Where did tradition of the belen or nativity scene originate? Kuya Kim answers

Despite being away from the Philippines for years, a Filipina in Sicily, Italy, still feels the warmth of a Filipino Christmas through the cherished tradition of creating a belen or nativity scene.

In Kuya Kim’s report, Italy-based Filipina Sandra Barreca Vita said that the nativity scene is the most important Christmas display for Italians.

“Dito sa Sicily, napapansin ko talaga na maraming nagdidisplay ng nativity scene. Para sa kanila,  pinaka-importanteng Christmas display daw ang nativity scene. Mas importante pa ito kaysa sa Christmas tree kasi ang sini-celebrate natin ay ang kapanganakan ni Hesukristo,” she shared.

According to Sandra, the nativity display has been a longstanding tradition of her husband’s family.

“Ang nativity display dito sa bahay namin sa Italy, yearly talaga siyang ginagawa. So every year, bago mag-Pasko, nag-de-decorate na kami,” she added.

This tradition has helped ease Sandra's longing for her family in the Philippines whenever Christmas comes.

But where did the tradition of the nativity scene or belen really start?

According to Kuya Kim's report, the tradition of the nativity scene originated in Italy, with the earliest depiction found in a wall painting in St. Valentine’s catacomb dating back to 380 A.D.

Another example of the earliest nativity scenes was found sculpted in the sarcophagus or stone coffin of the Roman General Stilicho, who died in 408 A.D. 

St. Francis of Assisi later created a living nativity scene in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. In 1291, Italian sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio carved stone figures of the Holy Family, the Three Kings, and an ox, which are now displayed at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.

Over time, the tradition of making belen or the nativity scene spread to many parts of the world and eventually became an important part of Filipino Christmas culture. 

Previously, various belens made of recycled materials were paraded through the streets of Manila as part of the annual Belen Festival organized by the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde's (DLS-CSB) Center for Social Action.

The festival aims to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices in celebrating Christmas.

“What a way to finish our Jubilee Year of Hope with our Belen Festival. Ramdam na ramdam po ang liwanag ng pag-asa sa bawat isa,” said DLS-CSB Industrial Design Program chairperson Jay Mangussad.

 —Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News