The French word crèche describes a distinctive Nativity scene displayed during the Christmas season. These scenes, depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, became popular in the Christian world beginning in the 13th century.
The Nativity scenes in the visitors’ center, along with the international dolls placed on Christmas trees next to the Christus statue in the center’s lobby, are intended to showcase how different cultures depict the sacred historical moment.
“It’s very seldom that we can feel we are part of the celebrating here,” said Mariana Million, a Costa Rican working in international relations in D.C. “To see a doll from our country on one of the trees and a Nativity scene from our country makes us feel like we can participate. Featuring so many cultures was very nice.”
See photos from ten countries below.
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