Nativity scenes are part of the cycle of Christmas celebrations together with other festive and liturgical activities. Normally the origin of Nativity scenes is attributed to the Middle Ages, when in the form of a play the main themes of the Christian world were presented to the faithful. Through the centuries this ritual has been constantly changing, moving into the streets and households. Nativity scenes are found throughout Brazil, and many artists, including the older figure makers from Taubaté (SP) and ceramists from Jequitinhonha Valley (MG), attribute their beginnings in artistic ceramics to this practice.