The Coconut Créche - Hawaii's Nativity Scene
One of the most beloved and eye catching items we have in our store is the Hawaiian Coconut Créche. This unique handmade nativity scene immediately says "Hawaiian" to anyone who has stepped foot in Polynesia. Standing about an average of about 4 1/2 - 5 inches tall, the crèche is actually a coconut that has been cut into, emptied of the meat and water, dried and shaped to look like a stable... made from a coconut.
Inside of the crèche we have the standard Jesus in a crib, Mary, Joseph, an angel, stable animals and to add a little more "Hawaiian" to it, we add a coconut tree. All the figures are made of wood and complement nicely the wooden feel of the coconut manger.
Every year we get the créche with the figures separately. We glue the figures onto the base, let dry and pack away. We send most out during the Christmas season but still try to offer throughout the year.
We have keiki (kids) now and one thing we are always on the lookout for are crafts or gifts that they can make themselves for their grandparents, family and friends. Then it hit me. Why not have them make their own coconut crèche for their Tutu (Grandma)? And why not offer that to everyone as well? So, for the first time this year, we are offering a "make-your-own" créche. It's a great hands-on project that is easy, fun and a great reminder of the Christmas season and the Aloha of the Hawaiian islands.
Everything is included (minus the scissors needed to open the glue). We've switched to wood glue as it dries clear and is made for... wood. It's easy and best of all there is no right or wrong in how you arrange your figures. Put the tree in the back. Move the angel in the middle. It's up to you where you want to place them. But if you can't decide, we've included suggested placement directions as well. However you arrange them, the person receiving the crèche is sure to love it. Especially because it is something you or your keiki made especially for them. Enjoy. Mele Kalikimaka!
PS. We'd love to see how they turn out for your loved ones. Post your pictures on our Facebook page or tag #blackpearldesigns on Instagram.