Keeping alive the humble message in hard times
The scene of the Nativity: An apt reminder of a historic birth in a lowly stable. Pix by Akila Jayawardena
Humble, they line the roads of Moratuwa, a simple symbol of Christmas and God’s greatest gift to mankind, the Babe born in Bethlehem in a stable, amidst the cattle and sheep because there was no room in the inn. Unlike the other trappings we have come to associate with yuletide, from turkey to tinsel and stockings and poinsettia, holly and mistletoe, the crib is the enduring icon of the meaning of Christ’s birth.
It was in Grecio, Italy that St. Francis of Assisi is said to have created the first nativity scene in 1223.
With its baby Jesus in the manger (placed there on Christmas Eve), the lambs and the glow of the Star of Bethlehem over a cold night in a farflung corner of the Roman Empire, it reflects the lesson of humility of the Son of God who came to minister to all- from prince to pauper.
It’s not a very good year however for the humble handcrafted stables with their manger and sacred porcelain figurines in tinted hues, made during this season for the faithful to place in their homes.
The Galle Road is less punctuated than usual with the tinsel adorned gava-len for sale and some of those sellers have a tale of apathy to tell.
Ajith: Not complaining
Says Chamara Lakmal of Katubedda that sales are very low this year. He has been in the trade for 23 years, and while in a normal season 30 to 40 cribs were sold a day, three days have passed this year with not so much as 20 sales.
A bundle of hay (for the roof) costs Rs. 250 and the pavements were off bounds for vendors in some areas, spelling bad business.
We find Ajith (54) who makes and sells at home, in his shed in Moses’ Lane, Katukurunda, carpeted thick with curled wood shavings, busy fashioning cribs to order.
With frames and conical roof it is a reminder of the family values that Christmas upholds, the closeness of the Holy Family that night in Bethlehem amidst the warmth of the hay.
Crafted with care: Chamara Lakmal in Katubedda
Ajith has little complaints about sales though, maybe because he specialises in big cribs, all made of Lunumidella wood or Albizia. A carpenter by profession and a Buddhist in this neighbourhood of Roman Catholics, he says he does not obtain hay from egg sellers’ as this is taboo; a problematic commodity, it has to come all the way from paddy fields in Moragahahena.
Prices with Ajith range from Rs. 700- 1300, though some others could charge as high as Rs. 2000.
The figurines to be found around Moratuwa vary in quality- but are mostly homemade.
Altogether, Christmas seems to be making a valiant comeback after the Covid years, and the crib makers of Moratuwa say we must look forward, and anticipate better tidings in the New Year yet to come…. The hope that the birth of the Christchild celebrated at Christmas brings.
Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.