Willow Tree - Complete Nativity - Large

THE COMPLETE NATIVITY - LARGE

Set includes 11 Willow Tree products:

CRECHE (26106)
The Crèche is designed to display the classic Nativity collection. While simple in architectural detail, the Crèche has meaning built into its very design. The piece has a regal, stately appearance, yet is constructed from humble materials of barn wood and nails. The structure’s proportions also suggest the size and shape of the cross, while its rusty nails foretell the crucifixion. The Crèche intimately shelters the Holy Family, then opens wide to welcome shepherds and travelers from afar.

2 x METAL STAR BACKDROPS (26007)
Designed as a backdrop for the 6-piece Nativity figures, or can be used on either side of the Créche in the classic Nativity collection.

6 PIECE NATIVITY (26005)
As enduring as the story it portrays, the Willow Tree Nativity is as loved today as when it was originally introduced in 2000. Its simplicity and form has made it a timeless classic. .“The Christmas Story is a story from the past… but the overwhelming emotions of holding a new baby, starting a new family, and wanting to protect them forevermore are present today in every culture and every age. My hope is that the gestures of Mary and Joseph will represent these powerful feelings of love and protection.” --Susan Lordi

3 WISE MEN (26027)
The Three Wisemen were created to complement the scale of the classic Nativity collection.

ZAMPOGNARO (27183)
“I love the idea of bringing music to the Nativity… and I wanted to portray an instrument that’s traditionally been used for that purpose. My son is immersed in the preservation of indigenous music in the regions of Italy and Sicily, from where my grandparents immigrated. He’s re-introduced an authentic musical tradition to our family by learning about and playing the zampogna, the Italian bagpipe (pronounced zam-pone-ya). The bagpipe is an ancient pastoral instrument played by shepherds and farmers for thousands of years, and is used in many cultures to celebrate the nativity. In present day Italy, the Zampognaro (shepherd with bagpipe) plays the Novena, the nine days leading up to Christmas… a celebration and announcement of the birth of Christ. The music is festive and vibrant, accompanied by singing and dancing. It’s a time of reunion and company – heralding the arrival of the holidays. It’s the Italian version of caroling – people gather, singing songs passed down through the generations. The zampogna is a humble shepherd’s instrument, yet it produces a rich texture of melody and rhythm. I like the thought of this joyful, symphonic music surrounding the nativity scene.” —Susan Lordi

ANGEL STAND (26107)
The Angel Stand is designed to elevate angels or figures in the classic Nativity collection.

LITTLE SHEPHERDESS (26442)
“I view this angelic figure as an earthly personification of love. Her gaze and gesture is one of adoration. The smoky blue color of her dress grounds her, as do the two wooly lambs she tends. I wanted her to complement the taller shepherdess figure, Peace on Earth. Together, with the other shepherds and animals, they radiate warmth, love and peaceful attentiveness.” —Susan Lordi'

A TREE A PRAYER (26170)
“A tree can be a metaphor for strength, beauty and peace — qualities we all aspire to. The prayer is one of hope and healing; about living in the moment. The title is as much a prayer as the sentiment. This piece is very open. The tree can be a symbol of anything that is centering and inspirational. Trees are grounding — a connection to that which sustains us. It could also reference the Tree of Life — a universal symbol in many different religions, both Christian and non-Christian.” —Susan Lordi

ANGEL OF PRAYER (26012)
Willow Tree angels resonate with many cultures and ages of people. To some they represent protection, to some they are an outward reminder of inner peace, and to some they represent a way to remember those who have left this earth.

OX AND GOAT (26180)
Susan Lordi carved this two-piece set of Ox and Goat to complement the scale of the classic Nativity collection.
 

PEACE ON EARTH (26104)
"The idea for Peace on Earth was formulating as our country was making plans to go to war. In a way, it was my response. I wanted to make this figure very human, not an angel. It's not about celestial peace, but peace on earth among us — what we need to contemplate now. I wanted her feet to be on the ground, not flying in the clouds. I gave her dress a very earthy color to 'ground' it. The lamb has always been a symbol of peace; the woman, a peacemaker. Peace — here on earth — is what I tried to portray in color, symbol and look.” —Susan Lordi
 

SHEPHERD AND STABLE ANIMALS (26105)
Susan Lordi carved this four-piece set of a shepherd, camel and two sheep to complement the scale of the classic Nativity collection.