Chocolates, flowers, cards, but also love letters from God. Here are the Valentine’s Day traditions in Italy and around the world.

There are many Valentine’s Day traditions, in Italy and across the globe. Every year on the 14th of February, we all feel a little more in love, and we dedicate a thought to this Catholic saint, who, both during his life and after his tragic death, became the protector of lovers. In fact, not everyone knows that before becoming the patron saint of lovers, Saint Valentine was a Roman bishop, martyred during the persecution led by Emperor Aurelian on the 14th of February, 273 AD. It is the day of his death that we commemorate by celebrating the feast of lovers.

There’s more to it. Before the Church dedicated the 14th of February to Saint Valentine, the Lupercalia took place during this time of year. These were rituals originally aimed at keeping wolves away from the fields, encouraging crops, and generally celebrating fertility in all its forms and manifestations. In addition to animal sacrifices, whose blood was spread by priests on fields and along roads, these ceremonies, which culminated on the 15th of February, also involved celebrations so wild and licentious that even the Roman emperors suspended them on multiple occasions.

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St. Valentine’s Day

In this department you will find a wide selection of articles and gift ideas.

So, who was Saint Valentine?

Saint Valentine of Terni, also known as Saint Valentine from Terni or Saint Valentine of Interamna, belonged to a patrician family. He became the bishop of Terni at a very young age and dedicated his long life to protecting and aiding persecuted Christians, providing help and assistance to the needy through constant acts of charity and mercy. He was pardoned by Emperor Claudius II, perhaps due to his origins or because he was deeply loved by everyone, but later fell victim to Emperor Aurelian, who had him imprisoned and beheaded. His remains, buried at night by his followers, still rest in Terni today, in the basilica built where his tomb once stood.

According to legend, even during his lifetime, Saint Valentine stood out as a protector of lovers and a supporter of happy unions, even those opposed by others. He officiated the marriage between the pagan legionary Sabinus and the young Christian Serapia, celebrating the first union between people of different religious faiths. It is said that on the 14th of February, young lovers would make pilgrimages to him to seek his blessing, and he also helped young women without dowries to find husbands.

Another legend tells that Valentine himself fell in love with the daughter of his jailer. From this love story supposedly comes the tradition of “Valentines,” the greeting cards exchanged by lovers during this celebration. Saint Valentine is said to have been the first to write a long love letter to his beloved, signing it, “From your Valentine.”

The legends are so numerous and varied that some scholars believe that Saint Valentine was not just one saint but three different men who, over time, merged into a single figure in popular and religious tradition.

Regardless, today Saint Valentine the martyr is known worldwide as the Saint of Love. Pope Gelasius I established the feast on the 14th of February, partly to commemorate the martyrdom of the Saint and partly to erase the disreputable reputation of the Lupercalia, transforming them from occasions of debauchery into a celebration of love.

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Valentine’s Day in Terni

Terni remains deeply devoted to its patron saint, to whom it dedicates numerous festivities each year. Beyond the traditions tied to love and lovers, Valentine’s Day in Terni is also an opportunity for religious reflection and prayer, such as the Novena in preparation for the feast and the “Festa della Promessa” (Promise Day), during which engaged couples intending to marry within the year exchange vows of love in front of the urn containing the Saint’s relics in the basilica of Terni, in the presence of the bishop.

In addition to religious celebrations, there are market stalls, theatrical and musical performances, and gastronomic events where love takes centre stage.

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St. Valentine’s Day

In this department you will find a wide selection of articles and gift ideas to celebrate this special day with your loved one.

Valentine’s Day in the rest of Italy

As for Valentine’s Day traditions in other Italian towns, in Pozzoleone, Veneto, a fair dating back to the 1500s is held on the Sunday before and after the 14th of February. In Bussolengo, the town’s main festival, dedicated to agriculture and farming machinery, takes place during this period and is named after the Saint, featuring a large amusement park, food and wine events, and performances.

In Quero, in the province of Belluno, there is the curious tradition of rolling oranges down the banks of the Tegorzo stream. The oranges are distributed to the faithful during Mass and then thrown down the slopes of the woods.

In San Valentino Torio, in the province of Salerno, there is the sagra of the “purpetta ‘e pastenaca” (carrot meatball), featuring sacred rites, theatrical performances, light shows, and local gastronomy.

