"Bono Natale" is the greeting for Merry Christmas in Italy.

Since it is the Christmas season I would like to take this opertunity

To tell you about the Precipio also known as the Nativity.

The main symbol of the Christmas season in Italy is the 'Precipio'. A Precipio is found in every home and consists of a manger, and figures of all of those who were present at Jesus' birth.

The origins of the nativity scene come to us from this country. As early as the 4th century A.D., artists were making portrayals of the birth of Christ. Credit for popularizing the nativity as a focal point of Christmas generally goes to St. Francis of Assisi. In 1223, the Saint recreated the nativity scene in the village of Greccio, near Assisi, using people to act out the parts of the Holy Family, the Three Kings, and shepherds and angels. From the 13th century onwards, artists began carving or painting figures for decorative and devotional use.

Such figures, initially life-size or larger, were gradually reduced in scale to permit them to be displayed in homes. The first known "creche" - as the miniature reproductions of Christ's birth manger came to be known as - is believed to have been commissioned by the Duchess of Amalfi in the 1560's. Over the next few centuries, this practice became widespread. Aristocratic families often vied with each other to see who would come up with the most elaborate creche.

A particular center of creche art was in Naples. Inspired by the interest of the monarchy in the 1730's, nativity sets became a serious artistic undertaking. Facial expressions became more life-like and natural. Clothing and accessories became more sophisticated. Eventually such scenes came to involve dozens of characters and animals.

Italy has remained a center for nativity art ever since. 

Everyone here involved with Nunnie's Attic would like to wish you and all your family a very blessed Christmas and the happiest of New Years.

Till next time, "Live good,Love well and Laugh Often"

                                Merry  Christmas,

                                            Nunnie (Margie)