| Christmas In ITALY
 The
popularity of the Nativity scene, one of the most beloved and
enduring symbols of the holiday season, originated in Italy. St.
Francis of Assisi asked a man named Giovanni Vellita of the
village of Greccio to create a manger scene. St. Francis
performed mass in front of this early Nativity scene, which
inspired awe and devotion in all who saw it. The creation of the
figures or pastori became an entire genre of folk art.
In Rome, cannon are fired from Castel St. Angelo of Christmas
Eve to announce the beginning of the holiday season. A 24-hour
fast ends with an elaborate Christmas feast. Small presents are
drawn from the Urn of Fate.
The main exchange of gifts takes place on January 6, the
feast of the Epiphany, the celebration in remembrance of the
Magi's visit to the Christ Child. Children anxiously await a
visit from La Befana who brings gifts for the good and
punishment for the bad. According to legend, the three wise men
stopped during their journey and asked an old woman for food and
shelter. She refused them and they continued on their way.
Within a few hours the woman had a change of heart but the Magi
were long gone. La Befana, which means Epiphany, still wonders
the earth searching for the Christ Child. She is depicted in
various ways: as a fairy queen, a crone, or a witch.
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