Kraków szopka

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Kraków szopka, December 2006
Kraków szopka, December 2006

Kraków szopka (pron.: shop-ka), or nativity scene (crib, crèche) (Polish: Szopka krakowska) is a Christmas tradition originating from Kraków, Poland, and dating back to the 19th century. Unlike traditional Western nativity scene, Kraków szopka portrays historical buildings from Kraków.

[edit] History

Nativity scenes, common in Christian cultures, originated with St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century and spread to Poland quickly afterwards. During the Middle Ages a specific type of nativity scene based play, a Jasełka, developed in Poland.

Some performers displayed their szopkas together with puppets in a form of a street theatre. In some, movable puppets were replaced by immobile wooden figurines. At times subject-specific puppets or figurines were and are being added to illustrate elements of Polish culture, ranging from historical figures like winged hussars and Tadeusz Kościuszko, through legendary Pan Twardowski and Dragon of the Wawel Hill, to contemporary politicians or artists. In the 18th century the spread of such non-religious content led to a ban on more extravagant nativity scenes in some Polish churches; following the ban the performances evolved into a true expression of folk art.

Kraków szopka
Kraków szopka

The szopka tradition dates back to the 19th century, when Kraków's craftsmen – masons, woodworkers – begun to make them as a seasonal decoration in order to earn extra income during Christmas. The custom grew in popularity, with people willing to pay to watch szopka collections – often carried by door-to-door carolers – or to own them. Among the notable early patrons of the custom was the magnate family of Potoccy.

After Poland regained independence in 1918, szopkas started to be made and sold as souvenirs of Kraków. The city's municipal authorities decided to support this tradition by announcing the first competition in December of 1937. Since then, with the exception of the Second World War years, a szopka presentation and tournament takes place on first Thursday of each December, at the Main Market Square, Kraków, next to the Adam Mickiewicz Monument. The best szopkas are displayed in the Historical Museum of Kraków in Krzysztofory palace.

[edit] Design

The ornate structures can be up to two meters high and three meters wide. The edifice most often used as an inspiration for szopka models is the St. Mary's Basilica, Kraków with its easily recognizable spires. Other popular choices include Wawel Castle, Sukiennice trade hall and the Barbican of Kraków.

The Bethlehem stable is often found on the second floor of the structure, with the lower floor filled with historical figurines.

[edit] References

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