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 8th of December, the day celebrated
as the ‘Feast of Immaculate Conception’.
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