Are you wondering what is an Italian Presepe? I have been to Italy a number of times and it is one of the highlights of every Christmas season. I will share with you the meaning and the cultural influence of presepe in Italy.
Il Presepe is the traditional Italian nativity scene that has been loved by Italians for hundreds of years. This beautiful picture of the birth of Jesus Christ comes from the Latin word “praesaepe” which means “manger” or “crib“. It is a true masterpiece of creativity and skill.
Presepe is made of many different things, including wood, plaster, terracotta, and even moss and grass. Each figure is made by hand with care, and the scene usually includes the Holy Family, shepherds, angels, the Three Wise Men, and animals like sheep, cows, and donkeys. There are also different types of presepes which you will see later.
It is said that Saint Francis of Assisi made the first nativity scene in a cave in Greece in the 1300s. Since then, Presepe has become an important religious and cultural symbol in Italy. It is now seen in homes, churches, and public places all over the country.
For Italians, it is a way to show what Christmas is really about and how important family, community, and faith are. It shows that the country has a rich cultural history that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is also a great example of the creativity and skill of the Italian people as each Presepe is unique and handled with care and attention to detail.
Presepe is more than just a decoration in Italy. It is a cultural treasure that honors the values and traditions that make Italians who they are. Read on and find out why Il Presepe is so important to the people of Italy.
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What is the history of Presepe?
The presepe tradition dates back many years.
The earliest known depiction of the Nativity, featuring the Virgin and the child, dates back to the third century AD.The Catacombs of Priscilla in Rome contain examples of this, and it was a common theme in sculpture, paintings, stained glass works, and frescoes during the Middle Ages.
However, San Francis of Assisi, the inventor of the traditional presepe, lived in 1300, which is precisely when the Italian presepe tradition as we know it today began. According to history, Francis made a pilgrimage to Bethlehem in 1220 to see the site of Jesus’ birth.
Francis had a lasting impression of the visit. When he returned to Italy and was staying in the Lazio town of Greppio, he made the decision that he wanted to recreate that environment and give birth there.
Francis set up the first presepe in a nearby cave with the manager and hey and the animals after Pope Onorio III granted permission. Numerous people stopped by the unusual display, which provided an opportunity to share the message of Jesus’ birth. Since then, the notion of creating a presepe for Christmas has gained traction.
What is the meaning of Presepe?
The Italian word for a Christmas crib or nativity scene is presepe.
Linguists claim that the word presepe is derived from the Latin praesepere, which means “fenced place” and conjures up images of a protective fence or wall surrounding the manger.
Presepe is singular in Italian, whereas presepi is plural, so you would say: Il presepe = the nativity scene. For the nativity scenes, I presepi
For instance, 100 presepi is the equivalent of 100 nativity scenes. “Oggi ho fatto il presepe” means today I made the nativity scene.
Who created the first Presepe?
It’s common knowledge that St. Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first presepe in the sense we use today. St. Francis traveled to the Holy Land as a pilgrim in 1220 to see the birthplace of Jesus. He was so moved by it that he requested permission from the Pope to leave his monastery and perform a nativity play.
He established the first presepe in history on Christmas Day 1223 in a cave near some nearby woods in the small Italian town of Greccio, close to Rieti. Francis brought an ox and a donkey, along with a manger filled with straw (apparently no one represented the Virgin Mary, Joseph, or Baby Jesus). Many locals who were illiterate came to hear Francis tell them the account of Jesus’ birth.
Following this, churches began to display the first presepi alongside paintings, complete with a backdrop and carved figurines. Central Italy and the Emilia Romagna region adopted the nativity scene as a beloved custom. It then spread to the south, including Naples, and started to become popular in affluent homes (in the form of ornaments or miniature chapels).
Although there are presepe traditions in Italy from north to south, Naples is still the region with the greatest reputation for presepe art. Even though the city continues to draw tourists from all over the world to view its intricate creations and figurines, this art form reached its apex in the 18th century.
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What’s in the Presepe?
A presepe s a representation of the birth of Jesus Christ and includes specific elements that are common in all nativity scenes, regardless of their style.
Here are the essential elements that an Italian presepe must have:
- Baby Jesus in a crib: The infant Jesus is typically placed in a manger, which can be made of different materials, such as wood, plaster, or even living elements such as moss and grass. Depending on family traditions, the baby Jesus can be in the manger from the day the presepe is set up, or it can be added at midnight between the 24th and 25th of December.
- Mary and Joseph: Mary is usually represented kneeling beside the baby, while Joseph stands beside the crib with a tall, hooked baton of the Shepard. They are often depicted with expressions of reverence and awe.
- Animals: An ox and a donkey are commonly included in the scene to recall the tradition of them keeping baby Jesus warm with their breath. Other animals, such as sheep and camels, may also be present.
- Shooting Star: A shooting star on top of the scene symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus.
- Shepherds: The shepherds are usually depicted as villagers visiting the baby and acting like a chorus of onlookers. They are dressed in traditional clothes and carry musical instruments or gifts.
- Three Wise Men: Also known as the Three Kings, the Three Wise Men are a crucial part of the presepe. They represent the three gifts that were offered to baby Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They are often depicted on horseback or camelback, dressed in ornate robes and crowns.
In Italian culture, setting up a presepe is a way of celebrating the true spirit of Christmas and passing down cultural and religious values from one generation to the next. It is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that is beloved by many.
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What is the presepe in English?
In English, Presepe is crèche which means a miniature stable with figurines of the Virgin Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus etc.
