Rajhrad (Brno) – Around 50 people, sheep and a pony created a living nativity scene today in Rajhrad in Brno. Jesus was portrayed by baby Marek, who will celebrate his first birthday in two days. His parents assumed the form of the Virgin Mary and Joseph. About 600 people came to see the event with a twenty-year tradition in the courtyard of the Benedictine monastery. Rajhrad deputy mayor Magda Mlejnková told ČTK.
The Holy Family was created by a real family. “They were really gifted with a baby, there is symbolism in it,” said Mlejnková. Little Mark’s siblings also got involved, they portrayed an angel and a shepherd. According to Mlejnková, however, people of all ages participated in the live nativity scene. “From the youngest to the seventy-year-olds. There were also various trades such as tailoring, innkeeper, cobbler, confectioner or farmers with bread or eggs,” she added.
Every year, it is an effort to show traditional costumes. “We have Rajhrad, Popovick, and this year there was also a Rajhrad costume for the first time,” remarked the deputy mayor. There were also animals. There were sheep, goats and a pony in the pen. The performance was accompanied by the local choir, which performed the most famous carols.
According to Mlejnková, around 600 people came, which is similar to previous years. They could make a donation of any kind upon entry. The money will be used to support the Rajhrad hospice.
The first nativity scene was created in 1223 by Francis of Assisi. He chose a cave for him near the village of Greccio in Italy, which he adapted as a chapel. It was not only the first nativity scene, but it is also said that midnight mass was held there for the first time. In the Czech Republic, mangers and nativity scenes have a tradition of over 400 years.
CR Church of Rajhrad Christmas PHOTO
Source: www.ceskenoviny.cz
