Silver convex Christmas medal - Bethlehem, enamel antique stand

The motif of this unusual silver commemorative medal, which stands out for its convex shape, is a traditional nativity scene.

In 1223, Francis of Assisi spent Christmas in a hermitage near the Italian village of Greccio, whose simple beauty reminded him of distant Bethlehem. The founder of the ascetic Franciscan order had an original idea here – to commemorate the birth of Christ with a living image so that believers could see with their own eyes the deprivation and discomfort that the Savior experienced in the first moments of his life. In a cave, the saint built a symbolic stable with a manger in which a statue of the Baby Jesus rested on straw. He then involved his Franciscan brothers, the inhabitants of Greccio, and even living nature in the celebration – to make the impression perfect, he brought a live donkey and ox to the site. The cave, illuminated by candles, was filled with hymns, and Greccio became a new Bethlehem for a moment... This memorable reconstruction of a biblical event sparked a Christmas tradition that continues to this day. Since then, so-called nativity scenes or cribs have been set up throughout the Christian world. First in churches and noble residences, then in the homes of ordinary people. The imagination and creativity of their creators knew no bounds – they created wooden, ceramic, paper, gingerbread, live, and mechanical nativity scenes of all shapes and sizes. Although today they are merely decorations for many people, they still fulfill their ancient purpose – they are a reminder of the immortal story of hope, humility, and love...

On the obverse side of the medal, you will find the Holy Family – Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Above them shines the Star of Bethlehem, and below them lies an ox with a lamb. The reverse side is dominated by a Christmas wreath with pine needles and holly. The elaborate relief is the work of medal maker Mgr. Art. Miroslav Hric,Art. D.

The convex medal, which resembles a Christmas ornament in shape, is embellished with colored enamel and patina.