The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Catholic
The Immaculate Conception, according to the teaching of the Catholic Church, was the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne. Mary was conceived naturally but God kept her soulimmaculate, i.e. free from original sin. The official confirmation of the dogma was defined in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, although the belief that Mary was sinless and conceived free from sin is very old.
The Feast of Immaculate Conception is celebrated in Catholic Church on December 8. In many countries it is a holy day of obligation, among others, in the United States, Argentina, Austria, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
Immaculate Conception is sometimes confused with the conception of Jesus Christ in Mary's womb, while it refers to Mary herself.
Italian
Immaculate Conception
In Italian, the holiday is known as Immacolata Concezione. The Immaculate Conception is one of the most important holidays to Roman Catholics and Italians. This is primarily due to the fact that over 90 percent of people in Italy are Catholic. The Immaculate Conception is a holiday that encourages bonding between friends and family members. It is celebrated on December 8 each year.
Traditions
While the Immaculate Conception is celebrated by Catholics on nearly every continent, there are many holiday traditions that are unique to Italy.
- Bonfires
Common in small towns and villages, many Italians celebrate the Immaculate Conception by lighting huge bonfires. According to traditional beliefs, these fires destroy sins and remove negative energy from communities. The fires also serve the practical purpose of warming the outdoor areas that people celebrate in. This allows people to congregate in open spaces during cold December nights. Informal bonfire competitions between nearby towns and villages also take place during the Immaculate Conception. These competitions result in Italians building large roaring fires that often make entire towns glow. These bonfire celebrations are based on some of Italy’s oldest traditions. They can be dated back to the pre-Byzantine period of Italy.
- Processions
Torchbearers also participate in processions through towns and villages. They often accompany a group of people who carry cult statues of the Virgin Mary. These religious parades occur during the day. Entire communities often line up on the edges of the streets to see the processions.
- Food
The main event of the Immaculate Conception in Italy is a large feast that honours the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. The dishes in this meal vary greatly depending on region and the preferences of families, but traditional meals are usually prepared. Various kinds of pasta, bread, and sauces are often enjoyed by families. Prior to beginning of the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a holiday-appropriate prayer is said. In some areas of Italy, people do not prepare and eat a feast. Instead, they eat very modest meals. In areas like Maglie, people honour the Virgin Mary by behaving solemnly and eating puccia. Puccia comes in many forms, but it always consists of bread, cheese, olives, olive oil, and tomatoes.
- Mass
A Catholic holiday is not complete until families go to their local Church to attend a service. In Italy, many people attend mass services that are dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. At these services, members of the clergy read scripture that is relevant to the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Religious Italian families also sing songs and read scripture in the comfort of their homes on the night of the Immaculate Conception.
- Wreath-Laying
One of the most popular events for the Immaculate Conception occurs in Rome. On December 8, the Pope leads a procession to the Column of the Immaculate Conception. Once the Pope arrives, he leaves a wreath and says a prayer.
History
The Immaculate Conception was placed on the Catholic calendar in 1476 by Pope Sixtus IV. Despite this, the holiday would not become an official holiday in Italy and the Catholic world until 1844. In modern times, the Immaculate Conception is annually celebrated by Catholics across the globe on December 8.
Places to Celebrate
There are many places in Italy that offer many celebratory opportunities for both locals and travelers. The following locations are ideal places to visit during Immaculate Conception due to their organized events and festivities:
- The Vatican
- Rome
- Trento
These locations also offer dining and cultural opportunities for travelers that would like to visit Italy for more than just an opportunity to celebrate the Immaculate Conception.
The Immaculate Conception is a major Roman Catholic holiday that allows the Italian people to express their reverence for God and the Virgin Mary.