One of the most important figures of the nativity story is that of Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is a time honoured and much loved tradition for young boys to portray Joseph in Christmas plays. Joseph costumes are similar to those of other biblical characters and reflect common types of dress among the Jewish people of Israel in that era. They are simple to design and easily identifiable.
Joseph is a well known and much loved biblical figure. Although not the biological father of Christ, he raised the boy as his own and acted as a father to him. While he was engaged to Mary, she became pregnant in an act known as the immaculate conception. It is a testament to the faith of both Mary and Joseph that they accepted the pregnancy was God's will.
At the time of Christ's birth, the Roman rulers had called the population to Bethlehem so that a census could be carried out. Joseph escorted a heavily pregnant Mary to the town, and when no inn could be found, arranged for them to stay in a barn, where Jesus was born, surrounded by the animals. Common nativity scenes show him leading Mary into Bethlehem on a donkey or watching over the baby alongside Mary.
Jesus grew up a normal Jewish boy in the town of Nazareth with his parents instilling in him a thorough knowledge and understanding of the faith. Joseph also taught his son the trade of carpentry. There is little mention of him in the gospels after Jesus grew up, but he is much admired by Christians for the strength of his faith and was made a saint by the early church.
As Joseph is from the artisan class and not part of ruling elite, his attire is reasonably simple. Most characters in the gospels wear the clothing traditional to Jewish society of the time, in which modesty, comfort and freedom of movement were paramount concerns.
It is standard for the head to be covered with a long piece of cloth similar to a woman's veil with a cord around the head to secure it. The main item is a full length tunic with a girdle or belt around the waist and a robe over the top completes the look. Leather sandals are generally worn on the feet and although not a shepherd, Joseph is usually shown carrying a crook, maybe to assist him in the journey to Bethlehem which he took on foot. The colours should be plain and the fabric something simple such as linen or cotton. Actors playing the role of Joseph may want to add some extra layers underneath for warmth. Clothing designed for the Middle Eastern climate may not be terribly comfortable during a European or North American winter!
If you want to find a costume for a boy playing Joseph, Contact local costume hire shops or theatres for suitable items. Some churches may also have supplies for their annual nativity plays.
Nativity plays are a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season and recognize the importance of the Christmas story. The costumes, props and setting all help to convey the right atmosphere and it is important that these details are given attention. Joseph costumes should be typical of biblical dress and reflect the character's background and role in society.
Joseph is a well known and much loved biblical figure. Although not the biological father of Christ, he raised the boy as his own and acted as a father to him. While he was engaged to Mary, she became pregnant in an act known as the immaculate conception. It is a testament to the faith of both Mary and Joseph that they accepted the pregnancy was God's will.
At the time of Christ's birth, the Roman rulers had called the population to Bethlehem so that a census could be carried out. Joseph escorted a heavily pregnant Mary to the town, and when no inn could be found, arranged for them to stay in a barn, where Jesus was born, surrounded by the animals. Common nativity scenes show him leading Mary into Bethlehem on a donkey or watching over the baby alongside Mary.
Jesus grew up a normal Jewish boy in the town of Nazareth with his parents instilling in him a thorough knowledge and understanding of the faith. Joseph also taught his son the trade of carpentry. There is little mention of him in the gospels after Jesus grew up, but he is much admired by Christians for the strength of his faith and was made a saint by the early church.
As Joseph is from the artisan class and not part of ruling elite, his attire is reasonably simple. Most characters in the gospels wear the clothing traditional to Jewish society of the time, in which modesty, comfort and freedom of movement were paramount concerns.
It is standard for the head to be covered with a long piece of cloth similar to a woman's veil with a cord around the head to secure it. The main item is a full length tunic with a girdle or belt around the waist and a robe over the top completes the look. Leather sandals are generally worn on the feet and although not a shepherd, Joseph is usually shown carrying a crook, maybe to assist him in the journey to Bethlehem which he took on foot. The colours should be plain and the fabric something simple such as linen or cotton. Actors playing the role of Joseph may want to add some extra layers underneath for warmth. Clothing designed for the Middle Eastern climate may not be terribly comfortable during a European or North American winter!
If you want to find a costume for a boy playing Joseph, Contact local costume hire shops or theatres for suitable items. Some churches may also have supplies for their annual nativity plays.
Nativity plays are a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season and recognize the importance of the Christmas story. The costumes, props and setting all help to convey the right atmosphere and it is important that these details are given attention. Joseph costumes should be typical of biblical dress and reflect the character's background and role in society.
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