Presepe: Christmas decorations Italy

Decorative items such as Christmas trees, LED lights, angels, mistletoe, evergreen wreaths, hollies, candles, candy canes, baubles and stars are common Christmas decorations, used across the world. But traditional Christmas decorations in Italy can never be complete without the ‘presepe’. It is the most important item of decoration in all Italian homes. A Presepe basically is a model crib, a complete representation of a Nativity scene, replete with baby Jesus, Joseph and Mother Mary.

Whether it’s Rome, Naples or the Vatican, every Church, home and community competes to make the most beautiful crib. Most people use hay, tissue, candles, and figurines to decorate these nativity models. Elaborate cribs have shepherds, the 3 wise men carrying gifts, baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Some go out of the way to keep clay models of sheep, other farm animals, stars and trees.

Modern glass decorations are a great favourite with Italians.  These delicate articles look classy and add an elegant touch to the entire set up. Natives are known for their love of food and they exercise creativity when ornamenting trees; they use deep red apples, candies and chocolates to add an extra zing to Christmas tree decorations.

Most Italian homes begin to put together their Christmas decorations by 8^th of December, the day celebrated as the ‘Feast of Immaculate Conception’.

Ways To Celebrate Independence Day

Independence Day is a major event all across the United States. This day is usually a day of festivity and celebration that involves elaborate parades, fairs, fireworks, carnivals, concerts, basket ball games and family reunions. One can celebrate American Independence Day in a number of ways however here are a few suggestions on what to do on this festive day.

Parades and Carnivals

Independence celebration in United States is known for its parades and carnivals. If you do not have the inclination of doing much in terms of celebrating this event personally one can easily be a part of the general celebration by joining a crowd of onlookers at parades and carnivals. Enjoy the marching band and the colorful floats that are a fixture on this day anywhere in America.

Speeches

If you are looking for some inspiration on this day, you can easily attend any number of Independence Day speeches and public meeting that are bound to take place. Many politicians and leaders are known to make patriotic public speeches on this day.

Fourth of July Fire Works

Independence Day is incomplete without the Fourth of July Fireworks that is a tradition all over United States. Step out of your home any time after sunset to witness the firework spectaculars up in the night sky. 

Some Little Known Facts About America’s Independence Day

Independence Day is around the corner and even as we gear up to take part in the parades, enjoy the family picnics and barbeques and be amazed at the beautiful spectacle of the Fourth of July fireworks, it surely is worth our time to read in to a few little known facts of this important event. Read further to know more.

Date Debate

There has been a continuing debate on the authentic date for Independence Day. While many believe that the vent should be celebrated on the 2^nd of July which is the date on which the Declaration of Independence was approved by a closed session of Congress, however  4^th of July is more widely accepted. John Adams who was a part of the Committee of Five that drafted the declaration truly believed that the 2^{nd of} July had more national importance and the correct day for celebrations.

Other Important Events that Took Place on this Day

Three presidents of whom two were founding fathers died on the 4^th. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both presidents and founding fathers died on July 4^th. President James Monroe also passed away on the 4^th. President Calvin Coolidge was born on the fourth.