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The Christmas period is accompanied by numerous folkloristic events. On one hand there are the Sacred miracle-plays that recall the evangelical pages of the Nativity or the infancy of Christ; on the other hand some profane rites are still preserved which are probably what remains of festivities in ancient times during the winter solstice, for example, the numerous bonfires lit almost as if the assist the rising sun, or the celebrations of the 'Befana', an ancient rural divinity associated with rites of fertility, by means of processions of people who offer their well-wishing songs, though often satirical and pungent, as they go from house to house. In exchange they receive food and drink to be consumed together in an evening of festive celebrations that start off the period of the Carnival.
The solstices in a popular context are always marked by the lighting of ritual bonfires that in old times were intended to assist the strength and vigour of the sun. Along the Valley of the river Serchio, on Christmas Eve many fires are lit, dotting the lanscape with bright lights.Sometimes the various communities light one single fire, perhaps in the square in front of the church as in Camporgiano. Others light several bonfires and between them a competition takes place, as in the case of Gorfigliano where each district, after having identified a spot usually in a high place so it can be well seen, prepares and lights its own bonfire.
The Nataleccio is the local name for a cylindrical construction, obtained by planting in the ground the trunk of a chestnut tree and weaving around the base, with the help of a cage of wire netting, an enormous quantity of juniper branches.The preparation takes several days, collecting the material and then constructing the 'cylinder' which is usually more than 10 metres high and three or four metres wide in diameter. The skill lies in making the supporting structure stable so that it does not fall and in the weaving of the juniper branches so as to guarantee a longlasting flame. In fact, the rules of the competition require that the flame should last for over twenty minutes, be high and easily visible, and without smoke.
The winning bonfire is judged according to these criteria. The ceremony is only for boys and men, women do not take part. Food and drink are brought to the site as every ritual includes the consumption of food shared in company. During the lighting of the bonfire, shouts go up to bring good luck and extol the praises of the fire. When the flames die down everyone runs to the square where judgment is passed, and some rather lively discussion follows, sometimes even leading to a brawl.
The solstices in a popular context are always marked by the lighting of ritual bonfires that in old times were intended to assist the strength and vigour of the sun. Along the Valley of the river Serchio, on Christmas Eve many fires are lit, dotting the lanscape with bright lights.Sometimes the various communities light one single fire, perhaps in the square in front of the church as in Camporgiano. Others light several bonfires and between them a competition takes place, as in the case of Gorfigliano where each district, after having identified a spot usually in a high place so it can be well seen, prepares and lights its own bonfire.
The Nataleccio is the local name for a cylindrical construction, obtained by planting in the ground the trunk of a chestnut tree and weaving around the base, with the help of a cage of wire netting, an enormous quantity of juniper branches.The preparation takes several days, collecting the material and then constructing the 'cylinder' which is usually more than 10 metres high and three or four metres wide in diameter. The skill lies in making the supporting structure stable so that it does not fall and in the weaving of the juniper branches so as to guarantee a longlasting flame. In fact, the rules of the competition require that the flame should last for over twenty minutes, be high and easily visible, and without smoke.
The winning bonfire is judged according to these criteria. The ceremony is only for boys and men, women do not take part. Food and drink are brought to the site as every ritual includes the consumption of food shared in company. During the lighting of the bonfire, shouts go up to bring good luck and extol the praises of the fire. When the flames die down everyone runs to the square where judgment is passed, and some rather lively discussion follows, sometimes even leading to a brawl.
