Italian Christmas OrnamentsItalian Christmas ornaments are very collectable and sought after because of their unique beauty. Nativity ScenesThe nativity is the main basis of decorating for Christmas in Italy. Nearly every church and most families actively compete for the most stunning nativity scenes during the Christmas season.The nativity scenes will always include Mary and Joseph and of course the newborn baby Jesus. They will also include the three wise men and a Sheppard that travelled such a long distance to witness the arrival of baby Jesus. Naples - city of mangersArtists will labor extensively to build an authentic nativity. Many will include rivers, lakes, grottoes and trees. It is not unusual for them to display the city of Bethlehem and angels that appear to be floating overhead.Naples, Italy is the city where most of the mangers are created. The most beautiful mangers are displayed within churches and it is tradition for people to visit all the churches of Naples to compare and enjoy these beautiful displays. Ceppo - the italian christmas treeMany Italians will display a Christmas tree known as a Ceppo. The Ceppo is constructed of wood in the shape of a pyramid. The tree will contain at least three shelves and the frame is decorated with fancy paper or decorative fringe.The bottom shelf will hold the nativity scene, their most treasured decoration. The remaining shelves will hold fruit, nuts, greenery, and presents. The top will be adorned by a star, angel, or a pineapple. The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality and means "welcome". Many families will adorn the Ceppo with candles, hence the reason for the Ceppo being known as the "Tree of Light".  Wooden ToysOther Italian Christmas decorations will include the traditional Santa Claus and wooden toys. Candles are frequently displayed throughout the holiday season as well as stunning glass bulbs and stars.Glass Tree decorations from Northern ItalyCollectors of Italian Christmas ornaments are drawn to the glass tree decorations that are produced in Northern Italy. How to recognize origninal italian onesThe Italian Christmas ornaments, although produced in the 1940's, did not enter the market in America until the 1950's.Collectors of Italian Christmas decoration carefully check identifiers that will be found on original Italian ornaments. Ornaments produced in Italian workshops will have the word "Italy" on the rounded metal caps on the ends of the glass ornaments. Contemporary ornaments may have a small card attached that will note the producer of the ornament. These identifiers have taken on great significance because Chinese factories are producing replicas of these signature Italian Christmas ornaments. highly collectibleItalian Christmas ornaments and decorations in general are filled with deep tradition. The beautiful and highly collectible ornaments can still be found by collectors that frequently check yard sales or estate sales. Your family may want to practice some of the Italian traditions and construct a Ceppo or adorn your tree with authentic Italian Christmas ornaments, for a very memorable holiday.Return from "this" Page to Italian Christmas Overview Return from "italian christmas ornaments" Page to Italian Gifts Homepage
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