Single souvenir sparked collection of nativity sets from around world

Now Pauline Weibye's array of Christmas nativity scenes includes more than 200 sets from around the world.

The 57-year-old from Newington will share each and every one with the public during an exhibition at Craigmillar Park Church this weekend.

The Nativity Exhibition will feature nativity scenes made out of everything from banana fibre to Norwegian crystal.

Mrs Weibye, who has been a member of the church for around 30 years, said: "They're all nativity sets made of a variety of materials - paper, wood, metal, clay and fabric.

"They are all various interpretations of the Christmas story of Mary, Joseph and the baby, the shepherds and the three kings."

The mother-of-two, who is secretary to the Council of the Assembly for the Church of Scotland, added: "People tend to think of the nativity scene as being Mary and Joseph in the stable with straw, but it isn't always like that.

"One of the interesting things with nativity scenes from around the world is that they often reflect local cultures.

"I have one from Uganda which is made of banana fibre. The three kings are carrying local gifts, including a bedding roll - a fibre mat - rather than gold, frankincense or myrrh."

Mrs Weibye's impressive collection includes nativity scenes from Europe, America and Africa. Most were either purchased while on holiday or given to her as gifts.

Mrs Weibye even made two of them herself, including a tapestry and a nativity kit made of fabric.

She added: "Quite a lot of the scenes are from South America because there's a big tradition of doing nativity scenes over there.

"Often countries have their own take on the story - the native American ones don't have an ox, an ass and a donkey, they have a coyote, a wolf and a bear as the animals, and children often like that kind of detail."

Mrs Weibye's collection also includes a set from Vietnam made out of recycled newspaper.

Among the highlights is a set made from fabric by women in a refugee camp in Palestine.

"The three kings in the set are actually female. The three wise women are wearing Palestinian costumes with embroidered headdresses," Mrs Weibye added.

Another favourite is a North American scene complete with an 18-inch teepee in place of a stable, which was given to her by a friend who lives in America.

Mrs Weibye, who is also the session clerk at Craigmillar Park Church, said: "Most of the sets are relatively small, I don't have a huge house so they have to be manageable.

"Some are tiny, I even have one which shows Mary, Joseph and baby carved in to a walnut shell."

Mrs Weibye keeps the scenes in her cellar at home and brings them out once a year for the exhibition.

Mrs Weibye said: "I want other people to enjoy the collection, not just my family. It's about sharing it.

"It is always a joy to show people round and to watch how surprised they are when they see how varied the scenes are. Sometimes people come in expecting them all to look the same, but it really does catch people's imaginations."

The free exhibition is at the church today and tomorrow from 2pm to 4pm. Donations to charity Tearfund will be welcome.