The biblical background to the nativity scene is found in the first two chapters of the gospels of Luke and Matthew, in which the Annunciation, Nativity, Adoration, and events from Jesus’s infancy are described. Early Christian nativity scenes simply depicted Jesus in the manger with the ox and donkey (ass). Saint Francis of Assisi is thought to be the originator of more graphic displays of Christmas events. In 1223, instead of giving a sermon, he recreated the nativity scene with live animals and people in the town of Greccio. During the Christmas season of 1562, Jesuits in Prague created the first nativity scene as we know it today, from which the custom spread. The idea is to illustrate the story as clearly as possible in order to convey a lasting image to believers. The church reforms under Maria Theresia and Joseph II banished nativity scenes into private circles in the 18th century, where they became increasingly popular. After the ban was lifted, the ornate nativity scenes returned to churches, whilst in domestic settings, simpler crib figurines made from wood, clay, and papier mâché were, and still are, preferred. Today, nativity scenes are still a firm feature of Christmas celebrations both at church and in the home.

The arrangement of figurines and other elements within a nativity scene is by no means coincidental. Their positions in the scene are an expression of their relationships to one another. Symbolically speaking, the nativity scene represents the entire world.

There is a crib canon, according to which a basic crib scene structure must always be maintained: the central focus (but not necessarily the middle) of the crib is the Christ Child. As regards the beholders, Mary is placed next to Jesus on the left – often kneeling – with Joseph on the right – usually standing. Since the earliest times, the ox and the donkey are placed to the right and left of the child, respectively. A lamb on the ground before the child, a gift from the shepherds, often symbolises the Sacrifice of Christ. The left-hand area of the nativity scene represents nature and night, with the shepherds, their fire, the meadow, etc. To the right we have the day-time, with cities and streets from where the procession of the Magi enters. Whilst God the Father is suspended high above the scene, angels are present on every level. The star or comet links heaven and earth.

The crib calendar below provides advice on the arrangement of figurines and scenes throughout the whole year, especially from Advent to Easter.