Linda J. Walker
Christmas is a joyous time of year celebrated across the globe, and Italy is no exception. However, Christmas traditions in Italy are distinct and unique compared to those of other countries. One of the most notable differences is the figure who brings gifts to children. While many countries have Santa Claus, Italy has its own holiday gift-giving figure. But who is this figure, and what are the other Italian Christmas traditions?
In this blog post, we will explore the Italian Christmas traditions, particularly the country’s gift-giving figure. We will dive into the origins and history of this beloved character and how he differs from the Santa Claus that many of us are familiar with. We will also discuss the various customs and festivities that take place in Italy during the holiday season.
The History of Santa Claus: How the Mythical Figure Came to Italy?
The mythical figure of Santa Claus has roots that stretch back centuries across different cultures and countries. While the modern-day Santa Claus as we know it may be more synonymous with the United States, the figure has taken on different forms in different parts of the world. Italy is no exception.
The origins of Santa Claus can be traced back to Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop from the town of Myra in what is now Turkey. Saint Nicholas was known for his kindness and generosity, and over time, his story became associated with gift-giving and goodwill.
In Italy, the figure of Santa Claus is known as Babbo Natale, which translates to “Father Christmas.” The idea of Babbo Natale as a gift-giving figure was introduced to Italy in the 1800s, and since then, he has become an integral part of Italian Christmas traditions. However, the story of Babbo Natale in Italy has its own unique twists and turns, reflecting the country’s rich history and culture.
Italian Christmas Traditions: Beyond Santa Claus
Italy has a rich cultural and religious history, and this is evident in the country’s Christmas traditions. While Santa Claus has become a popular figure in Italy in recent times, the country has a long history of unique customs that make the holiday season even more special. For instance, in many Italian regions, the Nativity scene is an essential part of Christmas celebrations. These scenes, known as “Presepe,” feature figurines representing the Holy Family, the Wise Men, and various animals, and are often displayed in churches and homes.
Another popular Italian Christmas tradition is the Feast of the Seven Fishes, which is typically celebrated on Christmas Eve. This feast, known as “La Vigilia,” involves serving seven different seafood dishes, each of which symbolizes one of the seven sacraments. The meal is usually enjoyed with family and friends, and is often followed by the Midnight Mass, or “La Messa di Mezzanotte.”
In some parts of Italy, particularly in the south, it is traditional to light a bonfire on Christmas Eve. This is known as the “Focarazza,” and is said to symbolize the warmth and light of the holiday season. People gather around the fire to sing and socialize, and sometimes even roast chestnuts. These traditions reflect the deep spiritual and cultural significance of Christmas in Italy, which goes beyond the commercialization of Santa Claus.
Italian Children’s Christmas Wish List: Letters to Santa or Someone Else?
In Italy, Christmas is one of the most important holidays, especially for children who eagerly await their presents. But who do they address their letters to? Unlike in other countries where children write to Santa Claus, in Italy, kids write to Babbo Natale (Father Christmas), the Italian version of Santa Claus. However, this wasn’t always the case.
In the past, Italian children wrote letters to La Befana, a kind old woman who delivers presents to children on the Epiphany, which falls on January 6th. According to legend, La Befana is a witch who was visited by the Three Wise Men on their journey to see the baby Jesus. They asked her for directions, and she joined them on their journey, bringing gifts for the child. Today, La Befana is still celebrated in Italy and is an important part of the Christmas tradition.
Despite the popularity of Babbo Natale in Italy, many children still write letters to La Befana. In fact, some families encourage their children to write letters to both figures, as a way of embracing both the modern and traditional aspects of Christmas in Italy. Regardless of who the letter is addressed to, the act of writing a letter to a mythical figure is a cherished part of Italian Christmas traditions, fostering a sense of magic and wonder in children.
La Befana: Italy’s Unique Gift Bringer on Epiphany Day
In Italy, the Christmas season officially ends on January 6th, which is celebrated as the Epiphany Day or “La Befana” in Italian. La Befana is a unique gift-bringer figure in Italian folklore, who is said to visit children’s homes on the night of January 5th and leave presents in stockings or shoes left out for her. While La Befana is not as widely known as Santa Claus, she is an important part of Italian Christmas traditions.
The origins of La Befana are not entirely clear, but she is often depicted as an old woman who flies on a broomstick and wears tattered clothing. According to one legend, the Magi stopped at La Befana’s house on their way to visit baby Jesus, and asked her to join them. She declined, but later changed her mind and set out to find them. However, she was unable to locate the Magi, and instead left gifts for every child she came across, hoping that one of them would be the Christ child.
Today, La Befana is celebrated across Italy with parades, festivals, and other events. Children write letters to La Befana, asking for presents and promising to be good, and the letters are often burned in a bonfire on Epiphany Eve as a symbol of leaving behind the old year and starting fresh. In some regions of Italy, people also make and eat a special pastry called “La Befana cake,” which is shaped like the old woman and contains candied fruit and nuts.
Differences Between Santa Claus and La Befana in Italian Culture
Firstly, the origin stories of Santa Claus and La Befana differ. Santa Claus has his roots in the story of St. Nicholas, a Christian bishop from Turkey who was known for his generosity and gift-giving. La Befana, on the other hand, is believed to have been a kind-hearted old woman who was asked by the three wise men to join them on their journey to visit the baby Jesus. She refused, but later regretted her decision and went out in search of the child, bringing gifts to children along the way.
Another major difference is the appearance of Santa Claus and La Befana. Santa Claus is typically depicted as a jolly, plump man dressed in a red suit with white fur trim and a white beard. La Befana, on the other hand, is depicted as a witch-like figure with a hooked nose and tattered clothing. She is often portrayed as riding on a broomstick and carrying a sack of gifts.
