ADVENT CALENDAR 2024

December 21

NATIVITY BY JOSEFINA AGUILAR

Josefina Aguilar
Octolán de Morelas, Oaxaca, Mexico
Painted clay
Circa 1990

These Nativity figures were handcrafted by Josefina Aguilar, one of Oaxaca’s most celebrated folk artists. Mary holds a blanket adorned with a rose—her symbolic flower—to cover the Christ Child, while Joseph carries a white flower. The white flower reflects an ancient legend in which Joseph was chosen as Mary’s husband when his staff miraculously bloomed. The angel wears a star-shaped headpiece, perhaps representing the Star of Bethlehem.

Gift of Rita Bonaccorsi Bocher and Frank and Mary Bonaccorsi Herzel

Visit us at Follow the Star: A 2024 Advent Calendar.