the day 29 - 30 and 31 of January are called in the north of Italy : "I Giorni della Merla" (Blackbird's days) this is for say the most chill day in winter.
This is a tradition story and is very pretty:

In origin the "Merli" (blackbirds) was white
a mother whit his little birds decide to go in a fireplace to worm on 29th January
when the outside temperature became better the Mother whit his children go out form fireplace, and became black by the soot.
the soot was to much that she never return white. Now the Merli (blackbird) are black

In some rural place in north italy on this days organize party around falò (big fire with wood) where serve Vin Brulè (hot red wine, with cinnamon, orange and lemon zest, cloves and sugar)

But way this day are called the most chilled?

In origin January have 28 days and a Blackbird finish this very child mounth saied: "“Più non ti curo Domine, che uscito son dal verno”
"
"Home I don't care about you winter is finished"

January very angry that ask to February give it others day in lend.
February gave it 3 days
and this one was the chill one

Febrarius i ln latin it means Purify.

an there are many important reason. but this I'll write another time....

Ciao
Fulvio
news sportive (http://www.gosport.it/)

Thanks, Fulvio

That was a really cute story! I'll remember it!

susanvan