{"id":46979,"date":"2018-12-21T09:49:22","date_gmt":"2018-12-21T14:49:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.genealogybank.com\/?p=46979"},"modified":"2024-04-12T14:26:44","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T18:26:44","slug":"common-italian-holiday-traditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.genealogybank.com\/blog\/common-italian-holiday-traditions.html","title":{"rendered":"Common Italian Holiday Traditions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Holidays are a time to rest, celebrate and connect with family. Your family holiday traditions may shed light on your ancestry. Tracing a holiday custom back to its origin may offer clues into your family history. Whether your family is religious or not, many holiday traditions have religious origins. This is especially true of Italian holiday traditions, the vast majority of which are rooted in the country\u2019s traditional observance of Christian holy days.<\/p>\n

\"Photo:<\/a>
Photo: an Italian panettone, a sweet bread for Christmas. Credit: Popo le Chien; Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even the most common Italian Christmas traditions will vary from region to region. From Sicily to Naples, and Sardinia to Milan, Lombardy to Verona, and Tuscany to the Vatican, Italy offers a wealth of cultural diversity. Add to this geographical mixing pot the factor of Christianity blending with older pagan traditions. As with any immigrant group, the Italians brought their holiday traditions with them to America.<\/p>\n

The holidays are a perfect time to learn more about your ancestors and your family history. If you have Italian ancestry, use Italian-American newspapers<\/a> to uncover new stories and facts about your ancestors. Share the stories during your next holiday celebration. You may recognize some of these holiday traditions your Italian ancestors brought with them to America.<\/p>\n

The Day of the Immaculate Conception<\/strong><\/p>\n

This observance begins on December 8th with the celebration of Mary\u2019s Immaculate Conception. The famous Christmas markets are officially open for the season on this special day. Between the nativity scenes, staged plays, bonfires, and strung lights, Italian cities become Christmas wonderlands.<\/p>\n

Christmas Eve \u2013 Feast of the Seven Fishes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Known as \u201cla Vigilla,\u201d this observation celebrates the birth of Jesus at midnight \u2013 hence the widely attended tradition of Midnight Mass. Vowing not to eat meat until Christmas Day, many partake in the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or \u201cFesta dei Sette Pesci.\u201d Hailing from Southern Italy, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is more prominent with Italian Americans than with Italians.<\/p>\n

La Befana<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the same way that children expect Santa Claus to stuff their stockings with presents, Italian children look for the witch, \u201cla Befana\u201d in Italian, to fill their shoes with gifts and candies. The difference is that Italian children wake up to presents on January 6th instead of Christmas morning.<\/p>\n

January 6th marks the end of the Christmas celebrations, on Epiphany, when the Three Mages brought gifts to baby Jesus. As the story goes, the Three Wise Men met la Befana on their way to the manger in Bethlehem. Generous and humble, the old woman hosted the Wise Men in her cottage, giving them food and drink. In the morning, they invited her to join their quest. But she declined, only to regret her decision later. She hurriedly gathered gifts for Jesus but did not reach Bethlehem in time. Traveling the skies on her ragged broomstick, la Befana continues her search to this day, leaving treats for the nice children and coal for the naughty.<\/p>\n

Other Italian Holiday Traditions<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can find common Italian traditions during other holidays throughout the year.<\/p>\n

Easter<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cPasquetta\u201d in Italian, Easter Monday usually brings families together for picnics and outings. Family life is a founding principle for Italians, so it should come as no surprise that the beginning of spring is celebrated with loved ones.<\/p>\n

Venice\u2019s \u201cCarnevale\u201d also happens around this time of year. Italians party and dress up in preparation for Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter, when they will be expected to fast or abstain from treats and sweets.<\/p>\n

All Saints Day<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although Halloween has become a widespread phenomenon, Italians traditionally focus more on November 1st than October 31st. On All Saints Day, \u201cOgnissanti\u201d in Italian, families come together to decorate their loved ones\u2019 graves.<\/p>\n

Traditional Italian Holiday Meals<\/strong><\/p>\n

Perhaps most famous for food, Italy has no shortage of delicious recipes for every holiday. If your family has historically enjoyed any of these meals around the holidays, chances are you have Italian ancestry.<\/p>\n