Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by MONICA
Join us on a fascinating journey through time and culture as we delve into the rich tapestry of Italian Christmas traditions. From the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia to modern-day celebrations, Italy has a diverse and captivating history when it comes to Christmas. The festivities are sure to leave you spellbound!
In this article, you will find
- The Origins of Italian Christmas
- Saint Francis of Assisi and The Nativity Scene Tradition (Presepe)
- The Tradition of “La Befana”
- Christmas Trees in Italy
How Ancient Rome Celebrated Christmas – The Origins of the Holiday in Italy
Christmas in Italy has its roots anchored in the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia. This festival, a week-long celebration held in honor of the god Saturn, symbolized the Winter Solstice and the sun’s rebirth.
Winter Solstice in Roman Times
- The winter solstice in the old Julian calendar falls on December 25th, celebrating the longest night with the shortest day and the world’s rebirth.
- Solstice comes from Latin meaning “still sun” due to the sun appearing stationary from 22-24 December in the northern hemisphere.
- During this time, the sun is at its maximum distance from the equator, resulting in the longest night and shortest day of the year.
- After the solstice, daylight gradually increases until the summer solstice in June, with the longest day & shortest night.
- On December 25th, the sun is reborn at the new Christmas of the year – the weakest light/heat phase turning vital and “invincible” again over darkness itself.
Saturnalia – The Roman Winter Solstice Festival
- Aurelian consecrated a temple to the Sun God on December 25th, 274, and celebrated it as Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, the “Birthday of the Unconquered Sun.”
- This festival became increasingly important and was incorporated into the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia.
- The Saturnalia lasted from 17 to December 25 and ended with Larentalia, the feast of tutelary deities protecting crops, roads, cities, and families.
- The Saturnalian celebration paid homage to Jupiter’s agricultural deity, protector of sowing and seeds, who was later assimilated to the Greek God Cronos.
During Saturnalia, the Romans feast, exchange gifts, and temporarily overturn social norms. Slaves found their masters serving them, gambling permitted, and courts closed. All participated in the joyous and boisterous festivities of the festival.
The transformation from Pagan to Christian Celebrations
- Emperor Constantine followed the Sun God and depicted it on his coinage with the inscription “SOLI INVICTO COMITI” (“To the fellow Unconquered Sun”).
- On 7 March 321, Constantine declared the first day of the week (the day of the Sun) should be dedicated to rest.
- Workers in rural areas were allowed to continue working due to the potential loss of wheat harvest or other opportune moments established by Heaven.
- The celebration of the Unconquered Sun on December 25th is documented in the Chronograph of 354, and Christian Christmas was first mentioned in 380 by Saint Gregory of Nyssa.
- Early celebrations of Christian Christmas were held on dates other than December 25th, with December 19th being closest to the astronomical solstice at the time.
Emperor Constantine declared the feast of the Nativity of Jesus official in 330 , coinciding with the Pagan feast of the birth of Sol Invictus.
- Pope Julius I made December 25th the official date for Christmas in 337, as specified by John Chrysostom in 390.
As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, its leaders incorporated Saturnalia traditions to make the new religion more appealing to pagans. Over time, these traditions evolved into the Christmas holiday.
Presepe – The Nativity Scene That Comes to Life
The “presepe” (Christmas crib)is one of Italy’s most cherished Christmas traditions. It is a live or static Nativity scene found in churches, public squares, and even homes throughout the country. Some towns hold elaborate reenactments with actors and animals to bring the scene to life. This tradition reflects the strong Catholic faith in Italy and serves as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. The nativity scene serves to depict the birth of Jesus.
In a Nativity scene, we can see a detailed depiction of the birth of Jesus with St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary in the stable, surrounded by animals. The three wise men follow the star in the sky. The scene is filled with intricate details and serves as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
The Influence of St. Francis of Assisi – The Patron Saint of Italy
In 1223, the renowned Italian saint, Saint Francis of Assisi, returned from Rome where the Pope confirmed the Franciscan rule. During his journey, he visited the small village of Greccio near Rieti, where his friend and follower, Giovanni Velita resided. The caves near Greccio reminded him of Bethlehem, a place he had previously journeyed to in the Holy Land. The caves especially brought to mind the humble birthplace of Jesus. Inspired by this vision, Saint Francis of Assisi decided to recreate the first nativity scene in Greccio, a tradition now celebrated worldwide.
The First Live Nativity Scene
- Upon seeing the Nativity scenes at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Saint Francis desired to create a physical representation of the birth of Christ.
- Fifteen days before Christmas, he asked for Messer Giovanni Velita’s help and set up the first nativity scene in history.
- This simple setup consisted of only a cave, manger, ox, and donkey.
- On December 25th, people from the area converged around the scene carrying flowers and torches.
The nativity scene originated as a live depiction of the birth of Jesus Christ, where people celebrated the humility of a God-made human. A priest would perform the Eucharist on the presepe (manger), and Saint Francis chose to remain as deacon for the event.
Understanding the Legend of La Befana: A Staple in Italian Christmas Celebrations
According to Italian folklore, on the eve of January 6th, known as the Feast of the Epiphany, an old woman named La Befana flies on her broomstick. She brings gifts and treats for children who have been good throughout the year, just like the Three Wise Men brought gifts to baby Jesus.
I Re Magi -The Three Wise Men
Italian Christmas Festivities officially end on January 6th, the day of Epiphany, which celebrates the Three Wise Men’s visit to Baby Jesus.
