Novena and the Feast of Epiphany in Italy at Christmas

In Italy, the Christmas season goes for three weeks, starting 8 days before Christmas known as the Novena and lasts till after the Feast of Epiphany.

Italian Christmas traditions are based on Christianity. The opening of the Holy Season is announced by the sound of cannons firing from the Castle of Saint Angelo in Rome. Eight days before Christmas, a special service of prayers and church worship begin which ends on Christmas Day. This Christian service is known as the Novena, a Roman Catholic worship service consisting of prayers on nine consecutive days.

A week before Christmas, poor children dress up as shepherds complete with sandals, leggings tied with crossing thongs and shepherds’ hats. They go from house to house reciting Christmas poems, singing Christmas songs and playing them on shepherds’ pipes. In return they are given money to buy presents and treats.

During Christmas, small presents are drawn from a container known as the “Urn of Fate". In this lucky dip, there is always one gift per person. But the main exchange of gifts takes place on January 6, the feast of the Epiphany, the celebration in remembrance of the Magi's visit to the baby Jesus. Homes are covered with stockings filled with toys.

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