Nativity
– C1-C2 (advanced) –
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In Canadian English, this word typically means:
a visual representation of the birth of Jesus Christ
NOTE
This word is commonly used with the definite article (“the”), has a capital N (“Nativity”), and is often accompanied by the word “scene” (“Nativity scene”).
Nativities can be decorations, displays, plays, pictures, or more. They are commonly seen at Christmastime in Canada and the United States.
A Nativity traditionally consists of baby Jesus, his mother Mary, his father Joseph, three Wise Men, an angel, and sometimes a shepherd with various animals (e.g., sheep, donkey, camel, etc.) in a manger.
“A Nativity Scene.” Image courtesy of Nick Fewingson Unsplash.
EXAMPLES
“My little sister’s favourite Christmas tree ornament is a Christmas ball that has a Nativity scene painted onto it. She always likes to put it by the tree topper, which is an angel in our family.”
“In some households, it is a tradition to not display baby Jesus in the Nativity until the night of Christmas Eve. This is supposed to further represent his birth, which is typically celebrated in Canada on Christmas Day.”
Do you and your family celebrate Christmas? Do you do so with a Nativity? What are your traditions surrounding a Nativity? Practice using your English by letting me know in the comments below.