In Zoppola (Pordenone), the faithful receive a candle to light during thunderstorms to ward off rain and hail.

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Valentine’s Day around the world

All over the world, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with flowers, cards, and chocolates. In each country, the celebration dedicated to the Saint of Love has generated different traditions linked to the history and culture of the place.

In America, Valentine’s Day is not only a celebration for lovers but for all people who care for each other, including friends and family. In Finland, they celebrate Friend’s Day, which involves everyone.

In South Korea and Japan, it is women who give gifts to boyfriends and husbands, while on the 14th of March, the roles are reversed.

For the past eight years, the Archdiocese of Vienna has organised the initiative “Love Letters from God.” Thousands of letters are distributed by Saint Valentine’s messengers in public and frequented places such as metro stations and hospitals to remind people that God’s love is always with them, especially on this day. There are also “Meeting Places with God” in many Viennese churches, where people can talk, receive blessings, and write a response letter to God.

The proverbs about Candlemas belong to the folkloric heritage of our country, but they also draw from the very origins of this feast, blending religion and paganism.

Everyone is familiar with the proverbs about Candlemas. Less known, perhaps, is the origin of this feast, which falls on 2 February, forty days after Christmas, and celebrates the purification of Mary after childbirth and, above all, the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:22-39), as prescribed by Jewish Law for all firstborn males.

Like many other religious feasts, Candlemas was adapted from a preceding pagan celebration, the Lupercalia. It was Pope Gelasius I around the year 474 AD who decreed the abolition of the Lupercalia, an ancient Roman festival celebrated in mid-February, which involved the use of torches, candles, and purification rites.

Light plays a very important role in Candlemas, which takes its name from the candles blessed on this occasion. The candles and their light symbolise Jesus Christ, who, during his visit to the Temple, was described by the old Simeon as a “light to enlighten the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32).

Another religious tradition at the origins of Candlemas is the ancient daily rite of the Lucernarium, which, in the early Church, involved lighting a lamp at sunset during evening prayers. The lamp’s light challenged the encroaching darkness and symbolised Christ, who had conquered sin and death.

Light was also the protagonist of ancient pagan festivals that celebrated the end of winter, the return of light and warmth after the cold and darkness of winter, and the hope of spring, still distant but assuredly on its way. For the Celts, this celebration was known as Imbolc or Imbolic and Oimelc, falling on 1 February, the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

This variety of inspirations at the origins of the feast helps us understand why proverbs about Candlemas are so numerous. The blend of religion and paganism, sacred and profane, and the strong influence of popular tradition—especially from the farming world, so closely tied to the rhythm of the seasons—has given rise to a fascinating array of sayings, differing from region to region.

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Candles, large candles

Candles, large candles, Paschal candles and altar candles.

The Childhood of Jesus

The canonical Gospels provide only limited information about the childhood of Jesus, those so-called “hidden years” between His miraculous birth and the beginning of His preaching in Palestine.

Following the Birth in Bethlehem, mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, comes the Epiphany, the visit of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1), accompanied by the tragic event of the Massacre of the Innocents, ordered by King Herod to eliminate the young Jesus. The Holy Family had to set out again, fleeing to Egypt.

After this harrowing journey, the trail of the Holy Family and Jesus grows faint. From the evangelist Luke, we know that they returned to Nazareth and that “the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him” (Luke 2:39-40).

Apart from the already mentioned Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, another episode from His childhood recorded in Luke’s Gospel is the account of Jesus being lost and found at the Temple (Luke 2:42-43) during His bar mitzvah. According to Jewish tradition, when a boy turned twelve, he entered adulthood and was taken to the Temple by his parents.

Candlemas Day

Thus, we see how Candlemas Day, 2 February, coincides with the feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple and generally celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, marking the symbolic end of the Christmas season and the beginning of the Lenten journey.

Although, after the Second Vatican Council, the celebration became primarily associated with the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, in the Tridentine liturgical calendar—instituted by Pope Pius V following the Council of Trent—the day was also remembered as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to Jewish law, a woman was considered impure for 40 days after the birth of a male child and, after this period, was required to go to the Temple for purification.

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Easter and Lent

Selection of religious products that are mostly used during Easter and Lent celebrations.

A common practice among Christians on this occasion, regardless of denomination, is to take candles to church to have them blessed.

