In many countries a common tradition is building Christmas cribs. The first one is said to be credited to St. Francis of Assisi who, according to a tale, set it in a forest clearing.
The crib contained the figurines of the Christmas Eve characters and living animals. Later on the venture found its followers who transformed it into the sophisticated art.

An old Polish Christmas tradition to build the Christmas Crib with thousands of figurines - in Polish Szopka (pronounced "shopka") has been known since the beginning of the 19th century.
During the Christmas season you will find Christmas Nativity creches representing Mary, Joseph and others around the crib of baby Jesus at the Bethlehem stable, in every church and under most christmas trees in houses.
The traditional Christmas Nativity scene in miniature usually comprises the Holy Family, angels and shepherds, surrounded by figures of animals. But in Warsaw churches, traditional Christmas cribs are exceptional, ranging from small to life-size representations.
Every church takes pride in its own Christmas Crib - that is usually lavish and elaborate, often in motion, sometimes very old, sometimes a new one every year.

One of the most popular Christmas cribs is the mechanical pageant in the crypt of the Capuchin church and monastery on Miodowa Street. Varsovians have visited the place on Christmas for 50 years.
Crowds of children and adults line up in front of the church to see the crib with its hundreds of moving figures.
Every year, the Capuchin monks change the crib to add topicality, with references to events in the country and the life of the Church. Along with Biblical figures, the crib also has historical figures, including Polish kings.
The crib's backdrop represents famous buildings, including St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the Royal Castle in Warsaw. The first moving crib was displayed in the Capuchin church in 1948.