“T piac o’ presep” were famous words uttered by Neapolitan Eduardo DeFilippo, an Italian actor and director, in the drama “Natale in casa Cupiello“. In English they mean, 鈥淒o you like the Holy Nativity?鈥� The presepe, or Holy Nativity, was central to the development of the plot, as one of the play’s main characters aimed at creating a perfect one for Christmas.
The play is just one example of the importance of the presepe in Italian Christmas celebrations: the presepe is, indeed, one of the most traditional symbols of the season, its history rooted deeply in that of Italian culture. Its creation is a ritual so entrenched 聽in people’s habits that many can鈥檛 renounce to it, even in today’s day and age, when celebrations have become more modern.
Basically, a presepe is a scene of the stable where Jesus was born, complete with figurines to represent Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the Wise Men (to be added on the 6th of January), shepherds and animals. Depending on the size, the scene may include buildings for an entire village. Whether big or small, if you’re in Italy during Christmas time, you’ll always find a presepe somewhere.
The country is so attached to this tradition, sometimes it even manages to argue about its name:聽debates about the correct word to use,聽presepe or presepio, have been going on聽 since it can be remembered. Truth is, both forms are correct because they come from Latin, which accepted both praesepium and 辫谤补别蝉别辫别,听补濒迟丑辞耻驳丑听辫谤别蝉别辫别听is probably the most used today.
The term mangiatoia (literally manger, but most commonly known in English as crib, when referring to the Nativity)聽is used for a three-dimensional representation of the nativity, usually placed in a hut or stable, with figures which can be moved around to the choice of the creator. In this version, the mangiatoia remains the protagonist of the scene and the figures of Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus are placed in it together with that of the ox and the donkey in the stable.
While some may see the presepe聽simply as a tradition, it is actually very close to a fully developed form of art. Proof of its importance in Italy can be seen in the numerous markets and exhibitions set up for it,聽some coming alive with real people impersonating the main characters of the scene. The most famous of these markets is that of San Gregorio Armeno in Naples.聽San Gregorio Armeno is a city centre street, where several craftsmen exhibit and sell their creations. Famous worldwide, you’ll find a special and magical atmosphere during Christmas. The market is a well known touristic attraction, visited every year by many seeking to experience the enchating atmosphere of a true Neapolitan Christmas.
If you make it to the market this year (as every year in fact!), you’ll be surprised to find some very peculiar characters to add to your presepe statuettes’ collection: apart from classic figures like il pastore聽(the shepherd), il contadino聽(the farmer), il macellaio聽(the butcher), and il bottegaio聽(the storekeeper), you’ll get to see figurines of celebrities or political leaders. The shepherd stands beside President Obama, a storekeeper sits cheek to cheek with the Queen of England: all of it is possible聽on the stalls of聽this amazing market.聽Look for Napoli F.C. players, as well as VIPs and actors, especially if they’ve been at the centre of some scandal during the year.
Some presepi are quite expensive, but the simple ones are reasonably priced and will set you back of about 35 euros ($ 40).
Traditionally Italians take out their聽presepe from its boxes on 顿别肠别尘产别谤听8th. Some people start to build it on that day, others just modify an existing set and others still simply spray a bit of artificial snow and musk for decoration. No matter the size and the ornaments choosen, you’ll find a presepe in the home of almost all Italian Catholics. And be prepared, as you’ll probably be asked,聽“Ti piace il presepe?”
