While here in the U.S. we’re back to work, back to school, the tree’s out to the curb, and the manger’s back in the box… in Italia it ain’t quite over just yet.
Back at the presepio, or nativity scene, recently buzzing with the arrival of Gesu Bambino (Baby Jesus) on Christmas day, they’re still awaiting the arrival of the tre magi (3 wise men). The three kings, Melchiore, Gaspare, and Baldassare won’t get into town until January 6th, known in Italy as L’Epifania, or the Epiphany.
The tradition in Italy is to place the figurines of the tre magi far from the presepio on Christmas day, and then move them closer to the nativity scene step by step until they finally reach it on January 6th. The Neopolitan nativity scenes (‘O Presebbio, in dialect) are noted as being particulary elaborate, ornate, and artistic.
Following are a few links to more info on Neopolitan ‘presepi’ and the three wise men. These sites are in Italian, for you to practice and/or run thru a translator. Enjoy!
I Re Magi (The Magi or 3 Wise Men/kings)
Presepe Napilitano, Wikipedia italiano (includes pictures)
{Vorrei ringraziare il mio amico Giancarlo per il suo input nel realizzare questo blog post. 1000 grazie GC!}
