Italy

Christmas in Italy

Christmas starts eight days before Christmas Day with a special 'Novena' of prayers and church services which lasts until Christmas Day. On the 23rd December Children go from house to house dressed as shepherds, playing pipes, singing and reciting Christmas poems. They receive money to buy Christmas treats.

A strict feast is observed 24 hours before Christmas Eve, and is followed by celebration meal. The traditional Christmas meal 'Cenone', is made up of pasta and anchovies, an assortment of fish, fresh broccoli, tossed salad, fruits and sweets. No meat is eaten.
The 'Urn of Fate', an ornamental bowl, holds wrapped presents. These are drawn in a lucky dip fashion by members of the family. The 'Presepio' represents the Holy Family in the stable. At twilight prayers are said and children recite poems around the crib.

In Italy children wait until Epiphany, January 6th, to receive presents. 'Befana' is a witch like character who rides around on a broom. It is said that she was told by the Three Kings that baby Jesus was born, but was busy and delayed visiting the baby. Later when she saw the bright star in the sky, she packed some toys are went to find Jesus but it was too late. Now, each year she looks for him, leaving gifts for the good children and coal for the bad ones.

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