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Christmas in italy
(ready for the speaking)
Christmas is a very religious time in Italy.
A manger scene is set up in each home.
A manger scene is set up in each home.
For twenty-four hours before Christmas people fast (do not eat). This is followed by Christmas Eve dinner called a Cennone.
there are lots of Christmas things to see during December prior to Christmas, many starting on December 8, the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception.
The Epiphany (Feast of the Three Kings), on January 6th, is the last day of Christmas celebrations.
Decoration
Christmas decorations and trees are becoming more popular in Italy. Lights and decorations are often seen starting around December 8, the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, or even the end of November. The main focus of decorations continues to be the presepe, Nativity scene or creche.
In Italy, the Christmas season goes for three weeks, starting 8 days before Christmas known as the Novena and lasts till after the Feast of Epiphany.
Italian Christmas traditions are based heavily on the religion of Christianity.
The Nativity scene is one of the most beloved and enduring symbols of the Christmas season. Creating the Nativity scene during Christmas actually originated in Italy and is now a popular custom not only in Italy but also in many other parts of the world.
December 8th
On the 8th of December, the day of the Immacolata, is observed a tradition to set up the "Presepio" (Crib) and the Christmas tree. The Presepio (manger or crib) represents, by means of small statues(usually hand-carved and finely detailed in features and dress), scenes regarding Jesus' birth with the Holy Family and the baby Jesus in the stable. These scenes are often set out in triangular shapes. The Presepio is the center of Christmas celebrations for families. By twilight, candles are lighted around the family crib known as the Presepio, prayers are said, and children recite poems. Guests kneel before the crib and musicians sing before it. The tree is a fir, real or fake, decorated with colored balls and multicolored lights. Both the "Presepio" and the tree are put away in the evening of next year on January 6th.
December 24
December 24
This day is celebrated with the family. then they put Baby Jesus in the manger.
This day is celebrated with the family. then they put Baby Jesus in the manger.
This is followed by Christmas Eve dinner called a Cennone. This feast includes fish (no meat), pasta, vegetables, fresh fruits and special sweets and cakes.
At midnight the majority of Italians go to church. That night the baby Jesus or "Gesù Bambino" or Santa Claus "Babbo Natale" comes down the chimney and brings different gifts under the Christmas tree.
Decmber 25
when the sun comes out children wake up with the illusion of knowing what presents "Il bambino Gesù" brought to them.
That evening all the families celebrate the coming of the Christ Child with a meal "pranzo"
At noon on Christmas Day the pope gives his blessing to crowds gathered in the huge Vatican square. For Christmas lunch is served "Tortellini in Brodo" - filled pasta parcels in broth. In central Italy is also served "Cappone" - boiled capon.
Sometimes the hav an exchange of gifts known as ‘urn of fate’, a box wich always contains one gift per person.
December 26
St. Stephen's Day marks the announcement of the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
Day of "Santo Stefano", where families go out to celebrate this festivitie to either the beach, the mountains or just visiting family and friends. This event is called "scampagnata."
Day of "Santo Stefano", where families go out to celebrate this festivitie to either the beach, the mountains or just visiting family and friends. This event is called "scampagnata."
December 31
New Year is referred to as Capodanno (the "head of the year") or Notte di San Silvestro (the night of the saint celebrated on 31 December). A set of rituals are provided by tradition for the new year, as dress red underwear or to get rid of old or unused items by dropping them from the window (this one is almost dropped). Dinner, taken with parents and friends, usually include zampone or cotechino (kind of spiced Italian sausage) and lentils. At midnight strike, fireworks are displayed across the whole country.
January 6
This was the day when the three wise men visitited Jesus and he was given gifts.
Children usually celebrate this day with a visit off the "Befana". That is rather called "Epiphany." This mysterious woman, unkempt appearance, leaves hanging at the door a sock with coal for children who behaved badly and candy for children who behaved well.
This was the day when the three wise men visitited Jesus and he was given gifts.
Children usually celebrate this day with a visit off the "Befana". That is rather called "Epiphany." This mysterious woman, unkempt appearance, leaves hanging at the door a sock with coal for children who behaved badly and candy for children who behaved well.
This practically is the last to celebrate the arrival of the Child Jesus
FOOD
During the Christmas holidays fanciful specialties claim a place of honor at the table. These are traditional dishes that add a festive note to seasonal menus.
Typical Italian Christmas dishes include baccalà (salted dried cod fish), vermicelli, baked pasta, capon and turkey. Traditional Christmas Eve Dinner, which includes many types of fish, is known as La Vigilia Napoletana in southern towns and includes drowned broccoli rabe (also known as Christmas Broccoli), roasted or fried eel, and caponata di pesce (fish salad) to complete the main course.
Desserts include: struffoli (Neapolitan honey pastry); cenci (fried pastry ribbons sprinkled with powered sugar); dried figs, candied almonds, chestnuts, and marzipan fruits and vegetables.
