As in any other country in the world, in Italy are looking forward to Christmas and New Year, it's another reason to get together a large, loving family of a rich table, have fun with their friends, to present a welcome gift a loved one, and possibly to coincide with this day some special surprise.
As in any Catholic country, mainly in Italy considered to Christmas. Holidays start from December 25 and ending January 6. As the Italians are very thrifty people prepare for Christmas they start literally in the year since the previous holiday. And all because that immediately after December 25th in all stores open traditional big discounts and sales.
General cleaning and setting trees begin in Italian homes since 8 December. The date is not chosen by chance, but has a very particular history. The fact is that on that day there was a biblical Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, and honorable attitude Italians to all the canons of the church due to the fact that "the center of the Catholic world," are found in Italy - in Vatican.
By the way, as in China, the predominant color in the festive decoration of the Italian houses - red. There's even decided to give puansetiyu (or as we call it, rozhdestvennik) because it differs with bright red leaves, banner Christmas.
Almost every house or shop, you will be able to see the different interpretations of Jesus' birth with miniature figures. Sometimes the composition is so colorful and unusual that you can stand and scrutinize every detail. Italians themselves so seriously its Presepio (as they call such compositions) that even arrange competitions where better and more beautiful. Mandatory condition - all parts must be performed manually.
Advent fairs in Italy - the dream of anyone who appreciates the manual labor and local flavor! On such sales craftsmen-masters put their unique product. And if you want to decorate the house with something unusual, made in a single form, then you exactly here - the Italian fair.
In contrast to the Finns and Australians who begin Christmas visits after the holiday, the Italians decided to do it before the celebration. Corporate parties, fun gatherings with friends then decided to carry out in advance, so that Christmas Eve to stay at home, especially in the family. In Italy even have a saying: "Christmas is found in the family, and the New Year, where you want!"
Per day until December 25, believers, and they are the majority, are going on the Christmas service. The service begins at midnight from 24 to 25 December and lasts about two hours. Every believer is an Italian considers it his duty to defend the Mass, which is the Pope himself!
Italian Christmas holiday table replete with fish dishes and delicacies prepared with seafood. In many regions of the country it is still customary to put on the table for at least ten festive dishes, including the traditional spaghetti with mussels and shrimp. If the hostess serves eel, then it must see to it that the fish carcass was female and caviar - it symbolizes fertility and wealth in the house.
Italians have an interesting tradition associated with grapes. When they begin to beat the clock twelve times, on every hit needs to eat a grape and make a wish. Not before and not later! If the twelfth strike you coped with the task, wishes come true, and the year will be a happy one.
Once the clock strikes midnight, on the table there are meat dishes: baked pork ribs, and homemade sausages. Compulsory dish on the holiday table - a dish of lentils. Its seeds are the same round as a coin, and the more you eat it, the richer will be the next year.
Being emotional people, Italians believe that the louder you meet a new year, the happier he will be.
Santa Claus in Italy called Babbo Natale (Father Christmas). Gifts he gives on the same principle as its other European counterparts, either under the tree or in special socks. Kids often get toys and books, and adults - something useful for the home.
Traditionally, Italians celebrated the New Year by getting rid of the old. There was a time when they are with all their inherent zeal kicked out from the windows of different stuff, but after several high-profile scandals associated with the injury, which received the bystanders, the country's government banned the traditions. However, the Italians would not be Italian if disobeyed the ban - so strolling Italian streets on the eve of New Year, be extremely careful not to be ruled out that some of the windows on your head can land or dresser nightstand.
Celebrating New Year in Italy, unlike Christmas is much more modest. Table this time is rich in dishes with nuts and grapes (they symbolize wisdom, longevity and wealth). Generally, the celebration of the New Year in Italy is mostly associated with both the attraction of good luck and fortune for the coming year. And pulled, and are exposed to all the prominent places of attributes that help attract desirable. And many locals believe: if you wear red underwear, the year will be richer in the New Year's Eve.
The sixth of January, as the Italians say, there comes a real New Year's Eve and on doors flies on a broom magic fairy Befana, looks a lot like Baba Yaga. It leaves a good kiddies specially hung socks gifts, and poor gets ash or ember.