Lastly, the timing of gift-giving also differs between the two figures. In many countries, including Italy, Santa Claus brings gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. La Befana, however, brings gifts to Italian children on the night of Epiphany, which falls on January 6th. This is the day that the three wise men are said to have visited the baby Jesus, and it is a national holiday in Italy.
Italian Christmas Food and Drink Traditions: What to Expect?
Italian Christmas is a time of culinary indulgence, and traditional dishes play a central role in celebrations. Each region of Italy has its own specialties, but there are some dishes that are popular throughout the country. One of the most famous is panettone, a sweet bread loaf studded with dried fruit and nuts. Another popular dessert is pandoro, a tall, star-shaped cake dusted with powdered sugar. In some parts of Italy, it is traditional to serve torrone, a type of nougat made with honey, egg whites, and nuts.
Savory dishes are just as important as sweet ones during Italian Christmas celebrations. Many families serve a seafood feast on Christmas Eve, a tradition known as La Vigilia. This meal usually features several courses, with dishes such as fried calamari, clams, mussels, and baccalà (salt cod). On Christmas Day, it is common to serve a rich pasta dish, such as lasagna or tortellini in broth. Roasted meats, such as turkey, lamb, or pork, are also popular.
Of course, no Italian Christmas would be complete without some festive drinks. One of the most popular is spiced wine, also known as vin brulé or mulled wine. This warm, aromatic drink is made by heating red wine with sugar and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Another traditional Christmas drink is the creamy and boozy eggnog-like beverage, called zabaione or zabaglione. Made with egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine, it is often served as a dessert or a digestif.
Visiting Italy During the Christmas Season: What to See and Do?
One of the highlights of the Christmas season in Italy is the nativity scenes, or presepi, that are displayed in churches, public spaces, and even people’s homes. These elaborate dioramas depict the story of the birth of Jesus and are a beloved tradition in Italian culture. Some of the most impressive nativity scenes can be found in Naples, where they are often accompanied by live music and performances.
Another popular activity during the Christmas season is visiting the many Christmas markets that pop up throughout the country. These markets offer a wide variety of local food, crafts, and gifts, as well as a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Some of the most famous Christmas markets in Italy can be found in Bolzano, Florence, and Rome.
Finally, no visit to Italy during the Christmas season would be complete without indulging in some of the delicious holiday treats that the country is known for. Panettone, a sweet bread filled with candied fruit and raisins, is a classic Christmas dessert that can be found in bakeries and markets throughout the country. Another popular treat is torrone, a type of nougat made with honey and almonds. And of course, no Italian Christmas celebration would be complete without a glass of spiced mulled wine, known as vin brulé, to warm up on a chilly winter night.
Famous Italian Christmas Markets: A Must-Visit Destination
Christmas markets are a quintessential part of the holiday season, and Italy is no exception. From the bustling cities of Rome and Florence to the quaint villages of the Dolomites, Italy is home to some of the most famous Christmas markets in the world. These markets offer an array of festive foods, holiday crafts, and unique gifts that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
One of the most famous Christmas markets in Italy is the Mercatino di Natale in Bolzano, located in the northern region of Trentino-Alto Adige. This market is known for its charming Alpine setting, with wooden chalets selling everything from handmade ornaments to traditional sweets like strudel and spiced wine. Visitors can also enjoy live music and festive entertainment, including a nativity play and parades.
Another must-visit Christmas market in Italy is the Mercato di Natale a Piazza Navona in Rome. Located in one of the city’s most historic squares, this market offers a wide variety of holiday treats, including roasted chestnuts, traditional panettone cakes, and hot chocolate. Visitors can also browse the stalls for unique gifts and handmade crafts, or take a spin on the market’s ice skating rink.
The Role of Religion in Italian Christmas Celebrations
Italy is a country with a deeply rooted Catholic tradition, and Christmas is a holiday with strong religious significance. One of the most important events is the midnight mass, which is celebrated in churches across the country. The mass typically starts around 10 pm on Christmas Eve and lasts until midnight when the birth of Jesus is officially announced. The streets around the churches are often illuminated with beautiful lights and decorations, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The presepe, or nativity scene, is also an important part of the Italian Christmas celebration. Every year, towns and cities across the country set up elaborate presepi, often featuring life-size or nearly life-size figures of the Holy Family, the Magi, and other important biblical characters. These presepi are often accompanied by detailed and intricate backdrops depicting the Holy Land.
In addition to the religious celebrations, Italians also enjoy many secular traditions during the Christmas season. These include the exchange of gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the preparation of elaborate feasts featuring traditional dishes like panettone and torrone, and the lighting of candles and bonfires to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. Overall, the Christmas season in Italy is a time for family, faith, and festivity, with traditions that have been passed down through the generations for centuries.
What do they call Santa Claus in Italy?
In Italy, Santa Claus is called Babbo Natale.
What are 3 Christmas facts in Italy?
Here are three Christmas facts in Italy:
- La Befana is an important figure in Italian Christmas traditions. She is an old woman who brings gifts to children on the night of January 5th.
- In many parts of Italy, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a popular Christmas Eve tradition. It involves a meal made up of seven different kinds of seafood dishes.
- The nativity scene, or presepe, is a common decoration in Italian homes during the Christmas season. Many towns and cities also have elaborate nativity scenes on display in public areas.
Do Italians put up a Christmas tree?
Yes, Italians do put up Christmas trees as part of their holiday decorations. It is a relatively recent tradition, introduced in Italy in the late 19th century.
