Nativity Scenes: Polish Szopki

What are Polish szopki?

Polish szopki are nativity sets. These sets tend to be more elaborate than the sets typically found in homes in the United States, but in a different way from how Italian presepe are elaborate.

How are szopki different from US nativity sets and Italian presepe?

Polish szopki are miniature versions of Krakow, or at least, inspired by architecture in the city. This inclusion of city-specific references makes a szopka colorful and distinctly Polish.

Potentially different from a presepe, a szopka might also include figures from Polish lore. Szopki are also singular units, where presepi tend to be displays containing several distinct elements that can be rearranged.

Unlike a typical US nativity set that focuses on an imagined historical Bethlehem, a szopka combines modern and historical elements, as well as Polish and Hebrew images.

Also different from Italian or US nativity sets or scenes, Polish szopki once were stages for puppet shows.  

How are szopki similar to US nativity sets and Italian presepe?

Like an Italian presepe, a szopka might include politicians and other contemporary figures. 

Like typical US nativity sets (the kind that comes up first with an internet search), szopki include a Bethlehem scene with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in a manger.

How big is a szopka?

Szopki can be a few inches to several feet tall - I saw six feet mentioned on multiple websites. Szopki are works of art and, except for a few rules, the design is left up to the creator.