Tag Archives: Italian Christmas traditions
The Moss Collectors Posted by Geoff on Dec 13, 2018
Here in Italy at this time of year it’s common to see people removing clumps of moss from rocks or old stone walls and placing it in a basket. When we were out walking a few days ago, for example, we spotted due suore (two nuns) in a field below us examining a terrace wall…
An Italian Nativity Posted by Geoff on Dec 24, 2015
Probably the most abiding symbol of Christmas here in Italy is il presepe. Il presepe is a reconstruction of the nativity story, and its origins date back to 1223 when San Franceso di Assisi created the first presepe vivente (living presepe). The presepe can be found in three main forms: 1. the simple small scale…
Quiz–Italian Christmas Traditions Posted by Geoff on Dec 21, 2012
Here’s a little Christmas Quiz for you. Most of the answers can be found in our December blogs of the last four years. I’ve given links to the relevant blogs below. You can answer the questions in English if you prefer. 1. Dove è nato il poeta Giuseppe Ungaretti, autore della poesia “Natale”? 2. Come…