Even in the United States and Canada, 2 February holds special significance, as it is thought to predict the end of winter. However, Americans rely on the predictions of a groundhog! Since 1887, these nations have celebrated Groundhog Day on 2 February. If Punxsutawney Phil, the mascot of Groundhog Day in the town of Punxsutawney, emerges from his winter burrow and cannot see his shadow due to cloudy skies, it means winter will end soon. But if it is sunny and the little animal sees his shadow, winter will continue for another six weeks.

Proverbs about Candlemas

Most of the proverbs about Candlemas concern current and near-future weather conditions. According to popular wisdom, the weather on Candlemas Day, 2 February, determines whether spring will come early or not. It is fascinating how these sayings vary from region to region, sometimes openly contradicting one another.

In Veneto, Lombardy, and Trieste, for example, it is believed that if it is sunny on Candlemas Day, winter is almost over, whereas if it rains or the wind blows, winter will continue for a while: “If it’s sunny on Candlemas, we’re out of winter; if it rains and blows, we’re still in.”

In Sicily, where the feast is known as A Cannilora, they say: “For Candlemas, winter is over, but if it isn’t, there are another forty days to go.” Another Sicilian saying is: “If it doesn’t rain on Candlemas, winter is past.”

In Piedmont and the Aosta Valley, there is a proverb reminiscent of the American Groundhog Day: “If the bear dries straw on Candlemas, winter is coming back.” According to popular tradition, the lunar bear emerges from its den on the night of 1 February and observes the moon’s position to predict the arrival of spring. For this reason, in some areas, Candlemas is also known as Bear Day.

Another Candlemas-related saying linked to animals is heard in Calitri (in the province of Avellino): “On Candlemas Day, it’s better to see a wolf than the sun,” meaning that if the sun shines on Candlemas, winter will last much longer, so it’s better to encounter a wolf!

Other proverbs about Candlemas are tied to traditional rural activities. For instance, “If Candlemas brings good weather, the wine will be strong and plentiful” means that if the weather is fine on this day, the wine will have a robust alcohol content and be of higher quality.

Another saying, “For Candlemas, both old and young hens lay eggs,” recalls memories of a simple life in close contact with nature and animals.

Saint Francis de Sales made love for God and gentleness in expressing one’s faith the most powerful weapon of his preaching. The patron saint of journalists and Catholic writers, he is a Saint and Doctor of the Church.

On 24 January, the liturgical commemoration of Francis de Sales is observed. He was a French bishop who lived between the 16th and 17th centuries, a Doctor of the Church and a Catholic Saint. Although the anniversary of his death is 28 December, its proximity to Christmas led to the preference of marking his memory on the date of the translation of his relics from Lyon, where the saint passed away on 11 December 1622, to Annecy. His heart is still preserved in Treviso, at the Monastery of the Visitation.

François de Sales, Italianised as Francesco di Sales, was of noble origin. Destined by his father for a legal career, he was sent to the University of Padua. However, after obtaining his degree, he decided to take holy orders and dedicate his brilliant mind and life to God and humanity. It was his skill as a preacher that led to his canonisation in 1665, just a few decades after his death.

As Bishop of Geneva, a preacher, and the founder of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, alongside Baroness Jeanne-Françoise Frémyot de Chantal, Francis de Sales consistently demonstrated great dedication, simplicity, and a gentleness that won him the favour of all.

That same gentleness and love are reflected in his literary works, prayers, and the rules he set for the nuns wishing to join his Order. These women were not required to subject themselves to excessive physical austerity but to practise asceticism of the heart with humility, gentleness, and patience, alongside prayer and contemplation. The sisters’ mission was not only to turn to God but also, and especially, to humanity, through acts of charity and mercy.

Since 1923, he has also been the patron saint of journalists and Catholic writers, by decree of Pope Pius XI. This designation stems from Francis de Sales’ mission in the Chablais region, where he fought against Calvinism not with violence or polemics, but through his mastery of preaching and dialogue. To reach as many people as possible in his campaign of evangelisation, he devised the use of pamphlets—articles written in a concise and accessible style, which he ensured were displayed in public places to reach the widest audience. This innovation earned him recognition as the patron saint of journalists and Catholic writers.

