The Story of the “Days of the Blackbird” in Italy

In the story of the “Days of the Blackbird,” traditions, legends, customs, and tales intertwine, presenting different variants across the regions of Italy.

The story of the “Days of the Blackbird” in Italy

Considered the coldest days of the year, January 29, 30, and 31 are known as the “Days of the Blackbird.” They also represent a unique cultural and historical phenomenon in Italy. Moreover, a series of legends, stories, myths, and popular beliefs surround them.

Many popular legends intertwine with the ancient story of the Days of the Blackbird. One of the most famous stories tells of a white blackbird that, to escape the cold of the last days of January, took refuge in a chimney. It emerged after three days with its feathers blackened by soot. According to tradition, this event gave rise to the belief that blackbirds were originally white and that they became black during these last days of the month.

The blackbird and the cold: another version.

Another version of the story of the Days of the Blackbird tells of how the bird prepared to escape the freezing weather of January. For this reason, the blackbird gathered enough food to remain sheltered for the entire month, which once only had twenty-eight days. However, on the last day of January, thinking the month was over, the blackbird went out to sing. The blackbird believed it had successfully tricked January into borrowing three days from February. However, it was during these days that freezing storms took hold. Because of this, the blackbird had to seek shelter once more, only to emerge later with its plumage darkened by soot.

These stories, enriched by versions that vary from region to region, are more than just popular tales. Indeed, they reflect the communities’ attitude to finding mythological and symbolic explanations for natural and seasonal phenomena, blending culture and nature in fascinating narratives.

Legends and regional versions

The story of the Days of the Blackbird in Italy varies greatly from one region to another, enriching the tradition with a mosaic of tales and interpretations. For example, in Milan, there is a story about a family of blackbirds that, unable to find food in the snow-covered city, took refuge in a chimney. They emerged after three days, completely blackened by soot. This version of the legend reflects the sense of struggle for survival during the rigors of winter in the city.

In the province of Cremona, the tradition and tale of the blackbird take on more festive and joyful tones. Popular songs and large bonfires celebrate the Days of the Blackbird here. These celebrations honor the blackbird in addition to the community’s peasant roots and seasonality.

There are various interpretations of the “Days of the Blackbird” tale.

The story of the Days of the Blackbird also exists in more tragic versions. The Po River plays a significant role in one of these versions. The protagonists are two young newlyweds, named Merlo and Merla. In attempting to cross the frozen river, they died. Since then, blackbirds have assumed the color black as a perpetual sign of mourning. This dramatically tragic legend is evocative of the often unpredictable and harsh nature of winter. In Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trentino, and Sardinia, peasants closely observed the behavior of birds and weather conditions during the days of January 29, 30, and 31 to predict the future. Indeed, according to belief, the unusual behavior of blackbirds could indicate an imminent change in the weather.

The city of Lodi celebrated the Days of the Blackbird tradition with a unique ritual. It involved an exchange of songs between groups located on the opposite banks of the Adda River. This musical “dialogue” also symbolizes the peasant community’s connection with its river environment. In certain Tuscany areas, people believe that blackbirds sought shelter in wine barrels to evade the cold. From there, they would emerge completely drunk three days later. This folkloristic version reflects the central role of wine in Tuscan culture and everyday life. Finally, in Veneto, it is believed that the Days of the Blackbird are a presage for the upcoming agricultural season. Farmers observe the behavior of animals and the climate to plan their agricultural activities for the year.

The cultural significance of regional versions

These regional stories, while varying in detail, share two common themes. The first is a symbolic representation of the struggle against cold and winter adversities. The second is how local communities interpret and pass down these challenges through generations.

Proverbs of the Days of the Blackbird

Proverbs accompany the Days of the Blackbird, passing down from generation to generation and becoming an integral part of Italian folklore. One of the most well-known proverbs related to these cold days goes: “If the days of the blackbird are cold, spring will be beautiful; if they are warm, spring will arrive late.” This popular belief links the weather conditions of late January with forecasts for spring, testifying to the importance of meteorological observations in agricultural life for good harvests, which are crucial for peasant communities.

In many Italian regions, it is also believed that the behavior of animals during these days can provide indications of future weather conditions. For instance, heightened activity among blackbirds signals the impending end of winter. “When the blackbird sings, we are out of winter” is another popular saying associated with the Days of the Blackbird. This expression emphasizes the idea that the blackbird’s song is a sign of an imminent seasonal change. Another proverb says, “If you want to spend the Days of the Blackbird well, have bread, polenta, pork, and fireplace fire to warm you up.”

The Candlemas

Candlemas is the feast that follows the Days of the Blackbird. Popular beliefs surround its celebration on February 2. A proverb says: “When Candlemas comes, we are out of winter; but if it rains or the wind blows, we are still in winter.” This saying suggests that the weather conditions of Candlemas can predict the duration of winter.

The proverbs and popular beliefs in question testify to the intimate relationship between man and nature, once almost symbiotic. But they also reflect the importance of climatic-environmental observations in the culture and daily practices of Italy’s past, particularly in the peasant civilization.

There aren’t corresponding legends of the Days of the Blackbird worldwide.

Other countries in Europe and the world do not have legends and beliefs that truly correspond to the Days of the Blackbird. However, many cultures continue to uphold certain traditions and legends associated with winter. They often include popular methods for predicting the weather or celebrating specific aspects of the season.

For example, in the United States and Canada, there is Groundhog Day. People celebrate Groundhog Day on February 2. As we’ve seen, Italy traditionally links this day to Candlemas. According to legend, on February 2, one must observe the burrow of a groundhog. If the groundhog comes out and cannot see its shadow due to cloudy weather, winter is over. Instead, if the animal can see its shadow because it is a beautiful day, winter will continue for another six weeks.

Curiosities and anecdotes

Here are some anecdotes and curiosities about the Days of the Blackbird:

• A tragic story. Another legend, associated with these three coldest days of the year, recounts the tale of a pair of blackbirds who attempted to migrate to a milder climate. However, they had to take refuge in a chimney due to a snowstorm. Three days later, a black-grayish tint completely enveloped them.
• The mythology surrounding the Blackbird of the Po is well-known. Another variant of the legend of the blackbird of the Po tells of a pair of blackbirds who got married at the end of January. Trying to cross the frozen Po, the blackbird died. Local tradition states that during the Blackbird Days in late January, one can still hear the blackbird’s lament along the Po.
• Singular celebrations. The Veneto district of Loncon commemorates the Blackbird Days with a themed celebration. The festival includes excellent tastings of typical dishes like penne alla merla and Venetian-style baccalà.
• Dives into icy water. On Lake Garda and Lake Ledro, during the Days of the Blackbird, there was a tradition of challenging the cold by diving into the icy waters.
• Climate changes. Modern weather measurements indicate that the last three days of January are not always necessarily the coldest of the year. This suggests that climate change is also affecting this ancient tradition.

Story of the “Days of the Blackbird” Gallery

1 of 4