L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 4 I t a l y ' s C h r i s t m a s season is unfolding, and there is so much to see, experience, try, a n d l e a r n a b o u t . Because if there is something this time of the year makes its own across the Belpaese is variety. From the Alpine peaks of Trentino-Alto Adige to the sunlit shores of Sici- ly, our Christmas customs a r e , m o r e t h a n n a t i o n a l , regional and local, a reflec- tion of the country's diverse cultural heritage and deep- rooted sense of community and faith. I n t h e i r m u l t i f a c e t e d nature and many differences, however, they unite us throu- g h t h e c o m m o n t h e m e o f faith, and of the victory of Light and Good over Dark- ness; they also run a thread made of memories, scent, and voices through the length and width of the peninsula. And so, just like the country itself and its very history, Italy's Christmas celebra- tions are diverse yet close to one another, different but part of the same family. Rest a s s u r e d t h a t t h e h i s t o r y behind these customs is as rich as the practices them- s e l v e s : e a c h t r a d i t i o n , shaped by local history and geography, tells a story of resilience, faith, and of con- nections that bind communi- ties together during the fes- tive season. In the Alpine region of Trentino-Alto Adige, the C h r i s t m a s s e a s o n b e g i n s with the exciting spectacle of the Krampus parades. Rooted in ancient Alpine folklore, Krampus is a fear- some creature with a long history in pre-Christian tra- ditions: originally a pagan figure associated with the w i n t e r s o l s t i c e , i t w a s believed to scare away evil spirits and the darkness of w i n t e r . A s C h r i s t i a n i t y spread, Krampus became an i n t e g r a l p a r t o f S t . Nicholas traditions, rep- resenting the consequences of poor behavior. During the parades, or Krampusläufe, participants don elaborate c o s t u m e s a n d m a s k s t o embody this menacing crea- ture as they march through the streets, clanging bells and cracking whips, in an event that brings together pagan lore and Christian morality tales. M o v i n g t o t h e s e a o f Liguria, the Confeugo cer- emony is a colorful expres- sion of unity and renewal during the holiday season. The ceremony likely origi- nated back in the 14th centu- ry as a gesture of loyalty and respect from Genoa's citizens to their leaders: a decorated laurel trunk was presented and ceremonially burned in a public bonfire, symbolizing the strengthening of commu- nal bonds and the hope for prosperity in the coming year. Today, the ceremony takes place on the Saturday b e f o r e C h r i s t m a s a n d includes festive music, tradi- tional dances, and commu- nal feasts. The flames of the Confeugo light up Genoa's town square, and offer a symbolic renewal of the relationship between the city's people and their lead- ers. Notably, the Confeugo is also common in other vil- lages and towns of Liguria, which makes is true regional event. Moving into Central Italy, the 'Ndocciata in Molise is a fiery spectacle that lights up the sky on Christmas Eve; held in the town of Agnone, this breathtaking procession features locals carrying enor- mous torches of silver fir t h r o u g h t h e s t r e e t s . I t i s interesting to learn that the 'Ndocciata has its roots in the traditions of the Samni- tes, an ancient Italic tribe who inhabited these lands before the Romans, and per- formed fire rituals during the winter solstice to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of life. As in many other cases, Christianity reinterpreted pagan rituals and adapted them to its tenets, with the fire of the Samnites becom- ing a way to celebrate the light of Christ. In Tuscany, the Ceppo ceremony offers a quieter b u t e q u a l l y m e a n i n g f u l Christmas tradition. Deeply connected to agricultural societies, where fire rituals were common, the burning of the Ceppo log originally symbolized fertility, renewal, and the hope for a bountiful harvest. Over centuries, the t r a d i t i o n e v o l v e d i n t o a C h r i s t i a n p r a c t i c e t h a t emphasizes warmth, unity, and protection for the house- hold. Still today, families gather around the hearth to burn the log throughout the Christmas season, while chil- dren, blindfolded, take turns striking it with a stick as they sing festive songs. On the island of Sardi- nia, Christmas Eve is known as Sa Notte 'e Xena, "the night of the supper." Fami- lies prepare a humble meal that reflects the spiritual A n I t a l i a n C h r i s t m a s : c e l e b r a t i n g t h e traditions that keep our heritage alive FRANCESCA BEZZONE NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS CONTINUED TO PAGE 6 A detail of a traditional nativity scene, il presepe, one of Italy most loved Christmas traditions (Photo: Floriano Rescigno/Dreamstime)

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