Trigonometry
Elizabeth Kuchen
Switzerland

Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics and apparently has nothing to do with Christmas. But have a closer look a this nativity. The magi-kings are arranged in a triangle. The ground they tread is of triangular shape; Mary, Joseph and the cradle are aligned according to the same geometric pattern. The hinted at house, in fact, is a gabled roof. Even the lightning rod suggests an open triangle.

We like it neat and orderly. Our mentality is readily espousing what Pascal called the spirit of geometry. We tend to organize life on a drawing-board and to put people into labeled boxes. The spirit of geometry has its positive side; who would want to doubt it! We need some law and order in society, but there is no way of cloning individual history and the consequences of abuse. God would be dead, if we should ever declare Him demonstrable. Pascal counterbalanced the spirit of geometry with spirit of finesse, meaning in French a sense of empathy, the ability to see with the eyes of the heart, to be gifted with depth perception. This nativity scene suggests the same balance. From the carpet of little daisies to the brightly painted figures with chubby cheeks and funny hats, there is a subtle message springing from this set: There is more to Christmas than trigonometry.