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In Italy, Christmas celebration lasts about one month, starting on December 8th, the day of the Immacolata, on which traditionally the "Presepe" (Crib) and the Christmas tree are set up, and lasting until the Epiphany, celebrating the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, on January 6th.
December 8: Setting up the Nativity scene
The poplar custom of creating the Nativity scene during Christmas actually originated in Italy. On December 24, 1223 St. Francis of Assisi commissioned Giovanni Vellita, a villager of Greccio, in the province of Lazio, to create what was to be the first Nativity scene in the world. It was created in one of the caves of the local monastery. A layer of straw had been spread on the stone floor and a primitive crib had been placed in a corner. Around it were a donkey, an ox and a dozen of peasants. From that period on, the creation of the figures or pastori became a very popular genre of folk art.
Nowadays, the Presepe (Nativity scene) consists of small, hand-carved figurines, scenes representing Jesus' birth with the Holy Family and the baby Jesus in the stable. Baby Jesus is only added to the scene on Christmas night. The realistically hand-carved figurines are usually made in the region of Naples. It is one of the most beloved and enduring symbols of the Christmas season.
December 13: Santa Lucia
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Photos of the YourGuidetoItaly.com banner (from left to right): (on campus) Sean Locke, (red deckchair) Valentina Jori, (chianti botlle) Donald Gruener, (Vitruvian man) Jodie Coston, (coliseum), Roberto A Sanchez, (Fiat 500) Luca di Filippo. Photo of 'Rialto bridge' by S. Greg Panosian. Italy regions image by Frizio.
