by InTrieste
In the heart of Italian tradition lies a captivating tale that paints the last days of January with a brush of anticipation for the coming spring. Known as the Giorni della Merla, or the Days of the Blackbird, this folkloric narrative weaves a story of nature’s whims and the promise of warmer days ahead.
Legend has it that if the days of January 29th, 30th, and 31st bear the chill of winter with particular ferocity, then spring will break forth early, adorned in sunshine and warmth. Conversely, a gentler conclusion to January foretells a tardy and rain-laden arrival of spring.
But where did this charming adage find its roots?
Dive into the annals of Italian folklore, and you’ll encounter myriad renditions of the ancient tale, all featuring the enigmatic blackbird, la merla, and the waning days of January.
Perhaps the most enduring version speaks of a bygone era when a white blackbird, weary of January’s relentless onslaught, endured its icy grip as the month toyed with the seasons. In this telling, January, with its 28 days while February boasted 31, gleefully pounced upon the hapless bird each time it ventured from its nest, showering it with snow, frost, and biting winds.
Undeterred, the resilient blackbird, armed with foresight, hoarded provisions in its nest, biding its time for 28 days before emerging defiantly to challenge January’s dominance with song and mirth.
In a fit of retaliation, January, stung by the blackbird’s defiance, borrowed three days from February’s calendar, unleashing a tempestuous snowstorm upon the land. Forced into hiding once more, the blackbird sought refuge in a chimney pot, where it remained sheltered for three days.
Emerging on February 1st, the blackbird’s once-white plumage was forever tinged with the hues of soot, a poignant reminder of its battle against the capriciousness of the seasons.
As Italians across the peninsula celebrate the Giorni della Merla, they not only honor a cherished folktale but also embrace the timeless dance between nature’s rhythms and the human spirit’s enduring hope for brighter tomorrows.
