Tag Archives: La Tradizione del Presepe
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…
La Tradizione del Presepe Posted by Serena on Dec 24, 2009
A few days ago we were out walking in the nearby woods when we saw a man and his young daughter carrying baskets and searching through the undergrowth. Our first thoughts were: “What on earth are they looking for at this time of year? It’s too late for chestnuts or wild mushrooms”. Then Geoff noticed…