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Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

We have previously discussed the life of Francis de Sales, highlighting his greatness as a man before his role as a master of spirituality. His literary and theological contributions to Christian history are also significant, with doctrinal works such as “Introduction to the Devout Life” (“Philothea“), to name just one of the most important. While his canonisation was supported by the usual requirement of two miracles, it was his doctrine and talents as a preacher that secured his election as a Doctor of the Church. It is worth remembering that, besides upright conduct and a virtuous life, the essential criteria for being declared a Doctor of the Church are:

– Eminent doctrine

– Holiness of life

– Election by the Supreme Pontiff or a General Council.

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Confraternity Medal, Saint Francis de Sales

Confraternity Medal, Saint Francis de Sales (measuring 14x12cm).

Philothea, the Work of Saint Francis de Sales

We mentioned “Philothea” or “Introduction to the Devout Life“, an ascetical work written by Francis de Sales in 1609. The name “Philothea” is of Greek origin and means “Friend of God.” This exceptional book is a comprehensive and complete manual for those seeking to lead a Christian life, as it examines every aspect of life in light of God’s Word, offering numerous practical tips and guidelines for the behaviour a Christian should adopt in every circumstance.

Another significant work was “Theotimus” or “Treatise on the Love of God” (1616), in which the Saint defined true religious devotion not as an external display of rules and mechanical devotional practices but as a process of self-improvement, nurtured by love for God and the constant practice of the theological virtues.

Charity, love for God, and love in God are recurring themes in the works of Saint Francis de Sales. He wrote during an era of religious wars when polemics, violence, and oppression were often used to compel those of different faiths to return to Catholicism. The gentleness and grace with which Francis expressed his beliefs won the conversion of many Protestants.

Prayer to Saint Francis de Sales

The gentleness of Saint Francis de Sales is also evident in the prayers he wrote for families and in the numerous prayers dedicated to him by his devotees.

This prayer, addressed to the Virgin Mary, is particularly representative. The Saint describes her as a loving and powerful Mother, ready to listen to the pleas of her children, even the least deserving, out of love:

Remember and recall, O sweetest Virgin, 

that You are my Mother and that I am Your child; 

that You are powerful 

and I am poor, timid, and weak. 

I beg You, sweetest Mother, 

to guide me in all my paths, 

in all my actions. 

Do not tell me, wonderful Mother, that You cannot help me, 

for Your most beloved Son 

has given You all power, both in heaven and on earth. 

Do not tell me that You are not bound to help me, 

for You are the Mother of all mankind, 

and especially my Mother. 

If You could not listen, 

I would excuse You, saying: 

“It is true that She is my Mother and loves me as Her child, 

but She lacks the means to help me.” 

If You were not my Mother, 

I would be patient and say: 

“She has every power to help me, 

but, alas, She is not my Mother 

and therefore does not love me.” 

But no, sweetest Virgin, 

You are my Mother, 

and what is more, You are most powerful. 

How could I excuse You if You did not help me, 

if You did not lend me aid and assistance? 

See well, O Mother, 

that You are bound to listen to 

all my requests. 

For the honour and glory of Your Jesus, 

accept me as Your child, 

without regard for my miseries and sins. 

Free my soul and body 

from all evil, and grant me all Your virtues, 

especially humility. 

Bestow upon me all gifts, blessings, and graces 

that please 

the Most Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

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Human nature, fallible and exposed to temptation, cannot be free from venial sins. How to free oneself from them, how to obtain forgiveness, and the differences between venial and mortal sins.

To sin is human. Or rather, it is human to be tempted by sin, induced to it by the allurements of the Evil One. But there is sin and sin. There are “venial sins“, which violate the measure prescribed by moral law and offend God, but which represent secondary transgressions compared to “mortal sins“, those for which one is banished from God’s Grace and sent to hell after death. This does not happen with venial sins, which cause only a temporary separation from Grace and can be cleansed from the soul with a temporary penalty.

But it is not right to underestimate venial sins. First of all, because, just as many drops of water form a sea and countless grains of sand form a desert, so a single venial sin may seem of little importance, but when venial sins begin to accumulate, their number is equivalent to a mortal sin.

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Furthermore, it is true that venial sin, compared to a mortal sin, is lighter, but if we stop and reflect on what sin is, namely an offense to God, an act of disobedience, more or less serious, committed by us, fragile and pathetic beings, against God the Almighty Father, creator of everything, and against Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself for us on the Cross, we realise the enormity of such a fault. Just thinking about this helps us understand how infinitely serious sin is, regardless of its definition, when compared to the One against whom we commit it.

