Posted on 10/31/2021 8:07:28 AM PDT by marshmallow
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square this year will have a distinctly Indigenous, Andean look with the centerpiece being a “Hilipuska” baby Jesus, that is, one wrapped in a blanket bound with a long cord known as a “chumpi.”
The super-swaddled baby is typical of the Andean highlands, particularly in Peru’s Huancavelica region, which is home to the five artists who created the 30-piece Nativity scene.
In a statement released Oct. 28, the Vatican City State governing office said the scene was chosen, in part, to mark the 200th anniversary of Peru’s independence.
“The Three Kings will have saddlebags or sacks containing foods characteristic of Huancavelica, such as potatoes, quinoa, kiwicha and cañihua, and will be accompanied by llamas carrying a Peruvian flag on their backs,” the Vatican said. “In the crèche, there also will be statues of different animals belonging to the local fauna such as: alpacas, vicuñas, sheep, vizcachas, flamingoes and the Andean condor,” which is the national symbol of Peru.
The crèche will sit under a spruce tree, which is expected to be about 90 feet tall. The tree will come from a sustainably managed forest in the Dolomite mountains of Italy’s Trentino-South Tyrol region. The round wooden ornaments also will come from Trentino, the Vatican said.
(Excerpt) Read more at catholicsun.org ...
Swell.
Christianity is celebrated all over the world. There’s nothing wrong with a Peruvian creche. After all, the Catholic church, centered in Rome, has celebrated using a Middle Eastern theme for a long time.
This would make perfect sense had Jesus been born in Peru. But as it is, it’s nothing more than theatrical pandering. So much for the true mission of the Church.
Hey, Benedict. I know you’re getting up in years. But maybe you should think about organizing a palace coup.
This article has a video which is a 3D preview of what it will look like. It’s much better than last year’s, believe me.
Practically every culture has its own dough cake just like evey culture has its own “secret” sauce.
For several years I collected nativity scenes from around the world. I had several from Peru, one from Mongolia, I don’t remember all the others but they were fun. I gave away a lot of them. I now just have the old one my parents had when I was growing up and one my mother in law made from cloth with beans to keep them upright.
De Brébeuf wanted to create a hymn that Huron converts could sing, something that made sense to them. Of course, the Hurons in Canada, would not have understood cows, or sheep, shepherds, a cradle, or an inn, etc. Instead, he put the story of Jesus' birth, into a form they could understand.
Here is a link to the words in English. IF it helps draw someone to Jesus, it is worth it, though in this day and age, would anyone visiting the Vatican, NOT know of Yeshua Hamashiach? Believers need to be able to communicate Jesus in a form that makes sense to the culture. Being 'in' the world, but not 'of' it. Sometimes this is a VERY fine line, and some fail.
Nothing could be as bad as last years weeble, wobbly nativity display. They even had an astronaut as one of the wise men.
“This would make perfect sense had Jesus been born in Peru.”
Do you object as much when a nativity features white folks rather than darker skinned Middle Easterners? I’m asking for a friend.
Did you display in your home on Christmas? That must have been fun.
“Forgive me, Lord, the Jeffersons was right!”
The Vatican thinks we’re chumpi.
Would these be the Nazca Peruvians? The ones who were contacted millennia ago by the space aliens from Francis’ earlier nativity scene?
Whatever theme, Nativities shouldn’t give you a creepy vibe.
> Do you object as much when a nativity features white folks rather than darker skinned Middle Easterners? <
That’s an interesting question. Jesus was of course both an historical figure and a religious figure. So it would be nice to keep the historical part in mind when depicting Him.
Both no one really knows what Jesus looked like. So if some folks want to make Him a little darker or a little whiter I don’t see that as a problem.
But it is obviously incorrect to depict Jesus as having been born in Peru. Is that the biggest problem in the world? Not be a long shot. So it bothers me, but not much. I would never advocate for such a display. But neither would I go crazy about it.
As the old saying goes, your mileage may vary.
That is a good hymn.
Is it reverent? Is what it is depicting recognizable? If so, I don’t see any problem with it.
It represents the Holy Family well. Every Catholic culture has one.
Thank heavens we are not subjected to the naked homoerotic buffs, and space aliens this year.
Last year’s had that creepy vibe.
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