The Christmas manger, also known as birth either Belenis the representation of the birth of Jesus Christ during Christmas that takes place in religious temples, public spaces and at a private level, in people’s homes.
It is usually put together starting on December 8, the Day of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception.
For the manger, small figures are used that represent the characters and elements that, according to Christian tradition, are part of the scene in which the birth of Jesus is framed.
These characters are the baby Jesus, the virgin Mary, Joseph, the angel, the three wise men, the shepherds, the star of Bethlehem, the mule and the ox and other animals, such as sheep and goats.
The manger is originally a term typical of rural and livestock areas. The word comes from Latin praesēpe. It is the place or container intended for feeding animals. It can be made of wood, clay, stone, or masonry work.
Meaning of the characters in the manger
Child Jesus: He is the central character, the Son of God and Redeemer of humanity, he is the one who brings light to the world.
Virgin Mary: symbolizes fidelity, purity and love.
Saint Joseph: represents strength and obedience.
Angel: He is the announcer of the news of the birth to the inhabitants of Bethlehem.
The mule and ox: in some versions they symbolize the union between the Old and the New Testament, in others they mean humility before the arrival of the Messiah. In any case, they provide their body heat that protects the baby Jesus from the cold.
Wise men, Gaspar, Baltasar and Melchior: they symbolize wisdom. They bring gifts to Jesus and are what reveal the divine nature of Jesus.
Belen star: symbolizes the faith and hope that guides the lives of Christians.
Shepherds: They are the representation of all humanity, who joyfully receive birth.
sheep: represent humility and the need to be guided by the redeemer.
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