvation.”

HOW MANY ANGELS MIGHT APPEAR? ACCORDING TO ANY TRADITION…

The image of angels in the nativity scenes has often different traditions handed down through the times in distinct regions, thus interpreted to match up with native customs.

In certain nativity scenes, it is custom to represent a multitude of angels who descend from heaven to earth to worship baby Jesus, jointly with all shepherds as well. Referring to our region, usually these are two: the first angel announces the happy news to the shepherds and the second angel is holding a “Gloria” banner in its hands. According to the latter custom, these angels are fixed above the nativity stable, alternatively positioned behind the baby Jesus crib too. In southern European counties it’s customary to place three angels above the manger stable: in the middle, the “Gloria to God” angel with the “Gloria” banner; on the right the “Gloria to the Son” angel, waving the glowing censer and on the left, the “Gloria to the Holy Spirit” angel blowing the trumpet.