An Italian presepe frequently tells the entire tale, starting with the shepherds’ hearing from the angel, moving on to the birth of Christ, and ending with the three wise men’s arrival.
Presepi can become a very elaborate event indeed, unlike traditional Christmas scenes that only include baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assorted shepherds, a few sheep, and a couple of donkeys. Some depict entire towns filled with locals selling fruit, meat, and fish, making pizza, and baking bread!
Influence of Presepe on Italian Culture
One of the most significant influences of Presepe in Italian culture is the celebration of family and community. For many Italians, setting up the nativity scene is a beloved Christmas tradition, a time when families come together to create and display their Presepe in their homes. It is an opportunity for family members to bond, share stories and create lasting memories, strengthening the sense of community and togetherness.
Presepe is also a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of the Italian people. The figures in the nativity scene are usually handcrafted, and made from clay, resin, or wood. Every Presepe is unique, reflecting the artisan’s creativity and attention to detail, highlighting Italy’s reputation as a country with a rich artistic heritage.
In addition to these cultural influences, Presepe is also a significant religious symbol in Italy, reflecting the country’s deep-seated Catholic traditions. It is a reminder of the importance of faith, charity, and compassion, values that have been deeply ingrained in Italian society for centuries.
Finally, Presepe has also had an impact on Italian cuisine. During the Christmas season, many Italians prepare traditional dishes that reflect the spirit of Presepe. Dishes such as lamb, roasted chestnuts, and traditional desserts like panettone and pandoro are often served during the festive season, reflecting the significance of Presepe in Italian culture.
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Where to see the beautiful presepe in Italy?
Discovering the beauty of Presepe in Italy is a unique experience that embodies the rich cultural heritage of the country. While Presepi can be found almost anywhere in Italy, there are some places famous for their exquisite and elaborate displays.
- San Gregorio Armeno in Naples is a street renowned for its Presepe artists, where visitors can see a variety of styles and figurines.
- The Vatican in Rome is home to one of the biggest and best nativity scenes, which is set in the center of St. Peter’s Square and features a new theme each year.
- Manarola in Cinque Terre holds the record for the world’s largest Presepe, covering the entire hill over which the town develops.
- Meanwhile, Laveno in Lombardy features a unique underwater Presepe, and Lignano Sabbiadoro in Friuli Venezia Giulia showcases a collection of Presepi sculpted in sand.
- Christmas Alley in Naples, the street in Naples that is known for year-round Christmas and you will see lots of presepe for sale.
For those who love the coast like the Amalfi Coast, several localities pay homage to their seaside location with floating Presepi, such as Cesenatico and Comacchio in Emilia Romagna, and Crodo in Piedmont. Turin also features a historical Presepe in the Church of Santa Annunziata, with over 200 figurines that are mechanically animated to evoke traditional works and arts.
Whether you’re a religious devotee or simply fascinated by the cultural significance and craftsmanship of Presepe, a visit to these sites is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Traditional Italian nativity scenes vs. modern nativity scenes
The birth of Jesus is depicted in the most typical Italian scenes in a manner that closely resembles the gospel’s account.
These presepi typically have the scene taking place in a cave or a stable in a village. In this interpretation, the villagers visiting the newborn are shepherds wearing long robes, shepherding batons, and headpieces. Mary and Joseph are dressed in period-appropriate clothing.
These traditional nativity scenes are very prevalent and can be found all over Italy. They are by no means the only kind of representation available, though. You can see the nativity scene represented in many other ways because presepe is also a symbolic and metaphorical representation.
Depending on where you are, you might come across a presepe made of Lego, one that is underwater, one that is set in space, and you might notice that among the visitors to the baby are not only shepherds but also well-known figures like Queen Elizabeth II!
It can be debatable to include these various figures in Italian nativity scenes.
However, the Vatican itself reinvents the nativity scene each year, to some extent, so while it is important to respect the religious meaning of the nativity scene, it is perfectly acceptable to apply some creativity to it.
The Vatican is a frequent source of fascinating examples of unusual stories about presepe. The nativity scenes at the Vatican feature a theme every year that the church wants to bring to light. For instance, the tragedy of people dying in the Mediterranean while attempting to flee famine and war prompted the Vatican to construct a nativity scene in the form of a ship. A wonderful illustration of the presepe’s adaptability in terms of the message it conveys.
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Types of Italian Nativity Scenes
There are various types of presepi that people can experience. From the public presepi set up in churches and public squares to the live presepi with local people playing the characters, and even presepi displayed in private homes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Public Presepi
Around Christmas, Presepi—simple nativity scenes with just the main characters and a few animals—are typically erected in churches or occasionally in public squares in Italy. Along with statues and figurines, municipalities in Italy also portray the nativity scene through live performances, digital art, and even projections onto public structures.
Live Presepi (Presepe Vivente)
Italy hosts “presepi viventi” frequently. These nativity scenes are played out live, with locals acting out the parts. You could also bring in some sheep, goats, cows, and a donkey for good measure! Some of these are held throughout the entire city, and neighborhood shops are converted into workshops where people engage in traditional crafts (baking, traditional paper making, wood carving or weaving, etc).
Tuscany is home to one of the most well-known of these. Equi Terme, a small village close to Massa-Carrara, is likely the presepe vivente with the longest history. It travels along a lovely path that winds through a village that is illuminated by torches and candles to the entrance of the Equi Caves, where a scene from Jesus’ birth is depicted.
Presepi in Private Homes
The holidays are a time when many families decorate their homes with presepi, and these decorations are typically exhibited in a prominent location within the house so that both family members and visitors can take pleasure in them.
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Everything Zany
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