The Christmas cot is one of the most emblematic symbols of the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It evokes the story of the Nativity as described in the Gospels, while also carrying a profound spiritual and theological significance. Through its various elements. The manger, the figures and the setting, the cot expresses essential truths of the Christian faith and invites believers to contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation. 

Origin and history of the nativity scene

The gospel accounts at the origin of the nativity scene. 

The cot draws its inspiration from the biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus, particularly in the Gospel according to Luke:

"She (Mary) gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7)

This passage is central to the representation of the cot: Jesus, born in a stable and placed in a manger, manifests the humility and simplicity of his arrival in the world.

The first living cot of Saint Francis of Assisi:

The tradition of the cot as we know it dates back to the 13th century, when Saint Francis of Assisi, in 1223, organised the first living cot in Greccio, Italy. Anxious to make the mystery of Christmas more accessible to the faithful, he recreated a Nativity scene with real people and animals. This initiative marked the beginning of a tradition that spread throughout Christianity, in various forms: living, sculpted or miniature nativity scenes.

The symbolic elements of the nativity scene

Each element of the nativity scene carries a particular meaning that enriches our understanding of the mystery of the Nativity.

The manger and the stable: The manger, often at the centre of the nativity scene, is a powerful symbol .

Humility: Jesus, the Son of God, is born in a manger, a place intended for animals, showing that he came into the world in the greatest simplicity.

Spiritual food: Placed in a manger, Jesus is presented as spiritual food for humanity, an image reinforced by his role in the Eucharist.

The stable, often depicted as a modest, rustic place, symbolises Jesus' rejection from birth, as there was "no room in the inn" (Luke 2:7). It reminds us that the Saviour came for those who are marginalised and poor.

The main characters:

Mary: Always close to the child, Mary embodies humility, faith and obedience to God. She is also a model of motherhood and tenderness.

Joseph: A figure of protection and fidelity, Joseph is often depicted in a contemplative position, admiring the child or watching over the family.

Jesus : Placed at the centre of the cot, Jesus is often depicted as a luminous newborn, highlighting his role as the "light of the world".

Angels and shepherds: The angels, God's messengers, symbolise the heavenly announcement of the Saviour's birth. They sing:

"Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to the people he loves." (Luke 2:14)

The shepherds, humble and marginalised figures, are the first to receive this good news. Their presence is a reminder that Jesus came for everyone, and particularly for the smallest and poorest.

The Magi and the star: The Magi, representing the pagan nations, symbolise the universality of Christ's message. Their gifts (gold, frankincense and myrrh) respectively evoke his royalty, divinity and mission of suffering. The star of Bethlehem, which guides the Magi, is a symbol of light and hope, announcing the coming of the Saviour.

The animals: often an ox and a donkey, are not mentioned in the Gospels, but their presence in the manger derives from ancient Christian traditions, in particular from a passage in the book of Isaiah:

"The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master's manger." (Isaiah 1:3)

They symbolise simplicity and instinctive recognition of Christ's divinity.

The cot as visual catechesis

The cot plays an educational and spiritual role, particularly in centuries when few people could read. It makes the biblical story accessible, by visually illustrating the mystery of Christmas. The scenes in the cot invite the faithful to meditate on the Incarnation and on Christian values:

Humility: Birth in a stable teaches the importance of simplicity and detachment from material possessions.

Charity: The figures of the magi and shepherds show the universality of divine love.

Hope: The star of Bethlehem reminds us that Jesus came to bring light and salvation to the darkness.

The evolution of nativity scenes in the Christian tradition

Sculpted and miniature nativity scenes: over time, the nativity scene has developed in different forms. In the 15th century, sculpted nativity scenes in wood or terracotta became popular, particularly in Italy, Provence and Germany. Each region added local cultural elements, making the cots unique.

Provençal cots: in Provence, cots include "santons", figurines representing not only biblical characters, but also local inhabitants, such as the baker, shepherd or miller. These nativity scenes reflect the idea that the birth of Jesus concerns all generations and all cultures.

Living nativity scenes: recreating the Nativity with real people and animals, remain a living tradition in many countries. They offer an immersive experience that brings the faithful closer to the mystery of Christmas.

The cot today: a timeless symbol

The cot remains a universal symbol of peace, love and humility. Whether in churches, homes or public spaces, it reminds everyone of the true meaning of Christmas: the coming of God among mankind, in the most modest of circumstances. In a world often marked by restlessness and consumerism, the cot invites us to return to what is essential: welcoming Christ into our hearts with simplicity and joy.

The cot, much more than a simple tradition, is a powerful reminder of the mystery of the Incarnation and the fundamental values of the Christian faith. Through its symbols and characters, it invites everyone to meditate on the message of Christmas: God's love for humanity, manifested in the humility of Jesus' birth.

Whether through silent contemplation or living re-creation, the cot remains a source of spiritual inspiration and a call to live the virtues of peace, simplicity and charity throughout the year.