In the Gospel of Matthew and Christian history, the biblical Magi, known as the Three Wise Men, Three Kings, and Three Magi, were significant visitors. According to the Bible, they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus after his birth. They are often depicted in traditional accounts of Christmas nativity celebrations and hold an essential place in Christian tradition.
The Origins of the Befana Legend
Legend has it that the Three Wise Men once asked La Befana for directions to Bethlehem, but she refused, being too busy cleaning her house. Later, she regretted her decision and set out on her broomstick with gifts for the child, guided by a star. However, she never found Jesus and instead visits all the children yearly, hoping to find him. This legend has been passed down through generations in Italy, and La Befana continues to be celebrated as part of the country’s Christmas traditions. Her name originates from the Italian word “befana,” which means Epiphany, and she is often portrayed as a kind old woman with a big nose and a broomstick.
The Befana Tradition in Italy
- The Befana is a mythical character in the collective imagination, represented as an old lady who brings gifts to good children on the night between 5 and 6 January.
- Its origin is rooted in pre-Christian magical traditions and has become part of popular culture, merging with folkloric and Christian elements.
- The iconography associated with the Befana is characterized by a dark and wide skirt, an apron with pockets, a shawl or hat, and a pair of worn slippers covered in colored patches.
A popular Italian nursery rhyme (the Befanata) celebrates the old lady’s appearance:
” La Befana vien di notte
con le scarpe tutte rotte
col cappello alla romana
Viva viva la Befana! ”
“In the night, Befana flies so free,
With shoes all worn, you’ll plainly see,
A Roman hat upon her head,
Hail to Befana, long-lived, it’s said!”
- On the night between 5 and 6 January, a figure known as The Befana travels on a broom, carrying a sack full of toys, chocolates, and sweets;
- To mark her passage, children hang stockings up for the Befana, leaving a plate with mandarins or an orange and a glass of wine out for her;
- The following day, they will find their meal consumed and ash scattered on the plate left in honor of the Befana;
- In pre-industrial society, gifts from the Befana usually consisted of sweets, nuts, and mandarins, along with ash and coal as punishment for any misbehavior during the year.
The Tradition of Christmas Trees in Italy
Evergreen trees and wreaths have been integral to winter celebrations since ancient times.
In Roman and Celtic cultures, people saw evergreens as symbols of life and rebirth because they stayed green throughout the harsh winter months. This symbolism is why people incorporate evergreens into their Christmas decorations, reflecting an enduring sign of life and hope.
The Symbolism of Evergreens and Wreaths
- Ancient cultures practiced the worship of trees, such as Trees of Paradise, by decorating them with ribbons, colored objects, small bells, and votive animals.
- Celtic people decorated evergreen trees during their winter solstice celebrations.
- The Germans believed spruce could express magical powers because its leaves did not wither in frost in winter.
- Romans decorated their homes with pine branches during the Kalends of January.
The Evergreen Tree and The Christian Culture
Christianity has adopted the Christmas Tree as part of its traditions despite being initially prohibited by the Church.
- The Christmas tree tradition is mainly rooted in German-speaking Europe and is now accepted throughout the Catholic world.
- This tree is associated with Jesus to symbolize immortality and the Trinity due to its triangular shape.
- The use of holly was instead encouraged by the Church to symbolize the crown of Christ with thorns and the berries representing blood droplets.
- Christian missionaries used similarities between sacred trees and the Cross to convert Germanic peoples during 8th-10th centuries.
“The Christmas Tree established itself in Italy
thanks to Queen Margherita, the wife of King Umberto I,
who regularly set one up at the Quirinale.“
The First Christmas Tree In Italy
In Italy, Queen Margherita di Savoia was the first to decorate a Christmas tree at the Quirinale in the second half of the nineteenth century. From her, the trend quickly spread throughout the country. It is worth noting that the Christmas tree is one of the few foreign traditions that arrived in Italy before its more consumerist diffusion after the Second World War.
The Modern-Day Tradition of Christmas Trees in Italy
In Rome, St. Peter’s Square proudly hosts an annual Christmas tree, a cherished tradition Pope John Paul II introduced. Across Italy, almost every town and city has its festive celebration centered around a majestic Christmas tree in the central Piazza.
Vibrant public ceremonies adorned with enchanting musical performances, Christmas markets, and an abundance of delectable cuisine characterise these events. Additionally, a beautifully crafted nativity scene, known as Presepe in Italian, often complements the grandeur of the Christmas tree.
“It has become a tradition for most Italians to put up a tree
on December 8th during the Immaculate Conception.“
However, some exceptions provide intrigue.
Take Milan, for instance, where locals prepare the Christmas tree on the 7th of December, a day dedicated to their patron saint, Sant’Ambrogio.
On the other hand, in Bari, people set up the tree on Saint Nicholas’ Day, observed on the 6th of December.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the most giant Christmas tree in the world, made entirely of lights, is located in Italy?
Known as the Gubbio Tree, it illuminates the slopes of Mount Ingino every year, reaching a height of 750 meters.
On a Conclusion Note
Christmas in Italy is full of beautiful traditions steeped in history and culture. The origins of Christmas can be traced back to the Roman festival of Saturnalia, to Saint Francis of Assisi inventing the Nativity Scene tradition (Presepe), to the charming legend of “La Befana,” and finally to the introduction of Christmas trees in Italy by Queen Margherita di Savoia.
Each Italian tradition is unique and captivating, offering insight into Italy’s cultural heritage and customs. It’s no wonder these traditions have persisted throughout time!
If you want an enchanting holiday experience this year, why not experience Italian magic? Put on your detective hat and discover what Italian Christmas traditions can reveal about its rich history! If you want more information, check out our other articles about Italian Traditions.