PUr living in the accessible technological era, popular traditions do not forget. Folklore is full of stories and legends that have roots in ancient times and, among these, one of what is constantly returns is that of “Days of the merla”expression with which they identify themselves The last three days of January, 29, 30 and 31, considered the strictest of the year. This belief, rooted in the collective imagination, has an origin rooted in the experience, although obviously, a belief remains.
Days of the merla: are the coldest days of the year really in January?
Obviously, it is a nice legend that has been handed down from generation to generation. From a scientific point of view, in fact, There is no correlation between the presence of merla and winter temperatures. However, the popular perception of these days as the coldest of the year could have an explanation.
It is not so strange
In the past, when the weather forecast was not as accurate as today, people tended to remember extreme eventsespecially the particularly intense cold waves that ruin the crops. It is likely that in one of these particularly rigid winters, The last days of January were the coldestthus giving rise to legend. Furthermore, it is not so unusual that it can happen today: we are in the middle of winter and, net of climate change and global warming, January is often one of the coldest months of the year.
Why are the three final days of January called Days of Merla? Popular beliefs explain it (Getty)
Legends about the days of the merla
Among the best known legends that seem to have given the name to this triad of days, there is that the blackbirds have not been black, but white. The belief tells that At the end of the month the blackbirds used to mocked January with sarcastic chirps. For this reason, the month, angry with the insolence of the volatile, decided to chill everything for three days, even asking for one on loan in February. To shelter from the frost and repair its children, One merla therefore chose the fireplace, Outing the end of the three days completely black. As often happens, however, legend presents imaginative and different variations in the region in the region.
Traditions and customs
Although there is no scientific evidence in support of legend, The days of the merla continue to be celebrated in many places. In some regions, it is said that It snows during the days of the merla, the winter will be long and rigidWhile If the weather is beautiful, spring will arrive soon.
In some regions of Italy, traditions also include popular songs and tales around fire, moments of conviviality that strengthen the link with cultural roots and keep the ancient customs alive. In short, even if modern weather conditions and climate science have reduced the role of these popular beliefs, However, they remain a fascinating aspect of the culture of the different peoples.
I woman © RESERVED REPRODUCTION