Monday, December 2, 2019

Annual KOC Creche Exhibit


Friday (November 29) was a paid holiday for me. I chose to mark the day be visiting the annual Christmas Creche exhibit at the Knights of Columbus Museum. 

Last year I was accompanied by my son. But this year, he is away, trucking, so I went solo. (Perhaps if he is able to come home for a break, we can go again together).

This year's theme is "Christmas in Europe." The pamphlet and promotional literature description:
Across Europe, the annual celebration of Christ's birth has formed traditions that have become part of the cultural fabric of its nations and regions. "Christmas in Europe" is the theme of the Knights of Columbus Museum's 15th annual Christmas exhibition, showcasing the art and customs of the continent. 
From November 16, 2019 to February 2, 2020 the museum will exhibit more than 80 Nativity scenes or creches, icons and religious artworks representing 30 countries across Europe including its signature 120-square-foot Neapolitan (Italian) creche. 
European artists, from the great masters to local craftspeople, have depicted the Nativity for centuries, often integrating and showcasing regional clothing, architecture and raw materials. The show also explores the traditions and festivities that have developed across the continent to celebrate the Christmas season.
History of the Nativity in Art. 
The origins of the creche or Nativity scene, a three-dimensional representation of the birth of Christ, date back to the 13th century. It was in the Italian city of Greccio, in December 1223, that St. Francis of Assisi gathered villagers together to form a living Nativity scene. This depiction of Christ's birth has since evolved and has been explored for almost 800 years. 
While the earliest creches were found in churches, by the 17th century elaborate creches were commonplace within the homes of the aristocracy. By the following century, creches were made with more affordable materials, allowing them to be accessible to all people.

The exhibit is again located on the main floor in the three primary gallery rooms. Each room has one or more posters that explain the items in the room. The exhibit is organized by country, each one having a caption to describe a key feature of its Christmas customs as illustrated in the exhibit.




I am fascinated by the colors, artistry, and imagination behind the various interpretations of the birth of Jesus, the Christ child. I think this demonstrates the diversity of thought and devotion that people bring to the concept of savior. The birth of a child represents continuation of life, a new generation, a fresh start, and hope for a future.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help icon.

This reminded me of an Easter basket.

This made me think of VeggieTales.



One section of the exhibit featured a mock-up of a Christmas market.
Beginning in late November, many European cities host Christmas markets. Dozens of vendors display and sell Christmas items such as ornaments, candles and creches. In addition, food, beverages, and other handcrafted gifts are fore sale. Families flock to the markets to buy everything they need to prepare for Christmas or come simply to celebrate the season. Some modern markets provide a fair-like atmosphere. 
These markets originated in German-speaking countries in the 13th and 14th centuries. In 1298, the city of Vienna hosted its first market, called the "December Market" and the city of Munich hosted a Christmas market in 1310. Today markets can be found throughout Europe. Even Albania, where half the populations practices Islam, has a Christmas market in its capital city of Tirana. While many follow the design of the German markets, others include their own nation's foods and crafts.

Part of the market exhibit-note also the Christmas tree.

Christmas trees awaiting to be decorated by schoolchildren for the
annual Christmas Tree Festival (beginning December 7, 2019).

Christmas Trees
There are several stories associated with the origin of the modern Christmas tree. The ancient Romans decorated their houses with pine branches for the celebration of  Saturnalia, honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture. The celebration began in the middle of December and ended around January 1.  
People of Celtic descent would adorn holly or ivy bushes with fruit, nuts, and torches in late December to celebrate the winter solstice.  
With the introduction of Christianity, decorated evergreen trees came to symbolize the Tree of Life, and, also the figure of Christ and his promise of eternal life.


Polish

Russian
A modern, minimalist interpretation.

There are many more pieces and styles in the exhibit. It is worth attending even if you are not Catholic or Christian (I'm not). At this time of year, I think it is worth pondering the divine and the meaning of our lives. The exhibit shows the various hopes and desires of many peoples for salvation from the burdens of living and also expressions of their hope for the future.

And how can you go wrong with FREE admission and parking.

Upstairs

The exhibit space upstairs contained something of a hodgepodge of religious art:

I don't think I ever realized that wall behind this cross is painted blue to
represent the sky.

Another icon.
Compare to the Lady of Perpetual Help (above).

St Joseph & the child Jesus.

Another Exhibit: Knights of Columbus Headquarters

For the 50th anniversary of the Knights of Columbus Headquarters building, the museum has a modest but interesting exhibit on the history of their headquarters buildings in New Haven. The exhibit centers on their current HQ building which was completed in 1969.

Fashioned For The 21st Century: A Headquarters for the
Knights of Columbus.
This picture shows the New Haven Coliseum (at left) with parking garage on top.

One thing I learned was that the (demolished 2007) New Haven Coliseum was designed by the same architect and intended to match the Knights' tower (see picture below).

The parking structure of the New Haven Coliseum (L) with the Knights of
Columbus HQ Tower (R).

Again, this exhibit is FREE and worthwhile.

I am always surprised to find that so many Connecticut Catholics (and even members of Knights of Columbus) have NEVER visited this FREE museum. It is a treasure not to be missed.
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