Feast of Our Lady of the Hens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Feast of Saint Mary the Crowned of Carmel |
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| Official name | Italian: Festa di Santa Maria Incoronata del Carmine, lit. 'Feast of Saint Mary the Crowned of Carmel' |
| Also called | Italian: Festa della Madonna delle Galline, lit. 'Feast of Our Lady of the Hens' |
| Observed by | Christians |
| Type | Cultural, Historical, Christian |
| Significance | Patronal festival of Our Lady of the Hens: remembering when a special Marian icon was found |
| Celebrations | Church services, processions, outdoor banquets, tammurriatas (traditional dances), firework shows, giving gifts of birds and traditional food to the Madonna |
| Begins | Easter Friday |
| Ends | Next Monday |
| Date | Second Sunday of Easter |
| 2024 date | April 7 |
| 2025 date | April 27 |
| 2026 date | April 12 |
| 2027 date | April 4 |
| Frequency | annual |
| First time | 17th century |
| Related to |
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The Feast of Saint Mary the Crowned of Carmel is a special religious and community celebration. It is also known as Our Lady of the Hens or Madonna of the Hens (Italian: Madonna delle Galline). This festival happens every year in a town called Pagani, Campania, in Italy.
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History of the Festival
Long ago, people believed a wooden picture of the Virgin of Carmel was kept in a church high in the mountains of Tramonti. One night, the Madonna appeared in a dream to the church helper, called a sacristan. She asked him to tell the priest to fix the old church. If not, she would leave and go to a town where "even the hens" would love her.
The sacristan told the priest, but the priest did not take it seriously. Soon after, a big storm hit. Lots of mud carried the painting down the mountain. It ended up in the area of Pagani.
How the Painting Was Found
In the 16th century, on the Sunday after Easter, something amazing happened. Some hens were scratching in a chicken coop. They dug up the small wooden picture! This is why the festival is called "Our Lady of the Hens."
People say this picture performed eight miracles. The first one happened in 1609. A man who could not walk fell asleep near where the picture was kept. He dreamed the Madonna told him to get up and throw away his crutches because he was healed.
This clear miracle made everyone notice the small church. Soon, more healings happened. Between 1609 and 1610, seven more miracles were reported. This made people in the area believe even more in the 'Madonna of the Hens'.
Building a New Church
Because of these miracles and the growing faith, people decided to build a bigger church. This new church would be a better place to welcome all the people who came to see the picture. In 1610, a bishop named Msgr. Simone Lunadoro wrote that a "much more capable church" was being built. This was possible because many religious people gave money to help.
The church was built very quickly. By 1615, another bishop, Msgr. Stefano de Vicari, called it a 'newly built church'. The original painting became old and damaged over time. So, a copy was made on canvas. This new copy was placed in the special church, which is now called the Shrine of Our Lady of the Hens.
The Coronation Ceremony
In 1786, the local bishop, Msgr. Benedetto dei Monti Sanfelice, announced something important. The church leaders in Saint Peter's in the Vatican decided to officially crown the 'Madonna delle Galline'. This was done to thank Mary for protecting the people. The special crowning ceremony happened in 1787.
How the Festival Is Celebrated
The festival lasts for four days, from Easter Friday to the next Monday. It is a time for many fun activities. There are church services, large processions, and outdoor parties. People enjoy traditional music and dances called tammurriatas. There are also exciting firework shows. People often give gifts of birds and special foods to the Madonna.
On the Monday morning, musicians called tammorrari finish playing and dancing. They have been playing for three days and nights! They walk in a procession to the church. There, they place their instruments at the feet of the Virgin Mary. They thank her and show their respect. Then, they leave the church singing an old folk song, always facing the altar as they back out.
Traditional Food
During this festival, people eat special foods. Besides typical Easter food like tortano or casatiello, there are unique dishes. One popular dish is tagliolini pasta with ragù, which is a rich meat sauce. People also enjoy savory pies and grilled stuffed artichokes. These artichokes are often cooked on a furnacella, which is a small, traditional outdoor charcoal grill.
There is a fun tradition related to eating the tagliolini. People say you should try to stain your shirt with the meat sauce! This stain is called schizzetto, which means 'little sketch' in Italian.
Special Recognition
The 'Madonna of the Hens' festival is very important to Italian culture. The Central Institute for DemoEtnoAntropology has recognized it. They named it an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Italy. This means it is a valuable tradition that should be preserved.
Gallery
See also
In Spanish: Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de las Gallinas para niños
