Presepe

Christmas trees are not traditional in Italy, although in recent years the trend has caught on in some parts. Instead, Italy has the presepe, which is a 'crib' or nativity scene. The Nativity Scene was born in 1223 as a result of St.Francis of Assisi asking Giovanni Vellito to make a nativity scene. Since then it has reached such popularity, and has developed into a traditional folk art, the centre being in San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, which has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Treasure. These elaborate nativity scenes are the focal point of an Italian Christmas, and every home has one. The presepe can also be seen in the churches, in various museums, restaurants, shops...just about anywhere, especially in Naples and the south of Italy. The elaborate figurines and scenes are carved from wood, clay or plaster, and adorned with satins, silks, leathers and gold trimmings. The scenes feature not only Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus, but also the Ox and Ass near to the crib (said to have kept Baby Jesus warm with their breath), angels, the Wise Men, Three Kings, and scenery from afar, such as the lights of Bethlehem in the distance. In Naples, there are also presepe figurines and scenes from Neapolitan life, such as pizza chefs, market vendors and tavernas. The view of Naples from the Museo of San Martino can be itself compared to a presepe! see Neapolitan Xmas

Traditionally dressed in knee length trousers, leather breeches, sheepskin vests woollen cloaks and peak caps, these bagpipe playing shepherds traditionally come from the Latium and Abbruzzo regions. It was said that they were present by Mary's side to soothe her with music as she was in labour with baby Jesus. They are popular in Calabria and Abbruzzo regions, and come down from the mountains to play traditional hill tunes and carols around the towns and market squares, stopping to play at every nativity scene and Madonna shrine. see 'shrines' on Religion page. In Rome, they can be seen at the Christmas market in Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, and the entrance to St.Peters.

Traditional Italian Christmas sweets can be seen filling every home, bar, patisserie and restaurant. All traditional Christmas sweets contain fruit or nuts, as peasant folklore believes that nuts aid fertility and in turn increase flocks and family. In ancient Rome, they believed in eating cakes and sweets with honey, so that the new year would be 'sweet'. The traditional sweets arepanettone , (see photo on right)which is a very light sponge traditionally with raisins and orange peel, although there are many other variations such as chocolate coated with cream fillings etc. Panforte is a type of gingerbread with hazelnuts, honey and almonds. Torrone is a type of nougat, that can be found in a hard or soft form, usually with hazelnuts or almonds. These sweets are found all over Italy, as well as marzipan made in the form of fruits, and various types of biscuits. Many dried fruits and nuts are also eaten, such as figs, dates and mixed nuts. Many regions have their own specialities, e.g. struffoli in Naples, a kind of sweet made up from many small dough balls covered in honey and decorated with 'hundreds and thousands'.

Italy doesn't have Father Christmas, instead they have Befana, who is a kind, witch like old woman who leaves presents at houses of good children on the night of Epiphany. Legend has it, that the Three Wise Men stoppped at Befana's house to ask for directions when trying to find the way to Baby Jesus. They asked her to join them, but Befana said no, as she was too busy. A shepherd also later stopped at her house and asked if she wanted to go with him to find Baby Jesus. Again she declined. She eventually changed her mind when persuaded by Angels, and set off to find Baby Jesus, taking toys from her house belonging to her dead baby , to offer as presents. By the time she set off to find Baby Jesus, she had missed the guiding light, and never found him; it is said that she is still searching for Baby Jesus, and leaves presents at all the children's houses in case he is there. She is said to leave coal for the bad children, and black coal sweets made from sugar can be seen on sale around this time in sweet shops and market stalls.