The Orange County American Italian Renaissance Foundation

Photos of Frank's Benefit

Il Giornaletto

Remembering Christmas in Italy

Let’s take a moment to remember what the Christmas season is like in Italy.  Many of you have experienced this wondrous season there but some of you have not. Below are some interesting facts to read and pass along.  For example, did you know that the nativity scenes (called “creche” in Italy) we see on our front lawns, at church and in front of businesses were first put together by St. Francis of Assisi in Greccio, Italy? Today, the town celebrates the recurrence of that event with a historical procession that leaves the center of town at 10:00 pm. on December 24, then stops at the Sanctuary for a reenactment of the nativity scene.  Creches of varying types can be seen in may cities and towns, such as the Underwater creche off the coast of Tuscany, the International creche exhibit, in Giove, where bagpipe players accompany the procession which ends inside the Ducal Castle.  There is a huge biblical creche in Milan with 44 scenes representing the most significant passages of the Bible.

Christmas in Italy:  Italian traditions in Italy are based heavily on the religion of Christianity.  Christmas starts eight days before Christmas and lasts until after the Feast of Epiphany.  Musical salutes are made at the shrine of the Virgin Mary and songs are played at the homes of carpenters in honor of St. Joseph.  Eight days before Christmas a special Novena of prayers and church services begin.  It all ends on Christmas Day.  The traditional Christmas dinner, Cennone, is made up of spaghetti and anchovies, an assortment of fish, fresh broccoli, tossed salad, fruits and sweets.  A Yule log, the Appo, is burned and toasts in wine and wishes for the future are expressed. The Urn of Fate, an old Italian tradition, is a large ornamental bowl that holds wrapped gifts for members of the family.  When the family gets together, each member takes a turn at drawing a gift from the urn until all the presents are distributed.  Children in Italy hang up their stockings on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6.  They celebrate the visit of the Three Kings to Bethlehem.  Instead of Santa Claus, children are expecting La Befana.  She is a benevolent witch-like character on a broomstick.  The legend goes that the Three Wise Men stopped at her hut to ask directions on their way to Bethlehem and asked her to join them.  She said no, she was too busy.  Later a shepherd asked her to join him in paying respects to the Baby Jesus.  Again, she said no.  That night she changed her mind about going with the Wise Men.  So, she gathered some toys that had belonged to her own child and ran to find the kings and shepherd.  But she couldn’t find them nor the stable.  Now each year she still searches unsuccessfully for the Christ Child so she leaves the gifts for the good children of Italy and pieces of charcoal for the bad ones.  No meat is eaten for twenty-four hours before Christmas Eve, but there follows a meal as big as the family can afford.  A special New Year Banquet is eaten on the last day of the year, with “pannettone” turkey, chicken and spaghetti. New Year’s Eve is a time for happy celebration in Italy.   At midnight, champagne flows and fireworks streak the sky.  On January 1st many people have a special meal with their families.  Torchlight processions place in a number of ski resorts on December 30th or 31st and are especially festive.

Italian Language Classes:  This past year has been spent busily pursuing a grant from the Italian government which would allow support and development of local adult Italian language programs.  The grant was processed and finally approved, with OCAIRF officers administering the applications for the grant.  OCAIRF seeks to develop its own adult language classes.  Free classroom space is available at the Bowers.  Qualified instructors are needed to teach the classes on weeknights and possibly on Saturdays.  We plan to make Italian language classes available to the community as an ongoing project.

Pioneer Heritage Award: The highlight of each year is the OCAIRF Heritage Award celebration.  Past recipients select someone of high standing to receive this award.  In March, we honored F. David De Nunzio, DDS, a local dentist who has been a contributor and supporter of Italian heritage for many years in Orange County.  A celebration was held at the Doubletree Hotel and all members were invited.  Approximately 85 people attended.  This year, the committee has chosen Michael S. Carona, the elected, incoming Sheriff for Orange County.  OCAIRF is planning another gala celebration at the Sheraton Hotel in Newport Beach on Friday, March 26.  This is a good time for all members to come and show support and pride for a fellow American Italian who’s aspirations led him to his current position as Sheriff and to become acquainted with other members.   Invitations will be mailed in the spring.

Italian Films:  This past year members were mailed an invitation to see two fabulous Italian films:  “Ciao Professore” and “For Roseanna” at the Bowers Museum Conference Center in Santa Ana.  Approximately 35 people came to each viewing.  One film had English subtitles and another was spoken in English although it was set and filmed in Italy. 

Columbus Day:  Every year we hold a civic ceremony on the Friday before Columbus Day at our own Columbus Monument on the Bowers Museum courtyard.  This year, we gave special recognition to John Russo, Sr., an OCAIRF past president who has tirelessly donated his time to several Italian based organizations over many years.  Forty-five people came to the Museum on Friday, October 9 to pay tribute to Columbus and to John Russo.  Two members from The Knights of Columbus joined us with their own ceremony and helped make it a memorable day.

Recognition:  We thank outgoing officers:  David Prisco, President; Frank Cardinale, 1st Vice President; Joseph Oddo, 2nd Vice President; Dee Acierno, Secretary, Ann Paparella, Treasurer for their contribution of time and effort in overseeing the Foundation.  New officers will be elected in December with terms starting in January.  Anyone interested in serving on the Board of Directors is welcome to contact us at 714/836-4655.  We appreciate your input and participation in keeping our heritage accessible. 

Il Giornaletto is a publication of

1950 Old Tustin Ave. Santa Ana CA 92705