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The Portuguese Presepio
The tradition of the Presepio in Portugal has remote roots: representations
of the Nativity were found in bas-relief on sarcophagi in the 1400,
as well as in miniature bibles of the same era. However the plastic
Portuguese Presepio reached maximum diffusion and highest artistic
results only in the second half of the 18th century thanks to the
creative genius of an Italian, Alessandro Giusti, who founded the
Mafra school of barro (clay), transmitting this technique to his
pupils and those who followed. Famous, among Portuguese Nativity
Scenes, the ones found in Lisbon in the Cathedral and in the Museum
of Ancient Art, as well as the monumental Presepio in the Estreal
Basilica superior to any other in size and number of personages
(more than five hundred) a masterpiece of Machado de Castro.
Most popular in Portugal, the living Presepio and Presepio in the
home. On Christmas Eve before the consoada (vigil supper), the Presepio
is unveiled and a large trunk of wood is placed in the hearth to
burn night and day through to the Epiphany as protection from harm.
The charcoal remains of the Christmas fire blessed by the Holy Child,
are kept and burned during the year in times of danger to ensure
protection.
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Fides News
Fides
News 2004