BETHLEHEM IN SLOVAKIA

Manger with bible persones are animated during Christmase Eve. Some inhabitants from the villages or towns take a role such in a real Bethlehem.

Live Bethlehem is still played in churches especially in villages. It´s something like a folk theater. The roles in Bethlehem theatre are very typical for Slovakia: there were shepherds "Fedor" and "Stacho", a ridiculous "Kubo" in a fur coat put on otherwise. The angel holds "Bethlehem" in his hands. The other persons have a stick and hit the floor to keep the rythm of the play and songs. Entering the house the angel greets the family and puts the Bethlehem on the table. Then they start to act.

There are many Christmas songs and carols which were made by Slovak nation many years ago. The most moving is thanks giving and sacrificing the presents from shepherds to the little baby in  manger. Shepherds wear folk costumes and presents are also very special: shepherd´s fife, naturaly hardened peasant boots, smoked sheep-chees,  pipes, fur coat. They are typical for the region where Bethlehem is played.