And if it is true that, unlike mortal sin, which kills the soul of the one who commits it, making it empty and dead, venial sin only weakens it, scratches it, it remains true that indulging in venial sins, repeating them without showing signs of repentance, will cause a soul to wear out and lose itself beyond all mercy. This risk is real, if we consider that to err is human, to persist is diabolical, but it is against the devil and his infinite perseverance that we find ourselves fighting every day, so as not to sin.

It is also true that God, in His infinite mercy, gives men the chance to repent and correct their actions. This is taught by Saint Augustine, who in his “Confessions” narrated the story of his own conversion, how he chose to leave behind vice and sin to fully embrace God. This book remains a fundamental text because it shows how it is possible for anyone, at any moment, to decide to change their life, regardless of what we have done or what we were before.

Let us now look at the differences between mortal and venial sins.

What are venial sins?

Venial sins are, therefore, those “minor sins” which do not cause complete separation from God and eternal damnation. Indeed, for some venial sins, it is enough to participate with the right disposition in “Holy Mass“, and they are forgiven during the “Eucharistic celebration“, when sacramental grace and sanctifying grace descend upon the faithful. Even making the Sign of the Cross or consciously reciting the Our Father can be enough to heal the wounds that a venial sin opens in our soul. However, the best way to cleanse oneself of sins is to approach “Confession” and the “Sacrament of Penance” that follows, because only a sacrament allows the grace of the Holy Spirit to descend upon the sinner, healing them and conforming them as a child of God.

What are venial sins?

We can link sins to the “capital vices“, those character flaws or inclinations of the soul that drive men to behave in ways that harm themselves and those around them. It is often these vices that cause sin, which is an effect, a consequence of vice. The opposite of vices are “virtues“. The seven capital vices are called so because they generate other sins, other vices. Defined by Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century, they are:

1. Pride
2. Greed
3. Lust
4. Anger
5. Gluttony
6. Envy
7. Sloth

Venial and Mortal Sins: The Differences

For the Catholic Church, for a sin to be defined as “mortal“, meaning to lead the one who commits it to lose God’s Grace, it must meet three conditions simultaneously:

1. It must be against one of the laws imposed by the Ten Commandments, that is, it must be a “grave matter“;
2. It must be committed with full awareness or alertness of the mind;
3. It must be committed with deliberate consent of the will.

It is Jesus himself who clarifies for us what the “grave matter” is mentioned in the Ten Commandments. In Mark 10:19, He advises the rich young man: “Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honour your father and mother.” But a sin can be more or less serious depending on other factors, for example, who it is directed against. Doing harm to one’s parents is more serious than doing so to strangers. Then there are the so-called “sins that cry out to heaven”, according to catechism tradition, those sins that cry out for vengeance before God:

1. Willful murder;
2. Impure sin against the order of nature;
3. Oppression of the poor;
4. Defrauding the wages of workers.

Mortal sins break the full friendship with the Lord and place the one who commits them outside of God’s grace.

They can, however, be forgiven exclusively if confessed with a true spirit of repentance and through Baptism or sacramental Absolution (that is, the “Sacrament of Reconciliation“).

The only sin that God does not forgive is “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit“:

“Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:31)

Venial sins, as we have already seen, can be purged with “Confession” and the subsequent “Penance“. In them, there is no grave matter, or if it exists, one of the other conditions listed for mortal sins is missing, namely awareness and/or consent. However, it is necessary to make a further distinction between “always grave matter” and “generally grave matter”. The first always defines a mortal sin, while the “generally grave matter” may conceal a mild matter and thus define a venial sin.

In summary, we commit a venial sin when:

1. We commit bad actions, but those that have “insignificant matter” (the evil we do does not corrupt the good in its entirety);
2. We commit actions that are lawful, but in a way that is not morally correct;
3. We commit actions that have grave matter, with insufficient awareness of the mind or lack of full consent of the will.

Both mortal and venial sins can be forgiven through the “Sacrament of Reconciliation” or Penance. In the Catechism, we read:

“All the value of Penance consists in “restoring us to the grace of God” by drawing us close to Him in intimate and deep friendship. The purpose and effect of this sacrament is therefore reconciliation with God. Those who receive the Sacrament of Penance with a contrite heart and in a religious disposition achieve peace and serenity of conscience, along with a vivid consolation of the spirit. Indeed, the Sacrament of Reconciliation with God works a “true spiritual resurrection“, restores the dignity and the goods of life as children of God, of which the most precious is the friendship of God.”

