Italy
Christmas Greeting- Buon Natale (bwon-nah-TAHL-e)
Decorations
The first manger scene was made in Italy.
First true Christmas carols started in Italy.
Traditions
Christmas Eve, in Italy, a grand feast is prepared. On
Christmas Day, napkins hide sweet notes that will be
shared.
Christmas festivities begin in Italy with Novena, which is
nine days of special prayer before Christmas. During Novena, shepherds come
down from the mountains to play bagpipes, announcing Christmas is near.
Gift Giver
La Befana, a kindly witch, leaves presents on January 6 in the shoes
of boys and girls not known for playing tricks. Legend has it
that the three kings rested on their way to Bethlehem at the
home of the old woman. They asked her to join them in bringing gifts to the
Baby Jesus, but the old woman said she was too busy sweeping her house.
Later she reconsidered but lost her way. To this day she is looking for the
Christ Child. La Befana flies on her broomstick through windows and down
chimneys. She fills the shoes of good children with toys and
candy. Bad children receive pieces of coal.
Children receive gifts on Christmas, December 24, from
Babbo Natal (BAH-bo-na-TAHL).
Traditional Food
On Christmas Eve families come together for a special feast that includes eel
and other types of fish.
On Christmas Day, an Italian feast may include pasta, roast turkey, veal, fish,
vegetables, cheeses, and pastries, cannolis. A traditional loft-shaped
Christmas cake is given to the hostess.
Italians fast from sunset on December 23 to sunset on December 24.