The Putz
This year we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Nativity putz
The Putz (pronounced "puts") is a German word meaning "to decorate" and is a miniature scene. In Salem, it was common for each family to have a putz in their home, which would always have included a Nativity scene, and sometimes a village or farm scene as well. Setting up the putz was an exciting family tradition that began with gathering greenery for the scene. After the scenes were assembled, families visited each other to see each putz.
Our Salem putz is a scale model of what Salem looked like many years ago. You will see carefully constructed replicas of the earliest houses in Salem as well as many daily activities such as laundry being hung on clotheslines, firewood being chopped, even a few deer and cows in places you would not expect them!
At our Nativity putz, you will watch the lighted scenes as you listen to the story of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Who are the Moravians?
Home Moravian Church was established in 1771. While it is located in the historical district, it is an active congregation, with members engaged in learning, fellowship and worship here in Salem and involved in outreach programs throughout the community. The Moravian Church is a protestant church that has been in existence for over 500 years, with roots in the Czech Republic and Germany. Moravians first came to North Carolina from Pennsylvania and established the village of Salem in 1766. We are distinguished from other denominations by some of our customs, such as the lovefeast service and the Easter Sunrise service.
If you are interested in learning more about Moravians, please explore the websites of Home Moravian Church or The Moravian Church in North America., or please feel free to join us during our weekly Sunday morning worship service at 10:00 a.m.
The lovefeast is a common meal shared by the congregation to commemorate a special occasion. Near the end of the Christmas lovefeast service each worshiper is given a lighted beeswax candle which is held high as the final hymn is sung to remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world.
Home Moravian Church offers four lovefeasts in the sanctuary on Christmas Eve. All are welcome to attend. Services at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. are designed especially with children and families in mind; the later services at 5:00 and 7:45 p.m. are more suited for adults.
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