Read and listen to the poem “The Bagpiper” by Gianni Rodari

Fun Facts

The “zampognaro” is a traditional figure of the Italian Christmas, who plays the zampogna, a wind instrument similar to the bagpipes. The bagpiper is often represented in the nativity scene, along with shepherds and animals. The zampognaro brings a message of peace and joy, inviting everyone to listen to his music and celebrate the birth of Jesus.

The zampogna is a wind musical instrument typical of the Italian folk tradition. It is a bagpipe composed of a bag made of goat or sheep skin, which acts as an air reservoir, and several sounding pipes, called reeds, which produce the notes.

The zampogna is played by blowing into a mouthpiece connected to the bag and pressing the bag with the arm to force the air out. The zampogna has ancient origins and spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. In Italy, it is mainly linked to Christmas music and pastoral traditions.

Every region has its own variation of the zampogna, with different sizes, shapes, and tunings. The zampogna is an instrument that requires skill and dedication, but it offers great emotions to both the player and the listener.

Let’s read together

If the bagpiper were in command
as he walks down the lane,
do you know what he would say
on Christmas Day?
“I want in every home
to sprout from the floor
a tree in full bloom
with stars of gold and silver.”

If the sparrow were in command
as he hops on the snow,
do you know what he would say
with his chirping voice?
“I want the children to find,
when the light is turned on,
all the gifts they’ve dreamed of,
plus one, for good measure.”

If the shepherd were in command
from the cardboard nativity scene,
do you know what law he would make
signing it with his long staff?
“I want that today no child
in the world shall cry,
that they all have the same smile
the white, the dark, and the yellow.”

Do you know what I tell you,
I who command nothing at all?
All these beautiful things
will happen easily;
if we join hands
miracles are made
and Christmas Day
will last all year long.

Let’s listen together