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Christmas cribs

The South Tyrolean families celebrate every year an ancient Christmas custom. At Christmas Eve – the children had long ago send their gift-wishes to Christ Child by letter – the whole family get the crib from cellar or garret and begin to arrange the ancient masterpiece.

Most of all South Tyrolean cribs are handmade and bequeath from one generation to the other. Sometimes they are such big, that half of the snuggery is completed. Other cribs are pretty small and the kids can recreate the nativity story in a not always original way.

All together they have really rural South Tyrolean scenery: ox and donkey are standing behind Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the cot which is connected at the farmer’s house. The windows are decorated with red-white plaid curtains and the farmers are dressed with knickerbockers and blue aprons and the farmer’s wife have a coloured bandana and typical aprons, too.

In bigger cribs are shown real landscapes: mini castles and mountains, small cities and farmer’s houses, artisans and farmers, sheep, cows and donkey and – needless to say – Josef and Mary as farmers with the little Christ Child. The cribs from South Tyrol are pieces of art; thousands of working hours are behind them.

Who wants to see the big variety of South Tyrolean cribs should visit the crib museum "Maranatha" in Luttach in Tauferer Ahrntal.

Images

HAPE Sculptures – Woodcarving works from Gröden
HAPE Sculptures – Woodcarving works from Gröden

HAPE Sculptures in Gröden produce traditional figures, cribs, religious motives, gift ideas and designer pieces.

HAPE Sculptures
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"

The winter crib, designed by Josef Leitner and Irma Hofer.

Krippenmuseum Maranatha
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"

In 2000 the Maranatha, the most imaginative nativity-scene-exhibition in the world, was opened in Luttach.

Krippenmuseum Maranatha
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"

The artist's studio is used for various activities. Interested spectators can watch the artist while he works. Paintings reliefs and figures are restored, assignments are designed and created and it is also used as an exhibition room.

Krippenmuseum Maranatha
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"

Since its opening constant efforts have been made to keep the museum attractive and authentic and it has been extended to become a special source of Christian belief, strength and hope.

Krippenmuseum Maranatha
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"

Already the reception room is something special: The entire room is a replica of a Tyrolean barn, built of old wood.

Krippenmuseum Maranatha
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"
Museum of cribs "Maranatha"

The guided tour through the museum is lead by the visionary Paul Gartner, assisted by the artistic supporter, the musician, composer, text writer and guide Hubert Leimegger.

Krippenmuseum Maranatha
Woodcarvings ARLA
Woodcarvings ARLA

Not only in Val Gardena there are great sculptors! Even in Lajen/ Laion there is an ancient tradition of wood carving.

TV Lajen

Traditions

Selected accommodations in South Tyrol

Landhaus Heinrich - Kaltern an der Weinstraße in Southern South Tyrol

Landhaus Heinrich

Kaltern an der Weinstraße in Southern South Tyrol
4.8 Excellent

Feel-good holidays in the Mediterranean environment of the southern Dolomites, with free access for three days to the beach of Lake Kaltern!

from 95 € per day
Hotel Avidea - Algund in Meran and environs

Hotel Avidea

Algund in Meran and environs
4.8 Excellent

Newly designed nature suites, Luxury All Inclusive, adults only from 14 years & much more!

from 225 € per day
Der Forsterhof - Algund in Meran and environs

Der Forsterhof

Algund in Meran and environs
4.8 Excellent

Stylish house in Algund, magnificent view of Meran, garden with pool, delicious breakfast with selected, regional products, cosy ambiance with much love for details.

from 96 € per day
Berghotel Ratschings - Ratschings in Eisacktal

Berghotel Ratschings

Ratschings in Eisacktal
4.7 Excellent

Directly at Ratschings-Jaufen skiing area. In summer, in the heart of the hiking area – our guided will show you the South Tyrolean mountain world!

from 105 € per day
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