L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017 www.italoamericano.org 38 L'Italo-Americano M os t of us have heard the tradi- tional holiday s ong, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." It is thought to have its origins in England. Some sug- gest that from 1558 to 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly and that someone during that time wrote the carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. Although there is a bit of con- troversy over that premise, it is relatively clear if we were to observe popular mass media here in the U.S., specifically televi- sion, it might seem the 12 days of Christmas begin in the days prior to, and including, Decem- ber 25 th . So what is a typical Christmas like in Italy? Generally, in Italy, Italians begin their "official" Christmas season by celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Con- ception on December 8 th . This is a national holiday and is usually the day Italians begin decorating streets and houses with lights. The albero di Natale (Christmas tree) is popular and the presepio (nativity scene) is a component Italians embrace as an essential display of the true meaning of Christmas. Local Christmas mar- kets open around this time, and people begin the shopping expe- rience. The season typically ends on January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany with the Twelfth Night being celebrated on the evening of January 5 th . Who is that witch? January 5 th is the same day La Befana (a good witch) delivers gifts to the children of Italy. Why a witch you might ask. In Italian folk- lore, Befana is an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve in a s imilar w ay to S t. Nicholas or Santa Claus. This is also the time for Babbo Natale (Father Christmas). It's also the time for songs and caroling with classics like "Adeste Fideles" and "Tu Scendi dalle Stelle". As people get ready for Christmas, parts of the coun- try await the appearance of the zampognari (bagpipe players). Zampognari w ere originally shepherds who came down from the hills at Christmas to celebrate with their families and entertain people at various shrines. It w ouldn't be an Italian Christmas without food! Pasta in brodo (pasta in broth), Cappone (capon), arrosti (roasts), Panet- tone, Pandor o (s w eet bread des s erts ), T or r one and Pan- CATHERINE ACCARDI The Twelve Days of Natale ing the season of giving, visit . While gifting (and receiving), look for "Made in Italy." Have you been naughty or nice? Don't leave the answer up to Santa. Just keep this phrase in mind: "Made in Italy" is always in good taste. If you are flush with cash, visit the fabulous Italian design- er boutiques. Not only are the Italians coming, as F iat announced in their ads , but many high end Italian brands have already arrived. Through- out S an F rancis co's U nion Square District shops represent- ing Prada, Bulgari, Brunello Cucinelli, and Valentino have been enhancing the urban shop- ping experience. You can feel the cashmere at Loro Piana. After all this holiday cheer is said and done, reflect on the year to come. Contemplate the year past. Prosecco is particular- ly helpful in this regard. Take a deep breath. Be happy you are Italian for the holidays, and, all year round! Celebrate Christmas like an Italian right here, in the San Francisco Bay area SAN FRANCISCO ITALIAN COMMUNITY forte are all time favorites. Of course Christmas Eve dinner and midnight Mass are traditions many Italians enjoy. But you don't have to travel to Italy to spend Natale alla Italiana. Celebrate Christmas like an Italian right here in the San Francisco Bay Area. There is no reason Italo-Americani can't celebrate the 12 days of Christ- mas as a blend of the best of both worlds; a Natale-Christ- mas. As of the publication date of this issue, December 14, there are 12 days to Christmas day. No need to panic because we are Italian and Italians know instinc- tively how to make a Merry Christmas into un Buon Natale. Think red, green and white! Tra- ditional holiday colors are also the colors of Italy. When you decorate for the holidays, keep in mind that for every green and red Christmas ball or silvery white tinsel, you are decorating alla Italiana. Here's the rest of the plan: shop like an Italian. Gift like an Italian. Sing like an Italian. Eat like an Italian. Don't want to do your own holiday cooking? Traditional holiday meals are s erved at many local Italian restaurants such as the historic Fior d'Italia, who calls itself "America's old- es t Italian res taurant." This establishment has made San Francisco's Little Italy home since its first location at 432 Broadway back in 1886. What to nicely augment your own home cooking? Go to one of San Francisco's many deli- cious food companies like Lucca Ravioli Company, 1100 Valen- cia Street, Italian Homemade Company, 716 Columbus A venue, and M olinari D eli- cates s en, 373 Columbus Avenue. Nothing says holiday deliz ios o like Italian baked goods from D ianda Italian American Pastry, 2883 Mission Street, Liguria Bakery, 1700 Stockton Street, Stella Pastry, 446 Columbus Avenue, or Vic- toria Bakery, 700 Filbert Street. S an F rancis co's his toric churches like Saints Peter & Paul and St. Francis, both locat- ed in S an F rancis co's Little Italy, North Beach, have day- time and evening services. The National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi has holiday concerts and with traditional carols and hymns. They also have a large outdoor Christmas crèche prese- pio. Focus on the Season of Giv- ing. The City of San Francisco takes its name from Italian friar Saint Francis of Assisi and it is the city w here the N ational Shrine of Saint Francis is locat- ed. The parish itself dates back to 1849 and the current church, built in 1860 (rebuilt in 1919) is at 610 Vallejo Street. It is offi- cially designated San Francisco Landmark No. 5. The Church of Saint Francis supports the Catholic Charities Christmas Volunteer program which might be the best way to celebrate the holidays. For more information on honor-

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