Willow Tree Nativity Set Details

The Willow Tree Nativity Collection

Willow Tree Nativity sets have grown in popularity over the years largely because the simplicity and serenity of their design reflect the sentiments of peace and joy associated with the Christmas season. The figurines are rendered so as to reveal their expressions through body gestures only… a tilt of the head, placement of the hands, a turn of the body. The absence of facial features contributes to the quiet and modest design. Emotions and feelings are left to the viewer to discern, which makes them very personal and powerful.

Our store brings in a huge supply each year to ensure that our customers can get the special pieces they want.

Starting Figures - The Nativity

The heart of the Willow Tree Nativity Set is the the Six Figure Nativity Scene. It is comprised of Joseph, Mary holding the infant Jesus, A shepherd holding a lamb, a donkey, and two sheep; one standing, one lying down.

Shepherd and Animals

A very popular second addition to the Nativity set is the Shepherd and stable animals. This is a four piece set. The figures included are the kneeling shepherd, two dark sheep: one staning, one kneeling, and a Camel.

Three Wise Men

Completing the core figures for the Willow tree set are the three kings. These three figures represent Casper, Melchior and Bathasar, the wide men or Kings said to have come to offer homage and gifts to Jesus. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, myrrh are prophetic emblems of Jesus, with Gold addressing Jesus' kingship, Frankincense His priesthood, and myrrh His death.

The Creche

The Stable or Creche is a favorite add on for many who complete the entire Willow Tree Nativity Collection. The classic simple lines of this creche are in harmony with the rest of the set. The creche presents the figures of the nativity on a two tierd platform with a backdrop of the the stable topped with a five point star. While the creche is large (19.75" wide x 11.25" Deep) you will need additional space if you want to display all of the figures of the nativity set.

Nativity Star Backdrop

The only other element which is considered a part of the official nativity scene is the metal star backdrop. This affordable addition stands over 13 inches high and is a economical accessory. It has a weighted base and displays seven five pointed stars. For those who have all of the nativity fugures and acessories is is common for two or more of these backdrops to be included as part of the over-all set.

Other Figures Recomended for the Nativity

Other Willow Tree figures by Susan Lordi, the creator of the willow tree figures, angels and nativity work wonderfully with this nativity scene. Our recomendations are:

• Angel of Hope - A small angel holding a lantern. She seems in a way to be lighting the way for those who come to visit the baby Jesus.
• Angel of Prayer - A kneeling angel which conves well the sentiment that the angels themselves are humbled by the magnitude of the birth of Christ.
• Angel of Winter - Holding a wreath over one arm, this standing angel brings to the set one of the most popular icons of Christmas today, The wreath. Circular, and evergreen, the whreath reminds us of God's never ending presence and love.
• Peace on Earth - How this figure was not considered part of the nativity line, we don't know, but from our perspective she looks like a missing shepherd. Sized appropriately for the other figure of the nativity scene, this figure, holds a lamb in a loving embrace. The coloring for this figure is much like that of the shepherd and stable animal figures.
• Angel Stand - Since the angels are smaller, sometimes the angel stand will help them to stand out within the full set.
• Angel of Christmas Spirit - This is one of the taller angels in the Willow Tree collection. She is sized proportionally to the other nativity figures. Standing with her hands ourstreached in a gesture of giving, this angel reflects one of the halmark qualities of the christmas season, the Gift of Jesus, which we reflect in our giving to each other.

Don't feel limited by our suggestions. Many of the other angel fit in wonderfully with this collection.