Gennaio (January), the first month of the year, takes its name from Janus, the Roman god of gates and beginnings who is represented with two faces, one on the front and one on the back of his head.

Principali Festività (Main Festivals):

On the first of January we celebrate Capodanno (New Year’s Day).

On the sixth of January we celebrate l’Epifania (the Epiphany), which commemorates the arrival of i Tre Re Magi (the Three Wise Men) in Bethlehem, and this day marks the end of the festivals linked to Christmas. Before WWII and the new era of globalization, in which we adopted many traditions from America, Epifania was the day when Italian children received their presents from la Befana, an old woman dressed in rags. For more details see my article https://blogs.transparent.com/italian/viva-la-befana/

Tradizioni (Traditions):

The last three days in January are traditionally said to be the coldest days of the year and are called i Tre Giorni della Merla (the Three Days of the Female Blackbird). I’m not exactly sure where this comes from, but from what I know there are several versions of a Lombardy legend that tells the story of the hardships suffered by a family of blackbirds during this harsh period of the winter. One of these stories recounts that once upon a time blackbirds were white. A family of blackbirds desperately seeking shelter from the cold took up residence in the roof of a house. Food being in extremely short supply, il merlo (the male blackbird) set off on an expedition for provisions. He was gone for three days, and when he returned his wife was nowhere to be seen. During his absence la merla (the female blackbird), seeking warmth, had huddled inside il comignolo (the chimneypot), and was covered in fuliggine (soot), becoming the very first black blackbird! The husband eventually recognized his wife e vissero per sempre felici e contenti! (and they lived happily ever after!)

Detti (sayings):