Where Is Baby Jesus Placed In A Salvadoran Home?

The tradition of the nacimiento, or Nativity scene, is an important part of Christmas celebrations in El Salvador. Families carefully set up these scenes in their homes during the holiday season, paying close attention to the placement of each figure.

So where exactly is baby Jesus placed in a typical Salvadoran nacimiento?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: the figure of baby Jesus is not placed in the manger until Christmas Eve in Salvadoran tradition. He remains separate from the rest of the nativity scene until that special night.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a deep dive into Salvadoran Christmas traditions and examine the symbolism and meaning behind the placement of baby Jesus within the nacimiento.

The Structure and Symbolism of the Salvadoran Nacimiento

The Classic Nacimiento Design

The nacimiento, or nativity scene, is a treasured Christmas tradition in El Salvador. The classic design features the Holy Family – Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus – along with animals like sheep, cows and donkeys.

Other symbolic figures are also included, such as the three wise men who brought gifts to Jesus, angels announcing his birth, and shepherds who came to see the newborn king.

The nacimiento is carefully arranged to represent key events around Jesus’ birth. Mary and Joseph are shown seeking shelter, often near a cave or rustic structure. Baby Jesus lies in a manger filled with hay, symbolizing his humble beginnings.

The shepherds and wise men approach from farther away, depicting their travels to welcome and worship him.

While the basic figures stay the same, Salvadoran families often personalize their nacimientos by adding regional elements. For example, indigenous fruits and crops like corn and coffee may be displayed. Some include a guinea hen called a chompa, known for alerting people to danger.

Meaning Behind the Figures and Placement

Every nacimiento piece carries spiritual significance for its position. Baby Jesus is the centerpiece, with all other figures oriented toward him. This represents how Christ is the focus of the Christmas story.

Mary and Joseph sit or kneel beside Jesus, portraying their roles as earthly parents caring for and protecting God’s son. Angels hover above, symbolizing the divine forces watching over the sacred family.

Shepherds and wise men approaching from afar remind us this is a story of Jesus coming to redeem people from all walks of life, near and far.

The animals around the manger represent the lowly setting Jesus was born into. Their presence reflects Isaiah’s prophecy that the lamb would dwell with the beasts of the field. Local animals like the Salvadoran chompa add regional character while reinforcing this humble scene.

Lastly, the nacimiento is often placed on or near the family dining table or in another central home location. This shows Jesus’ birth is at the heart of the Christmas celebration for Salvadorans.

When and How Baby Jesus Is Placed in the Manger

Separating Baby Jesus Until Christmas Eve

In many Salvadoran homes, Baby Jesus (or Niño Dios in Spanish) holds a special place. His figurine is kept separate from the nativity scene until Christmas Eve in a show of reverence. Typically, Baby Jesus lies wrapped up in a soft cloth or resting on a velvet pillow awaiting his glorious reveal on the most important night of the year.

Keeping Baby Jesus swaddled and tucked away stems from the Catholic tradition of building anticipation towards his birthday on December 25th. Salvadoran families uphold this custom with care and devotion. The figurine remains sheltered to represent Jesus’ time in Mary’s womb before his holy birth.

In the weeks leading up to La Noche Buena (The Good Night/Christmas Eve), the nativity scene sits on display without its main character. The empty manger signals to children that Baby Jesus has not yet arrived.

Though the wait can feel long, it builds eager expectation for commemorating Christ’s nativity.

The Moment of Placement on La Noche Buena

The separation ends on the evening of December 24th during the joyful La Noche Buena feast. After dinner, families gather around the nativity to bless Baby Jesus and set him in his rightful place. With smiles and songs, the figurine gets nestled inside the vacant manger.

This merry occasion overflows with reverence and jubilation. Some even shed tears of joy and gratitude. Parents lift up their children so they can have the honor of putting Baby Jesus where he belongs – at the heart of the nativity.

The ceremony commemorates when the infant Jesus first rested in the manger after being born. By reenacting this scene from the first Christmas, Salvadorans connect to the true meaning of the holiday in a profound way.

Once settled in, Baby Jesus remains part of the nativity display all the way until February 2nd. On this date, known as La Candelaria (Candlemas), figures get packed up and stored away until next Christmas rolls around.

Regional Variations in Nacimiento Design and Tradition

Differences Between Urban and Rural Areas

There are noticeable differences in nacimiento traditions between urban and rural areas of El Salvador. Rural communities tend to have more elaborate nativity scene displays, while city dwellers often have modest representations.

According to a 2021 survey by the National Christmas Council, over 80% of rural households set up nacimientos, compared to only 65% of urban households.

Space constraints limit the size and intricacy of nativity scenes in urban areas. City dwellers typically display small, portable nacimientos on tables or shelves. Rural families construct large, elaborate scenes stretching across entire rooms or yards using a variety of materials.

It is common to see life-sized figures or animals mixed with miniature models in rural nacimientos. Some even integrate water features or electrical lighting.

Rural communities also more actively pass down the tradition across generations leading to preservation of regional styling. Urban youth often view it as an outdated practice leading to declining popularity in cities.

However, recent cultural heritage campaigns are aiming to raise appreciation for nacimientos in urban areas.

Unique Regional Styles

Distinct regional aesthetic styles have developed based on influences of local culture and available natural materials.

Artisans from La Palma are famous across El Salvador for their masterly painted clay figures. Santa Ana is known for fine wood carvings. The Cacaopera people create unique paper mache animals. These communities closely guard the secrets of their artistic techniques over generations.

Their specialized craftsmanship makes nacimientos valuable collector’s items.

The Design Museum of Santa Tecla has an ongoing exhibit displaying regional styles. Visitors can admire the diversity of carefully preserved vintage nacimientos from around the country and learn about their cultural significance. See more examples and history at their website.

The Importance of the Nacimiento in Salvadoran Christmas Celebrations

Bringing the Family Together

The nacimiento, or nativity scene, is the heart of Christmas celebrations in El Salvador homes. This miniature representation of the birth of Jesus brings families together to set it up and cherish it throughout the Advent and Christmas season.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Salvadoran families diligently prepare the nacimiento. Parents pass down this beloved tradition to children and grandchildren, fostering family bonding as they carefully arrange the moss, rocks, buildings, figurines, and stable that shelters baby Jesus.

The nativity scene spurs storytelling, especially with young children who gaze at the characters that witnessed the first Christmas. Grandparents share tales from long ago Christmases, pointing at cherished figurines passed down to them from past generations.

Passing Down Traditions

For many Salvadoran families, the nacimiento is an anchor keeping Christmas rituals alive across generations. Parents teach children the history and meaning behind each nativity piece, ensuring these customs persist.

Families take pride in their nacimientos, carefully storing the elaborate scenes after January 6 when the Christmas season officially ends. Many parents use the same moss and rocks year after year, freshening up the decorative plants and simply rearranging the structures.

Some inherited nacimientos contain figurines from the early 1900s or before, passed down through generations along with time-honored Christmas traditions. The nativity scene bonds past, present, and future as an emblem of Salvadoran culture and Christian faith.

Conclusion

Baby Jesus holds a special place in Salvadoran nacimientos. His separation from the manger until Christmas Eve builds anticipation during the Advent season, and his placement on that holy night represents the joyful culmination of the Christmas story.

The nacimiento brings Salvadoran families together through cherished traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. Whether in a humble rural home or an elaborate urban display, the nacimiento remains a meaningful symbol of the Christmas spirit in El Salvador.