In Italy and across Europe, the Epiphany, or Twelfth Night, is celebrated on 6 January. Here’s how it is observed and why it is also called the Feast of the Magi. 

The 6th of January marks the Twelfth Night after the birth of Jesus. In Italy and other countries, it is also the date when the Befana, the old lady with a hooked nose who rides a broomstick, brings gifts to good children (and coal to those who have misbehaved). But this day primarily commemorates the “Epiphany”, the “manifestation of Jesus’ divinity” to the three Wise Men. According to tradition, this day marks the end of the long journey undertaken by the Magi, following the trail of the “star of Bethlehem” to the stable where Jesus had been born twelve days earlier.

The “three wise men” knew they would find a King in the stable, which is why they brought with them “gold, frankincense, and myrrh”, gifts usually reserved for kings and deities. Indeed, when they saw the infant Jesus, they recognised Him as a King. The full name of the Epiphany is “Epiphany of the Lord”, or “Theophany” in Eastern Christian traditions, meaning the “revelation of God incarnate”. The very word Epiphany comes from the Greek term ἐπιφάνεια, *Epipháneia*, meaning “manifestation” or “appearance.”

Who Were the Magi? In the “Gospel of Matthew”, the only text to mention them, there is reference to three Magi coming from the East to Jerusalem, following the trail of a star across the sky. Hosted by Herod, they were deceitfully asked to betray Jesus’ location but managed to elude the cruel tetrarch. “Christian oral tradition” and “art history” have made them central figures in the “Nativity scene”, whose arrival marks the end of the Christmas festivities.

Most likely, they were “wise men”, knowledgeable about nature, astrologers, or astronomers. As for the number of the Magi, tradition identifies three: “Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar”. However, their symbolic significance may also extend to the number chosen. Some legends speak of a “fourth Wise Man“, “Artaban”, who carried three pearls for Jesus as large as pigeon eggs and white as the moon. The fourth Magus was delayed along the way, giving up his pearls to help the needy and failing to arrive in time to meet the other Magi.

For these reasons, the Epiphany is also called the “Day of the Magi”, or “Feast of the Magi”, or even “Little Christmas.” The figure of the “Befana” is a completely secular tradition that came later. The name Epiphany gradually corrupted into “Befanìa”, giving rise to the folkloric old lady found in many parts of Italy.

There are numerous traditions associated with the Epiphany and the Magi in Italy and across Europe.

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Wise Men

Nativity scene statues of various formats, dimensions and materials, which you can add to your nativity scene.

Epiphany Traditions in Italy 

In “Parcines” (*Partschins*), a small municipality in the autonomous province of Bolzano in Trentino-Alto Adige, the tradition of “Kiniweihe”, the Feast of the Three Wise Men, is still widely celebrated on 6 January. The initials of the Magi’s names, along with the last two digits of the year, are written on doorways using blessed chalk: “C+M+B” (for Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar), or as an abbreviation of “Christus Mansionem Benedicat”, meaning “Christ bless this house.” Inside the house, a fire is lit in a container to burn incense. Holy water is sprinkled around the house, on family members, and even on the fields to ward off evil. The Rosary is then recited together.

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Myrrh grains

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Throughout the Dolomite region, many customs tied to the Magi are celebrated alongside highly evocative Christmas traditions. In the early days of the year, both children and adults dressed as the Magi go house to house singing Christmas carols and collecting donations for charitable causes. They are known as “Sternsinger” or “Star Singers”, bringing “charcoal and incense” to burn in homes and chalk to inscribe the Magi’s names on doors.

The Feast of the Magi in Spain 

In Spain, “El Día de Los Reyes Magos”, the ancient Feast of the Magi, is celebrated. On the night between 5 and 6 January, the Magi traditionally visit every home to bring gifts to children, who write them “letters” in advance and hand them to royal envoys. In major cities, the “Cabalgata de Los Reyes Magos” is held: a spectacular costume parade featuring brightly decorated floats laden with gifts, music, and dancing, led by Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, who distribute sweets and small presents from their camels.

