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Natale

Natale is the Italian term for Christmas, the annual celebration of the birth of Jesus. It derives from the Latin natalis, meaning “birth” or “of birth,” and is linked to the nativity story at the heart of the holiday. In Italian usage, Natale can refer to the Christmas holiday itself and to related customs, such as the celebration seasons, festive meals, and religious observances.

As a proper name, Natale is used as a masculine given name in Italian-speaking communities and also

Cultural practices associated with Natale include greetings such as Buon Natale (Merry Christmas) and the prominence

Beyond its role as a holiday name, Natale appears in various cultural and linguistic contexts as a

See also: Nativity, Christmas.

appears
as
a
surname.
The
name
has
historical
roots
in
religious
and
family
naming
practices
common
in
Italy,
and
it
remains
in
use
among
Italian
communities
and
descendants
of
Italian
emigrants.
of
Christmas
Eve,
La
Vigilia
di
Natale,
as
well
as
Christmas
Day,
Il
Giorno
di
Natale,
on
December
25.
A
common
figure
in
Italian
Christmas
tradition
is
Babbo
Natale,
the
Santa
Claus
figure
who
brings
gifts.
Traditional
decorations
often
feature
presepi
(nativity
scenes)
and
festive
foods
shared
with
family.
personal
name
and
in
phrases
referring
to
Christmas
celebrations.
The
term
is
widely
understood
in
Italy
and
in
Italian-speaking
communities
around
the
world.