Italian Christmas TraditionsWhat are typical Italian Christmas Traditions? Read here everything you need to know on Italian christmas. Children write letters to their parentsIn Italy, instead of writing letters to Santa Claus, children will address their letters to their parents, telling them how much they love them.
The letter is usually placed under their father’s plate and read right after Christmas Eve dinner. This is one of the many differences of Christmas celebration in Italy compared Christmas in America. Italian Christmas HistoryThe roots of modern Christmas started in Italy. Christmas was declared by Emperor Aurelian in A.D. 274 to be celebrated on December 25th every year. The early Roman Christians felt that it is important to create a feast day that takes place during the winter solstice, which is also the birth of the sun. Christmas GiftsMost Italians open their gifts on Christmas morning or after lunch. Some will wait until January 6th. Children will receive colourful stockings full of candies called i dolciumi if they have been good. They will receive il carbone, which is candies made of black sugar that look like coal, if they have been bad. Italians believe in the witch, La Befana. It is said that La Befana was supposed to join the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem to pay respect to baby Jesus and she got lost. Since then, she has been looking for baby Jesus and left presents for the children in Italy and coal-like candies for the bad. Food & DrinksMost Italian feasts will have dishes of fish. The il capitone, a dish made with fried eels is a favourite in Rome and southern Italy. Italian Christmas CustomsTravelling pipers perform traditional Christmas tunes on bagpipes, flutes, and oboes all over Italy. In Rome, pipers will usually play at the Christmas market in Piazza Navona, on the Spanish Steps, and at St. Peter’s Square entrance.And not to forget it is very common that italian christmas songs are sung at home when the family comes together. One of Italian Christmas symbols is the ceppo, known as The Tree of Light. It is a several feet high, pyramid shape wooden frame. The ceppo supports several tiers of shelves, including a manger scene at the bottom, followed by little offerings of fruits, candies and presents above it. Urn of FateAnother common Italian tradition is the Urn of Fate. Each family member will take turns to draw a wrapped present out of a large bowl. This goes on until all the presents are given out.Many Italians particularly those living in the Vatican City will usually go to the Vatican Square at noon on Christmas Day. At this time, the Pope will appear at his balcony and blesses the people who gathered below. Learn here even more about italian christmas traditions. Special Tip: Send your "Buon Natale" greetings onlineIn our section Merry Christmas in Italian you'll learn not only how to express "merry christmas and happy new year" perfectly in Italian but we offer on this page also a special service for you: You can create and send christmas greetings online for free!ConclusionItalians still adhere to their family traditions in celebrating Christmas. Rich in culture and beliefs, the Italians’ way of celebrating Christmas is indeed unique and special.Christmas is not only a day of receiving presents, but also giving and having a feast full of love with the family. Return from italian christmas Page to Italian Gifts |