The “Cabalgata de Barcelona” is one of the most impressive parades, attracting over half a million spectators, both Spaniards and tourists.

In Tenerife and other parts of Spain, people prepare the “Roscón de Reyes”, a traditional Epiphany cake in the shape of a ring, decorated with candied fruit, almond flakes, and sugar sprinkles. A dried “bean” is hidden inside the cake batter; traditionally, whoever finds the bean is named king for a day and can issue orders to everyone else.

Epiphany Traditions in Europe 

Epiphany in France 

In France, the “Galette des Rois” has been prepared on 6 January since the Middle Ages. This cake has ancient origins, dating back to the Roman Empire. Like the Spanish “Roscón de Reyes”, the cake originally concealed a dried bean, now replaced by a ceramic figurine. Whoever finds the figurine becomes the King or Queen of the celebration. When the “Galette” is served, one slice is set aside as “the share for God,” traditionally reserved for a poor person who might arrive at the door.

Epiphany in Portugal 

In Portugal, the “Christmas bonfire”, lit on Christmas Eve, traditionally burns until the Epiphany, keeping evil spirits at bay and bringing good fortune and prosperity to the household.

Epiphany in Poland 

In Poland, Epiphany is a significant celebration. Known as “Dzien Trzech Króli”, or “Trzej Królowie” (the Feast of the Three Kings), it is one of the country’s major festivities. However, during the Russian Communist era, the Epiphany lost its status as a public holiday. Only in 2011 was it reinstated, with carol singers once again roaming the streets and visiting homes to sing Christmas melodies.

As in Trentino, a piece of white chalk is blessed in church to write the initials of the Magi (K, M, B—Kacper, Melchior, and Baltazar in Polish) on the front doors of houses for family protection.

Epiphany in Germany 

In Germany, alongside the aforementioned “Sternsinger” or “Star Singers” and the house blessing tradition with the initials, “Das Dreikönigsfest” (the Festival of the Three Kings) features ancient customs. Children dressed as the Magi, wearing costumes sewn by their mothers or parish women, go door to door collecting donations and singing. The celebration concludes with a solemn Mass and a communal feast.

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Nativity scene statue The Three Wise Men with camel sitting gauze and resin

The statue are handmade and hand painted, sized 38 cm represented holding some gifts, dressed in gauze and with details finished in gold

Magi-Themed Poems for Children 

Epiphany celebrations often include poems and rhymes, some penned by renowned authors, others passed down through folklore.

“Oh Magi from the East” 

Oh Magi from the East, how beautiful you are 

In the splendour of your fine garments. 

Who taught you the way to Bethlehem? 

A bright star in the eastern sky, 

Suddenly born, taught us the way. 

Do you see? That star is still, up there, 

Leads people to the heart of Jesus. 

“They Lost the Star One Day” by Edmond Rostand 

They lost the star one day. 

How does one lose 

a star? By gazing at it for too long… 

The two white kings, 

who were scholars of Chaldea, 

drew circles on the ground with their staffs. 

They began calculating, scratching their chins… 

But the star had vanished, as an idea fades away, 

and those men, whose souls 

thirsted to be guided, 

wept as they raised their cotton tents. 

But the poor black king, despised by the others, 

said to himself: “Let us think of thirsts that are not ours. 

We must give water to the animals, just the same.” 

And while holding his bucket by the handle, 

in the mirrored sky 

where the camels drank, 

he saw the golden star dancing silently.

“The Three Holy Magi” by Heinrich Heine 

The three holy Magi from the East 

ask in every little town: 

“Dear boys and girls, do tell us, 

is the road to Bethlehem this way?” 

But neither the young nor the old know, 

and the three Magi keep moving on; 

yet a golden comet guides them, 

shining brightly and kindly above. 

The star halts over Joseph’s house: 

Here they must go in. 

The ox lows, the child wails, 

and the three Magi begin to sing.

“How Far to Bethlehem?” by Frances Chesterton

How far to Bethlehem? 

You are almost there. 

Will we find a stable 

beneath a guiding star? 

May we visit the newborn child? 

Will they let us in 

if we lift the latch? 

Will the donkey, ox, and sheep 

allow us to stroke their coats? 

Can we gaze upon Baby Jesus 

as He sleeps? 

If we touch Him gently, 

will He wake? 

