Day 10

Day 10
10 November, 2014
7:26 pm

         
       
       Today was different from the other days we have spent here in Italy.  We heard that a lot of people were getting ready for upcoming celebrations.  The famous holiday celebration is known as Santo Stefano. This means St. Stephen’s Day in English. Santo Stefano is held on December 26, the day after Christmas. St Stephen is believed to be the first Christian martyr. He was stoned to death sometime around the year 33 CE. St Stephen's feast day was made a public holiday in Italy in 1947. In some places, St Stephen's feast day is traditionally a day for many Italians to visit the Nativity scenes at the churches. Other events on St Stephen's Day in different parts of Italy include markets, carnivals and festivals. Public places such as government offices, post offices, banks, and schools are closed during this holiday. Transportation options are available but people are usually advised not to use these due to the fact that the country is really busy. The history of this holiday is interesting. In the bible it is described as “full of faith and the Holy Spirit”, by chopping down a strong fine chestnut tree. Young men and woodcutters cut down the tree, which they take and load it onto a special constructed bullock cart. After this, the men take the tree to the piazza. After all is said and done this holiday seems like a really fun event to participate in. I wish we could stay for this event but we have to go back home to our families. The thing I love about this country is that they really stay true to their history and beliefs and I just find that amazing. Everyone is so nice and welcoming and we all just really appreciate it. Anyways I'm really tired so i'm going to go to sleep. Goodnight!