Merry Christmas ~ Buon Natale

The Presepio of Craco Society members, Frank and Anna Rinaldi

“... Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the place where travelers lodged.”

According to St Luke the Evangelist (2:7), Jesus was born in a stable or at least in a place where animals were kept. In fact the word presepio (Nativity Scene) comes from the Latin verb praesepire (to enclose, to hedge, to fence) and today it means manger or crib.

The term is thought to have been used for the first time with regard to St Mary Major’s Basilica on the Esquiline Hill in Rome, known since the 7th century as “Sancta Maria ad praesepe” because according to tradition it was here the that the relics of the Cradle of Jesus were brought.

The Low Latin word cripia, meaning manger, was the origin of the terms creche, crib, krippe, krubba, szopka and wertep meaning Nativity Scene respectively in French, English, German and Swedish, Polish and Russian.

The encyclopedia describes the presepio as a three dimensional representation of the birth of Jesus Christ, composed of mobile figures arranged according to the artistic sense of the builder as well as realistic elements such as houses, rocks, plants etc, which is prepared for Christmas and removed by the 2nd February. As such, the presepio is closely related to the theatre because it intends to render an event remote in time and space present and real by means of fiction of a spectacular nature and at the same time, like the theatre, it cannot be separated from the scenery: in fact without scenery around the figures representing the holy event, you have a model of the nativity but not a presepio.

With time the tradition of the presepio evolved in various phases. It was first found in churches, and this was the ecclesiastical period. The figures at first painted and then carved, were placed at side altars and chapels specially reserved for the presepio, and during the Christmas Season the Presepio was decorated with lights and flowers.

Later came the aristocratic period in which the tradition of a presepio in the home became popular among the nobility and nativity scenes were ever richer and more pretentious, but also highly artistic. This tradition gradually extended to all the social classes acquiring a typically popular character which it retained.

In Craco, a traditional presepio with figures made of locally obtained clay was set up in the Church of San Nicola Vescovo (Chiesa Madre).   A small light over the presepio was attached to a coin box where children would drop a coin to illuminate the scene for a minute or so, the proceeds helping to support the church.  Speakers were also placed in the bell tower which would play Christmas music for all to enjoy.  Throughout the years, Frank and Anna Rinaldi have continued this important tradition in their home and were kind enough to share it with all of us.     

 

The Board of Directors of the Craco Society would like to take this opportunity to wish our members and friends a Blessed Christmas, and a Happy, Healthy New Year!

 

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Looking for that perfect holiday gift?

We are pleased to introduce a new item just in time for Christmas!  It is a perfect present for that special Cracotan in your life.  Add a unique ornament to your Christmas tree this holiday. Our handmade oval ornament is made of high quality porcelain. It measures 2.3" x 3.25" with red ribbon included.  Don't forget, we also offer a selection of golf and tee shirts for every member of your family, in addition to tote bags and decorative wall tiles.  You can visit our store and place an order at www.cafepress.com/thecracosociety, or by clicking on the ornament above.

 

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San Vincenzo

 

San Vincenzo has played a significant role in the life of the inhabitants of Craco for nearly two hundred and fifty years.  When 1500 Crachesi left Craco for North America at the turn of the century, they brought with them their devotion for their venerated patron saint.  As these immigrants assimilated into a new culture and moved away from their enclaves, San Vincenzo's story and traditions began to  fade into the past.  Our newest page is devoted to keep the story of San Vincenzo alive and preserve past traditions through a compilation of written and photographic history.  You can find a link to this page on the toolbar located in the left hand column or by clicking here .

 

 

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Polisportiva Craco

 

Polisportiva Craco, the Craco soccer club, contacted us for assistance.  In just one year after the club was re-launched, the team has done well enough to be able to play in a higher league but need financial support to fund their new opportunity. 

 

As background, in September 2007, Polisportiva Craco was struggling to survive with only 10 people involved.  Francesco Colangelo, the club President, re-energized the program by focusing on the local youth, and not depriving anyone of an opportunity to participate.  This was very much of a social project to engage the local youth in a healthy and competitive activity. They grew quickly to a team of 18 players and also attracted new leaders, including Vice-presidents Filippo Maffeo and Giuseppe Lorubio, assisted by Vincenzo Crapulli, Secretary Antonio D'Onofrio, and Treasurer Francesco Montemurro, who believed in the club and personally contributed to their operating expenses.   Their second objective was to create an enjoyable environment for the spectators by removing all forms of violence and impropriety.

 

After nearly a year of sweat and toil, the stands in the town were packed with men, women and children, not only for the brilliant soccer results but also for the festive atmosphere at the games.  The team achieved magnificent results dominating their category with 12 wins and 6 draws, an undefeated season.  They went on to win the league title an extraordinarily accomplishment never before achieved by the town. 

 

With those results President Colangelo announced the intention to compete next year for a second title and to continue the project so the youth of Craco will not feel limited by small town trends that are marked increasingly by regression. 

 

Polisportiva Craco can accept contributions directly through PayPal.   For those who don't know about using it please click on: PayPal  and you will be taken to their site.  You will see the "Send Money" screen and to the right an area where you can enter the team's email address for donations by inserting: todono@tiscali.it   Then follow through with the rest of the process. 

 

If you are unable to use PayPal or prefer to send a donation but can not convert funds to Euros the Society will handle the electronic funds transfer transaction for you through the Society's PayPal account.  You can send your contribution to:

 

The Craco Society (Inc.) - Polisportiva Soccer Fund

14 Earl Road

East Sandwich, MA02537

 

The Society will not be a beneficiary of any of these transactions and all funds will be sent to Polisportiva Craco.  As a 501c4 non-profit organization we must inform you that any contributions or gifts to The Craco Society (Inc.) are not deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes.  Please consult your tax advisor about your donation to Polisportiva Craco Soccer.

 

Polisportiva Craco will publish the names of all donors in the local Colibri newsletter.

 

 

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2009 Membership Campaign

This month kicks off our 2009 membership campaign.  All existing members should have already received their renewal applications in the mail.  In an effort to promote more family registrations, this year annual dues for extended family registrations have been reduced.  In order to maintain current membership, application forms must be received no later than Jan. 31, 2009.  Membership forms for new members, as well as existing members who may have not received their renewal forms, can be downloaded by clicking here .

 

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