Christmas, as it is celebrated in Italy, has two origins: the familiar traditions of Christianity blended with the pagan traditions predating the Christmas era. The greatest feast of the ancient Roman Empire, "Saturnalia" (winter solstice), just happens to coincide with the Christmas celebrations of the Advent.
Consequently, celebrations honor not only the birth of Christ, but also the birth of the "Unconquered Sun." “Natale," the Italian word for Christmas, refers to both, and simply means "birthday." Italian Christmas Traditions:
- A rapidly disappearing tradition is the ushering in of the coming festivities by the "Piferari" or fifers, who descend from the mountains of the Abruzzo and Latium playing their bagpipes, and filling the air with anticipation for the joyous celebration to come.
- Christmas Eve is a time for viewing Italy's artistic and elaborate manger scenes or Cribs. Individual artisans create their own intricate landscapes. The most beautiful Cribs are set up in churches, who compete for the best display.
- The burning of the Yule log stays alight until New Year's Day.
Common throughout Italy are the Christmas sweets: "panettone" (cake filled with candied fruit), "torrone" (nougat) and "panforte" (gingerbread) made with hazelnuts, honey and almonds. All Christmas sweets, as a rule, contain nuts and almonds – which are believed to favor the fertility of the earth, and aid in the increase of flocks and family.
On Christmas Eve, children set out their shoes not for a jolly old male elf, but for the female Santa Claus called “La Befana.” If the children were good, they find their shoes filled with gifts, toys, and fruits. If not, they find their shoes filled with coal.
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Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights
Hanukkah, a midwinter festival celebrated by Jewish people, is one of the most important Jewish traditions, which can be traced back almost 2,400 years. It commemorates the victory of the Maccabbes over the Syrians who attempted to deny their religious freedom in 165 B.C. As such, it celebrates one of the important miracles in Jewish history and reminds us of the triumph of faith. When the Maccabbes returned to their temple, which had previously been occupied by the Greeks, they found only enough sacred oil to light the holy menorah for one day. By some miracle, however, the lamp continued to burn for eight days. In celebration, the event was called the “Festival of Lights.”The holiday is honored for eight days beginning on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev (falling within the months of November or December). Today, Jewish families celebrate this event by lighting a special candelabra called a “menorah.” The holiday begins the first day by lighting the first candle at sundown on the 24th of Kislev. Each evening an additional candle is burned until all eight candles are burning together.
After lighting the Menorah, games are played and gifts are exchanged. Children play the ancient game using a four-sided spinning top called a “dreydl” and enjoy traditional holiday goodies such as “latkes” (potato pancakes).
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Article Continues: Ramadan & Diwali