Christmas Around the World Series: in Italy
Curieusement, en Italie, le Père Christmas a été remplacé par une gentille sorcière (la Befana) coiffée d’un chapeau pointu, à cheval sur un balai comme il se doit, qui part glisser dans la cheminée des maisons les cadeaux que les enfants ouvriront à Noël. On peut d’ailleurs voir plusieurs représentations de la Befana aux fenêtres des maisons italiennes durant les festivités.
Selon la légende, cette sympathique sorcière est cependant fort distraite. En effet, un peu avant la naissance de Jesus, les bergers lui avaient montré l’étoile indiquant la direction de Bethléem mais elle oublia de se souvenir de quelle étoile il s’agissait et depuis, on prétend qu’elle fait le tour du monde en la cherchant.
Traditions
In the south of the country, shepherds come down from their mountains to play flutes in front of churches. In Rome, children recite poetry in front of the statue of Jesus in the Basilica of Aracoeli.
In the province of Catania, Mineo's play is still being performed. Three angels and three devils discuss the coming of the Christ Child. Their discussions become heated and the scene turns violent. The devils are pushed out of the church and slapped by the faithful throughout their journey. Fortunately, as a reward for the improvised actors disguised as demons, they are the first to taste the delicious dishes at the banquet (since Christmas is also the feast of reconciliation).
The Italian table
The big Christmas Eve party takes place on Christmas Eve. All family and friends are invited to this fabulous meal, which includes a dish of eel served with ravioli or spaghetti, roast meats, fish, and other typical Italian Christmas dishes. Not to mention the dessert table (which includes Panettone) which is full of sweet treats and treats. Sparkling red and white wines accompany the generous buffet.
