"In a porch, full of cobwebs, between the mule and the ox, the Savior of souls is born...In that porch at Bethlehem are star, sun and moon: the Virgin and St. Joseph and the Child who lies in a cradle. In Bethlehem they touch fire, from the porch the flame issues; it is a star of heaven which has fallen into to the straw. I am a poor gipsy who come hither from Egypt, and bring to God's Child a cock. I am a poor Galician who come from Galicia, and bring to God's Child linen for a shift. To the new-born Child all bring a gift; I am little and have nothing; I bring him my heart." (From "Christmas Customs and Traditions, Their History and Significance" by Clement A. Miles. He says this is from an Italian cradle-song of the Blessed Virgin, as given by Signor de Gubernatis in his "Usi Natalizi". )
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