Sun, Moon, and Stars
Bernadette Roten
Switzerland

 Inspired by the Scandinavian saga of trolls, this nativity set suggests cosmic proportions. Trolls were believed to have supernatural powers. They were creatures of the night coming out of their hiding places after sunset, and disappearing before the morning sun pointed its face. Awe-inspiring and wrathful, trolls had the ability to transform themselves. This set shows a kinder breed of trolls with flat noses and laughing eyes. They are no longer creatures of the dark but bearers of light. Little stars, they perform a ballet of humor and grace. Posing as sun and moon, they establish authority over the light of day and that of night. Christmas is a festival of light, and is the message of this scene.