Aside from Mary and Joseph, who is the other adult woman in some Nativity scenes?

Answer 1

It was NOT "the Magdalene", she was always seen as Jesus' age when he met her.

It was NOT Martha - her sister was another Mary (and their brother was Lazarus).

It was not Mary the Virgin's cousin, Elizabeth, wife of Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist. She was an elderly woman with a three-month son, she wouldn't have been travelling.

It was customary to use a second woman in the scene - before even animals, the shepherds or the Three Kings/Wise Men were added in.

Men, of course, are hopeless when it comes to childbirth! There would, in early days, ALWAYS be another woman with a new mother and child. She was traditionally seen, in a Nativity, as the wife of the Innkeeper or the town's midwife, who had come for the birth. (Sometimes she was considered to be both at once.)

She even had a name in legend - I read the details once and it was mentioned - but I have forgotten it. Sorry I can't supply it.

Answer 2

I think its likely an Angel . John the Baptists mother was Elizabeth but she didn’t accompany Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. Mary Magdalena well Christ doesn’t meet her till his ministry.

Answer 3

There are none known. It was just Mary, Joseph and Jesus. At least until they got home, then I'm sure Mary's mother and other female relatives helped her.

Answer 4

Most likely, Mary's sister, whom I believe is Martha. Though I don't recall she accompanied them to Bethlehem, according to the Christmas legend. Could also be an angel, maybe?

Answer 5

It's her aunt or cousin, she was married to Zachiria and gave birth to John the Baptist

Answer 6

Might be Mary Magdalene...not sure which scenes you're thinking of, but she shows up in loads of them.

Answer 7

The nanny.