Old Czech Nativity Scene – Simple Cutout

Description

Although paper models of nativity scenes are the most widespread in households and among nativity scene makers, literature on them is very scarce, especially regarding older editions. One of the few exceptions is Karel Fier’s article “Jesliky” published in the magazine Drobn umn in 1920 (volume 1, pages 12-14). Since the availability of the magazine is limited and there is great interest in this type of nativity scene, we provide an excerpt related to our nativity scene: Alongside the nativity scene by Kaplick, the publisher A. Storch syn in Prague released “Prask jesliky” by illustrator Jos. Wenig. The concept is witty: instead of the traditional oriental city, the background features cleverly adapted Hradany under a blanket of snow. The figures are typical rural characters from various regions of our homeland, as well as Prague figures from the time when our grandfather married our grandmother. The Bethlehem stable is depicted as a semi-wooden, semi-brick Czech cottage. But just notice the obligatory three kings! The black one in the back probably hails from the banks of the Nile, but who is the one dignifiedly sitting on the noble steed? Indeed, that is our famous George of Podbrady! And the king with the long white beard is surely a father figure from the Slavic east. And each with a representative entourage. They are nativity scenes both Czech and original. They are…