By KIM ATIENZA
No one knows for sure what animals were present, or were really there, when Jesus was born in a manger somewhere in Bethlehem thousands of years ago.
But, modern renditions of the nativity scene bring in cows, donkeys, and sheep watching over the birth of Jesus.
These animals have become a part of nativity scene tradition.
Google notes that in a 1415 Corpus Christi celebration, the Ordo paginarum notes that baby Jesus was lying between an ox and an ass.
Other animals introduced to the nativity scene include elephants and camels.
The donkey is the animal most commonly seen in the Nativity. Many scholars believe Mary rode to Bethlehem on a donkey, escorted by Joseph.
According to Outdoor Nativity Store, most representations of Jesus’ birth show donkeys, cows, and sheep watching over the Holy Family and a camel or two arriving with the Three Kings.
Through the years, artistic renderings have included animals that are native to the artist’s country.
The site then poses a question: What animals were really there at the manger on the first Christmas? The answer is surprisingly unclear.
Send your questions on anything and everything to Kuya Kim through my Twitter account @kuyakim_atienza using #AlaminKayKuyaKim.