Will He know 

we travelled here just for Him? 

The kings bring rich gifts, 

but we bring nothing— 

just smiles and tears 

to lay before His cradle. 

For all the tired children, 

Mary must surely weep. 

Laid upon the straw, 

the Baby sleeps. 

God rests in His mother’s arms, 

while children in the stable 

slumber, hearts untroubled. 

This year again, Shabby Chic Christmas is one of the top choices for many. But how do you choose Shabby-style Christmas decorations?

A Shabby Chic Christmas? This year, more than ever, decorating your home for the holidays with this style, which evokes the past and romance, is very trendy. It recalls both the Scandinavian style, modern and nature-oriented, as well as the vintage atmosphere of English country homes and the rustic, pastel charm of Provence, with its preference for natural materials and creative recycling. But what does a Shabby Chic Christmas really mean?

The Shabby Chic Style in Home Decor

Shabby or Shabby Chic style in home decor and interior design focuses on furniture and items, even flooring and wallpaper, that exude a “worn” feel, as if they have a story to tell. Born from the English passion for old country houses with slightly worn wooden furniture, faded and sun-stained upholstery from old fireplaces, it eventually merged with the Provençal taste for soft colors and small, seemingly simple decorations in a profusion of lace, ribbons, and wooden hearts. It even found inspiration in the Scandinavian preference for minimal, eco-friendly, natural materials. The result is a decor trend that has taken hold, evolving to suit changing tastes and fashions without ever abandoning its vintage, intimate roots.

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Stylized Nativity scene

Porcelain and metal Nativity Scenes, Russian Nativities and Raku.

Shabby style shouldn’t be mistaken for old, ugly, and worn-out fabrics, quite the opposite! Every element, whether new or purchased at a flea market, is meticulously “refreshed” through techniques like stripping paint from furniture to reveal the wood’s natural grain, giving it an old-fashioned look, or “shabby,” a term coined with this trend. It encompasses practices from the French technique of “decapé,” lending furniture and items a deliberately aged and weathered look that appeals to Shabby style lovers.

DIY is highly encouraged, with a preference for materials like wood and wrought iron. Fresh and traditional fabrics, featuring floral prints or pastel colours, are perfect for both household linens and upholstery. All are decorated with lace, bows, carved wooden details, and knickknacks. Flowers are also key, whether fresh in classic or baroque-shaped crystal vases or dried, with a preference for lavender and wisteria.

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Nativity scene accessories

Useful accessories to make and personalize your Nativity scene.

The dominant colour is white, paired with soft pink, beige, and pale green—all-natural, delicate hues. Shabby Chic style can transform any room with just a few well-placed touches, giving it the look of a dollhouse.

Shabby Chic Christmas Decorations

What works in everyday Shabby Chic decor also becomes even more relevant at Christmas—a holiday focused on the warmth of home, where we welcome and care for family and friends. Shabby Chic Christmas decorations, from taupe to total white, start with the Christmas tree. DIY fans can make their own decorations, but our online store offers a vast selection of Shabby Chic holiday decorations, faithfully aligned in style, colour, and material.

For example, the resin Nativity scene, featuring the Holy Family in a landscape framed by tree bark. Alternatively, there are handcrafted statues of Joseph standing with his staff and Mary seated with Jesus in her arms. A resin angel playing a golden violin is also handcrafted and dressed in finely detailed fabrics.

In soft Shabby Chic colours and style, there’s the hand-painted Nativity with fabric robes and a Shabby Chic crown with a Nativity scene in green and beige tones. We mentioned how important creative recycling is for a Shabby Christmas. Reusing materials and objects is highlighted in our article about Miniature Nativity Scenes, where we suggested making a Nativity in an old trunk or another repurposed container. Our Nativity set inside a metal lantern with glass panels is a perfect example, with hand-painted resin statues clothed in fabric in a unique and original setting.

Take a look at our resin and fabric Nativity scenes, each unique in shape, size, and colour, perfect for creating a Shabby Chic Christmas ambience in your home.

Sacred Family 60 cm, in resin with green and gray fabric Buy on Holyart

Shabby angel praying 30 cm Buy on Holyart

Holy Family set in resin cloth Shabby Chic style 17 cm Buy on Holyart

Holy Family hexagonal lantern with 20 cm, 45x35x15 cm Buy on Holyart