338. Creches from Across the World

St. James Cathedral yearly shows part of its collection of international miniature creches, nativity scenes with baby Jesus, his mother, father, the Wise Men, and the Shepherds.

 

This year its exhibit includes approximately 139 creches from 57 countries. Each group reflects the flavour of the country. The Masai creche, for example, is made of ebony. The Zimbabweans made their creche of empty Coke cans, the only material they had available. Some creches are made of felt, bark, walrus tusk or camel bone. The Innuit Wise Men arrive by dog sled; the manger is an igloo. Quebec’s contribution includes visitors Jacque Cartier, Champlain and a seal. That of the Huron nation is made of deer skin. They all fascinate and are worth a visit.

The exhibition is housed in the Archives in the basement of the building behind the cathedral at Adelaide and Church. It is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. For more information: http://bit.ly/UnjJYj .