Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Christmas - The Nativity - The Magi - Epiphany

I was born in Spain and my mother is Spanish so for me Christmas is all about The Nativity - The Magi (Three Kings) and the Epiphany.  Growing up my mother put less emphasis on Santa and more on the celebration from Christmas Eve Night till January 6th which celebrates the Epiphany (the day the Three Wise Men came paid homage to the baby Jesus.)

The Three Wise Men by EKDuncan
Background paper was made by spraying Peacock fire Glitz Spritz by Lindy's Stamp Gang onto navy cardstock. Wisemen were stamped and heat embossed with black powder onto paper I marbleized with Faskolor paints. Stamp is by Stampendous

Many people do not realize that the 12 days of Christmas are the days from Christmas (Dec 25 till Jan 5) and not the twelve days that lead up to Christmas. Then on Jan 6th we have the Feast day of the Epiphany.  So basically as we in the USA are wrapping up Christmas by the 26th our European cousins are just getting started in their celebrations. Being of both cultures; I basically celebrate all month long and with my birthday on Jan 4th it's just another reason for me to keep having a great holiday time.

 Wooden Nativity - hand cut by my Uncle Kaj and painted by my Aunt Nell


Wise Men Star Ornaments for my tree by Dept 56



Due to this European tie; I have a thing for Wise Men and the Nativity related Christmas images.
 
Here are just a few of my favorite artistic images related to the Magi
These came from a variety of sources and I've listed artistic credit for them where possible.

 From and old Christmas Card - source unknown


Byzantine depiction of the Three Magi in a 7th-century mosaic at Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo


The Mystery of the Christmas Star - by Digistar


A Background Template for your Computer - Wallpaper Link by Marvelsphoto.com


Alter-piece from Florence Italy


"Adoration of the Magi
By the Italian Renaissance painter Andrea Mantegna, from 1462.



Representation of the Three Kings - Source unknown


 John Hall Thorpe - The Wise Men - 1925

Old Christmas Card - source unknown


 Old Christmas Card - source unknown


Grins and Giggles,
 Evelyn


No comments:

Post a Comment