Poland

 

The following is a description and explanation of the nativity above on the left:

"The first Thursday in December, the market square in Krakow is turned into an art competition keeping alive a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. It's the competition for the most beautiful Krakow Nativity Crib and is sponsored by the Historical Museum of Krakow.

According to Polish Culture: Creche-makers often incorporate characters from Krakow legends in their creations, including the likes of Queen Wanda, the Dragon of Wawel, and the famed Lajkonik. Each creche is a miniature version of Krakow, rendered in fairy-tale colors, joyous, often imbued with honor. 

The actual competition for the most beautiful Krakow Nativity Crib was started in 1937, stopped during the war4 years and returned in 1946.

 These small Nativities are richly ornamented, multi-layered and constructed of papers, silver and gold foils, cardboard, bits of plastic and faux jewels. Actual sizes of the competition Nativities will range in size from small enough to fit inside a matchbox to several meters high." 

(L09.B79.R08.) 

The Nativity in the center is a hand carved wood scene and is also from Poland. Poland is known for their wood carvings and beautiful details. 

(L11.B999.R051)

The Nativity on the far right is also from Poland but belongs to Richard Ray. Richard is a dear friend who, like myself, enjoys collecting nativities. Richard has let me borrow and display dozens of his nativities over the years. Although it does not belong to me, I included this one because it was in the photo with my sets. Richard always thinks that it is so funny that Joseph has his elbow in a cows ear. (Hard to visualize but it is in the lower right corner of that set.)