A
nativity scene or
crèche (or ; also known as a
manger scene, or
crib, in
Italian presepio or
presepe) is the special exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season, of art objects representing the scene of the
birth of Jesus. While the term "nativity scene" may be used of any representation of the very common subject of the
Nativity of Jesus in art, it has a more specialized sense referring to seasonal displays, either using model figures in a setting or enactments called "living nativity scenes" in which real humans and animals participate. Nativity scenes exhibit figures representing the
infant Jesus, his mother
Mary, and
Joseph. Other characters from the nativity story such as
shepherds and
sheep, and
angels may be displayed near the
manger in a
barn (or
cave) intended to accommodate farm
animals, as described in the gospels of
Luke. A
donkey and an
ox are typically depicted in the scene, as well as the
Magi and
camels belonging to the Magi described in the
Matthew. Several cultures add other characters and objects that may be Biblical or not.