Christmas Eve in Italy All round the world every country has various customs and traditions which have evolved over time, including those in Italy. This article provides facts and information about some of the traditions and customs which are adhered to on Christmas Eve in Italy. Why do Italians eat Seven Fish on Christmas Eve and what is the Italian Seven Fish Christmas Eve Dinner? And who is La Befana in Italy?
Why do Italians eat Seven Fish on Christmas Eve? Why do Italians eat Seven Fish on Christmas Eve? Christmas Eve is a vigilia di magro, a day of abstinence in which the Catholic Church prohibits the consumption of meat. Not all Italians observe the tradition of the Seven Fish Christmas Eve Dinner and it is most popular in Southern Italy (South of Rome) and in Sicily. This custom was taken to the US from Italy by Italian immigrants and this tradition is still observed. The significance of the seven fish dinner in Italy is believed to relate to the Seven sacraments or the seven virtues.
Why do Italians eat Seven Fish on Christmas Eve? The Seven Virtues? The custom of the seven fishes dinner in Italy could relate to the Seven Virtues which seems the more likely of the two suggestions:
Faith
Hope
Charity
Temperance
Prudence
Fortitude
Justice
Why do Italians eat Seven Fish on Christmas Eve? The Seven Catholic Sacraments? The Seven Catholic Sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians and the Roman Catholic Religion. The Seven Catholic Sacraments are extremely special religious occasions in Italy:
Baptism
Eucharist
Reconciliation
Confirmation
Marriage
Holy Orders
Anointing of the Sick
Italian Seven Fish Christmas Eve Dinner The Italian Seven Fish Christmas Eve Dinner is therefore significant due to the Roman Catholic church forbidding the consumption of meat on this day and in honor of the Seven sacraments. The dishes served in the Italian Seven Fish Christmas Eve dinner vary from the traditions of individual Italian families. However, the main contents of the recipes always have seven combinations of fish and seafood consisting of anchovies, sardines, octopus, shrimp, dried salt cod, eel, squid, mussels and clams. The fish and seafood are served with pasta and vegetables. Baccala (salt cod) is one of the most traditional dishes in Italy. Other dishes chosen for the Italian Seven Fish Christmas Eve Dinner include:
Stuffed calamari (squid) in tomato sauce
Deep fried calamari
Deep fried fish/shrimp
Deep fried scallops
Stuffed clams
Stuffed and baked lobsters
Oysters
Linguine (flat narrow pasta) with clam or lobster sauce
Cod fish balls in tomato sauce
Marinated eel
Baccala
Octopus salad
Scungilli (whelk) salad
Christmas Eve in Italy - Santa Claus and La Befana! Christmas Eve is the time Western children look forward to! It is the night that Santa Claus and his sleigh, pulled by magical flying reindeer, fly around the world stopping at the homes of children to deliver gifts ready to be opened on Christmas Day. Children in Italy also look forward to January 6 (Epiphany, l'epifania) when there more gift-giving traditions. It is not just Santa Claus (Babbo Natale) who brings their gifts but also the kind witch who named La Befana. La Befana, the good witch, wears an old coat mended with colorful patches and old worn out shoes. La Befana flies on a broomstick and carries with her a big black bag filled with sweets and presents for children. La Befana enters the houses through the chimneys and leaves the gifts and presents inside the old socks that are hang the night before - very similar to the Santa tradition!
Christmas Eve in Italy This article provides an overview of our Christmas Eve in Italy. Lots of free, facts and information for kids, children and teachers! Popular customs and traditions detailing the celebrations, food and gift giving on Christmas Eve in Italy around the world.
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"Merry Christmas, have a happy and prosperous New Year!"
