Christmas around the world
Holiday Traditions in Mexico
Beginning December 16th, "La Posadas" commemorates the events in the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Each night of the "Posada" a procession led by two children begins. The children carry a small pine-decorated platform bearing replicas of Joseph and Mary riding a burro. Other members, all with lighted long slender candles, sing the "Litany of the Virgin" as they approach the door of the house assigned to the first "Posada." Together they chant an old traditional song and awaken the residents of the house to ask for lodging for Mary. Those within the house threaten the company with beatings unless they move on. Again, the company pleads for lodging. When the owner of the house finally learns who his guests are, he jubilantly throws open the doors and bids them welcome. All kneel around the manger scene or "Nacimiento" and offer songs of welcome, Ave Marias and a prayer.
Holiday Traditions in Italy
In Italy the Christmas holidays end on January 6th, the Epiphany, which was a celebration in remembrance of the "Magi's" ; or the Three King’s visit to the Baby Jesus. According to legend the three men during their journey stopped and asked an old woman for food and shelter. She refused and they continued on their way. Within a few hours the woman had a change of heart but the Magi were long gone.
The "Befana" (Epiphany), depicted as a witch astride a broom, still searchs the world for the Baby Jesus. On the Eve of the Epiphany Italian children hang a stocking by the fireplace: the old woman puts sweets and chocolates into the stockings of children who have been good and black coal into the stockings of children who have been naughty!! In Rome, in Piazza Navona , there is a typical toy and candy market; here you can meet the "Befana" in person, who will give you some candy!
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