We have always been accustomed to associating the nativity scene with Christmas and understanding it as a representation of Jesus' birth, a scene of peace and joy. Not everyone, however, is familiar with the Easter nativity scene, which represents the period between Palm Sunday and Easter Monday and recounts, through statues, the events of Holy Week.
The tradition of the Easter nativity scene dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries; it was later almost completely forgotten. Only gradually did sculptors begin creating Passion nativity scenes again, especially for churches. The custom of the Easter nativity scene is particularly widespread in Southern Europe.
Easter nativity scenes usually begin with the entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Holy Thursday follows with the Last Supper, the moment when Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane and Judas arrives with the Roman soldiers to betray him. The story continues with the trial and the ascent to Calvary. The Crucifixion on Good Friday occupies a large part of the nativity scene. The most important scene is that of the women before the open tomb, witnessing the miracle of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
So why prepare an Easter nativity scene at home? To better prepare for Easter, without fearing Jesus' death, which is merely a prelude to his glorious resurrection. An Easter nativity scene can also help children relive the most important liturgical week of the year in a simple, visual way.
