Molly Thomas

Christmas in Italy
Christmas has ancient roots in Italy. The focus of Christmas has always been centered on
spending time with family and the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. It is just a joyful and
relaxing time for family to spend together. The old world traditions in Italy are a refreshing break
from the busy and greedy Christmases in America. Being able to celebrate Christmas in Italy is
something that is truly special.
Celebrations start eight days before Christmas with special Novenas, a series of prayers
and churches. On Christmas Eve no meat and sometimes no dairy is eaten. Before Midnight
Mass service a light seafood meal is eaten. After Mass a traditional Christmas Eve meal is
served. It is known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes because seven dishes with fish are served.
The seven dishes represent the seven holy sacraments of the Catholic Church. The feast
originated from southern Italy and was brought to the United States by Italian immigrants in the
1800s. Epiphany was the manifestation of Christ to the Magi and is celebrated on December 6.
On Epiphany night Befana, a kind ugly witch, delivers presents to good children and coal to the
bad ones. On Christmas day children may receive presents for Babbo Natale, Santa Claus, but
Epiphany is the main day for giving presents (1).
Italy has a rich history which is full of many interesting Christmas traditions. Nativity
crib scenes became popular in 1223, when St. Francis of Assisi visited a stable in Bethlehem
where Jesus was believed to have been born. Figurines are used to depict the birth of Jesus Christ
in a stable. Nativity scenes are common in Italian homes and vary in size. Italy is well known for
its skillfully made cribs. Cribs were first made in Italy 1025 in the Church of S. Maria. Now

cribs can be found in churches, monasteries, and homes. They are put out on December 8th but
baby Jesus is not put in the crib until the evening of December 24th. Another tradition is that
children will dress up as shepherds in sandals and hats and go out caroling and playing songs on
shepherds pipes. Italians enjoying eating Panettone, which is a cake that is similar to a fruity
sponge cake, around the holiday season. Throughout the Christmas season some families may
burn a Creppo, which is a Yule Log. There are many interesting traditions to enjoy all
throughout Italy (1).
The island of Sicily is an especially festive place around the holidays. Christmas trees
were first introduced during World War II, by the Allied forces who were occupying the island.
Over the years Christmas trees have become more popular and are decorated with lights and
ornaments. Houses are decorated with Christmas dcor, lights, and of course nativity scenes.
Although nativity scenes are popular all over Italy, Sicily takes it to a new level. On the island of
Custonaci there is a giant cave. Deep inside is a small hamlet that was used sixty years ago. Now
locals go in front of the hamlet and re-enact the nativity from Christmas day to Epiphany. Many
small towns such as Isnello and Collesano celebrate the night of the Luminari where large
bonfires are lit to keep the baby Jesus warm. During New Year people eat lasagna because it is
supposed to bring good luck. Be careful other types of pasta bring bad luck. Eating lentils is said
to bring wealth. But the gathering is more about spending time with family over the holiday
season. As the Sicilians would say, Bon Natali (2)!
Christmas in Italy is full of warm traditions. Italians have fond memories of Novenas,
setting up the nativity scene, decorating a Christmas tree, going to midnight mass, eating the
Feast of Seven Fishes, and waiting for Bafana to come. It is a great time to spend with family,
celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus.

Works Cited
(1) http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/italy.shtml
(2) http://www.thethinkingtraveller.com/thinksicily/guide-to-sicily/all-thingssicilian/christmas-in-sicily.aspx