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ITALIAN CHRISTMAS Christmas is a special time of year in the Sicilian family and for all Italians, a social and family oriented people, who like to eat well and celebrate family, traditions and the birth of Christ and the gift of salvation.
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Christmas is a special time of the year for Italians all over the world, and Advent begins in December. Men and women prepare for the special day in advance with decorations, shopping for special gifts, making special gifts by hand, cookie and dessert making. The whole family is involved. Christmas in Italy is less commercialized and is centered on family. Churches around Italy prepare for this celebration of Jesus’ birthday and his gift of Salvation. In Contessa Entellina, all the churches have their special way of celebrating with Christmas Eve Mass. An important tradition is the creation of a nativity scene, which depicts the birth of Christ, originated in Italy during the 1200's by St. Francis of Assisi. Tradition calls for The Three Masses, the faithful came to call the first mass the "Angels' Mass", the second the "Shepherds' Mass" and the third the "Mass of the Divine Word". Custom has it that once the last mass is celebrated, the whole family makes a visit to the nativity scene to see the Infant Jesus. The third tradition, which signifies the end of the holiday season, is the celebration of the Epiphany. The children of Italy hang stockings by the fireplace in anticipation of the arrival of La Befana. La Befana is a good witch who brings the children of Italy gifts for their stockings on the feast of Epiphany. Epiphany is as important if not more to the Italians as the celebration of Christmas. Epiphany signifies the arrival of the wise men to Bethlehem. Celebrate Italian style. |
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FESTA DI SAN NICOLA of MYRA -
Patron of the Byzantine Catholic Church In Contessa Entellina, they celebrate the Festa di San Nicola, on the first Sunday in December, the patron saint of Contessa Entellina. San Nicolo di Mira is THE St. Nicholas after whom Santa Claus is named. The festival is celebrated at the Byzantine Mother Church of Contessa which is called St. Nicholas of Myra. This festival begins the Season of Advent.
FEAST OF IMMACULATE
CONCEPTION - the Blessed Virgin Mary There is a reading of Bible verses for this Feast day and the Doctrine and History is explained. This is a reflective event of the relationship between Mary to Christ and was added to the Apostolic Constitution. Italians love to celebrate with food, here is a sample menu.
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ITALIAN CHRISTMAS FEAST The
Christmas
Feast is usually celebrated on Christmas Eve, before the Mass. Celebrate
with an elaborate Christmas Eve banquet, called the "pronzo delta
vigilia." This meal, which contains no meat, should consist of foods
such as fish and seafood soup or stew, cannoli (an Italian pastry) and other
treats, such as, "Panettone," or Christmas cake, and espresso.
Prepare an elaborate Christmas Day meal for family and friends. Plan to
exchange gifts with your children on Christmas Day or on January 6 during the
feast of Epiphany. When Old Befana visits the children of Sicily, she sweeps
their room and, if they have been good, leaves them oranges and tarrone
candies (which are nougut and almonds flavored with citrus). These special
sweet gifts are placed in the child's shoes! A Sicilian tradition is the serving of "seven fishes of Christmas Eve", and many believe it is good luck to follow through with this tradition at any cost and Cod fish is the most popular. There are many ways to celebrate your Christmas traditions, as long as it is with family which will build many years of memories and good close relationships. Here is another menu planner featuring seafood. Tortellini in Broth is a tradition. Learn more about Italian Christmas traditions, and make it a special time in the life of your children. Children make Christmas special. |
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Italians love to entertain for the Holidays and here are a
few ideas for a
Dinner
Party. No party would be complete without
Sicilian
Christmas cookies, which can also make nice homemade gifts. Favorites are
the Cannoli and Sicilian Fig cookies. Certain
sweets are served only at Christmas time: |