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A jewel built in family.

The Nativity scene is the treasure created within the family, a jewel that transcends time and generations, strengthening the bonds which unite us.

It teaches us that true wealth lies in the relationships we cultivate with one another and that the spirit of Christmas resides in the unity and love we share.

The Nativity Scene... "is an exercise in creative fantasy that employs a variety of materials to bring small masterpieces to life.
It is learned from childhood: when parents and grandparents, together, pass on this joyful habit that encapsulates within itself a rich popular spirituality.”…

Pope Francis, in the apostolic letter 'Admirabile signum'
December 1st, 2019

Saint Francis of Assisi and the Nativity Scene

The history of the Nativity scene is connected to a small town in the Rieti Valley, Italy, called Greccio, where Saint Francis of Assisi first represented the Nativity of Christ during Christmas in 1223. Saint Francis was the one who brought the Nativity scene to the streets, allowing everyone to appreciate and enter into the mystery of the incarnation in a completely new way.

Over eight centuries, Greccio has welcomed tens of thousands of pilgrims every year from all parts of the world.

The annual assembly of the Nativity scene has become a family tradition, and its significance transcends individual beliefs.

In this context of inclusivity and universality, integrated within the 800-year tradition of the Nativity scene representation by Saint Francis of Assisi, Leitão & Irmão embarked on the original design of the Grand Nativity Scene. A collectible masterpiece, offering in its diversity a personalized representation.

2023 EDITION

from October to December

The Holy Family

The 'Holy Family' set can be interpreted as a simplified version of the 'Nativity' set. For those seeking a minimalist version, the preciousness of the 'Holy Family' set is perfect.

Composed by:

  • Our Lady
  • Saint Joseph
  • Baby Jesus
  • Wooden stable with a Silver star

The Nativity

The 'Nativity' set represents the night of Jesus' birth, the very essence of Christmas night. It includes all the elements featured in the stories that accompanied the moment of Jesus' birth. In some families, the Baby Jesus is placed in the manger only after the stroke of midnight.

Composed by:

  • Our Lady
  • Saint Joseph
  • Baby Jesus
  • Donkey
  • Cow
  • Angel

The Adoration

The 'Adoration' set represents the journey of the Wise Men, following the Star of Bethlehem, also known as the Christmas Star or Guiding Star, to meet the baby Jesus. A journey that marks the end of the Christmas season on January 6th.

Composed by:

  • Wise Man Melchior
  • Wise Man Balthasar
  • Wise Man Gaspar
  • Shepherd
  • Shepherdess
  • Lying sheep
  • Lying ram

The River

The 'River' set represents the surrounding and symbolic environment of the village. The people of the sea, their stories, and adventures contribute to this exercise in creative fantasy.

Composed by:

  • Washerwoman
  • Water carrier
  • Fisherman
  • Shepherd
  • Bridge
  • Sheep in field
  • Ram in field

The Village

The 'Village' set represents the surrounding and symbolic environment of the Grand Nativity Scene. It is part of the creative fantasy surrounding the Nativity concept.

Composed by:

  • Well with bucket and basin
  • Water Seller
  • Milk Seller
  • Eggs Seller
  • Fruit Seller
  • Dog

The Bread

The 'Bread' set represents the people in the village who contribute to this basic and sacred food. It is part of the creative fantasy surrounding the Nativity concept.

Composed by:

  • Mill
  • Miller
  • Reaper
  • Lumberjack
  • Farmer
  • Palestinian Gazelle
  • Gazelle calf

The Fishing

The 'Fishing' set represents the everyday life and humility that surrounds the Grand Nativity Scene. The people, their stories, and adventures contribute to this exercise in creative fantasy.

Composed by:

  • Boat
  • Pier
  • Donkey
  • Fish seller
  • Net Mender
  • Fisherman with Nets
  • Baskets

The Tavern

The 'Tavern' set represents the everyday life and humility that surround the Grand Nativity Scene. The people, their stories, and adventures contribute to this exercise in creative fantasy.

Composed by:

  • Oven
  • Female Baker
  • Innkeeper
  • Female Customer sitting
  • Male Customer
  • Tavern table

The Professions

The 'Professions' set represents some of the village professions. The people, their stories, and adventures contribute to this exercise in creative fantasy.

Composed by:

  • Blacksmith with hammer
  • Carpenter with adze
  • Shearer
  • Woodcutter
  • Camel Driver
  • Rocking horse

The Camp

The 'Camp' set represents the everyday life and humility that surround the Grand Nativity Scene. It is part of the creative fantasy surrounding the Nativity concept.

Composed by:

  • Campfire
  • Grilled fish
  • Musician with Flute
  • Musician with Violin
  • Musician with Bagpipes
  • Camel
  • Musician apprentice

From the Earth

The 'From the Earth' set is inspired by the popular traditions of the land, reminding us of the cultural roots that enrich us. The people, their stories, and adventures contribute to this exercise in creative fantasy.

Composed by:

  • Olive Tree
  • Basket of Olives
  • Basket of Vegetables
  • Soup Maker with spoon
  • Soup Cauldron
  • Rooster
  • Chicken

The artists

The Nativity scene was initially designed and sculpted in clay by the artist Ferreira Pinto in collaboration with Casa Leitão.

Different pieces were conceptualized and later crafted in silver at our workshops, where the sculptor from Casa, Diana Barra, made her mark and completed the Nativity scene with some pieces she created herself.

Our partnerships

Leitão & Irmão has established renowned partnerships, combining jewellery tradition with a contemporary vision.

Book a visit

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Contact us

Our team is always available to help you find the perfect jewellery for any moment.

E.  onlineshop@leitao-irmao.com

T. +351 211 994 104
(call to the Portuguese landline network)

W. +351 916 547 306
(call to the Portuguese mobile network)

H. Monday to Friday | 9h00-18h00

It's

Gift Time!

As suas joias merecem ser guardadas com a mesma elegância com que são usadas.

Assim, nesta época natalícia, a Leitão & Irmão oferece-lhe um elegante porta-jóias para guardar todas as suas peças.

*oferta exclusiva da loja online e válida em compras superiores a 250€ em joalharia.