The Colosseum in Rome, Italy. It was built to entertain the Roman citizens. Inside, fierce battles were fought between gladiators, some battles even included animals.
Christmas in Italy is a three week long celebration, from December 18th to January 6th. Italians decorate with fir trees and nativity scenes. During the eight days before Christmas, children go door to door reciting Christmas selections and singing songs. The manger scene has its origins in Italy.
People eat a huge meal on Christmas Eve. During this meal letters that the children wrote to their parents are read. In the leatter the child promises to be "good." At the end of the meal, the URN OF FATE is passed around and everyone can choose a gift from it Some of the gift boxes are empty though. Everyone ends up with a gift in the end.
january 6th is Epiphany. This is the gift giving day in honor of the Three Kings. Legend tells of a woman named La Befana. La Befana was an old woman who was busy doing her household chores when the Three Wise Men came by to ask for help in finding Bethlehem. She refused because she was too busy. Later she was sorry she didn't help and set out to find the Wise Men. She could not find them. She now travels from place to place and rewards good children with gifts.
Traditionally served at Christmas time in Italy.
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup almonds
3/4 teaspoon almond extract
Add salt to egg whites and beat until frothy. Add sugar gradually, beating on mixture until it is stiff but not dry. Add almonds and almond extract and fold in gently. Drop almond mixture on buttered and floured baking sheet by the teaspoon, shape into mounds. Let stand 2 hours. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until brown.
