The Sciò Sciò: the light spirits of Neapolitan tradition
More than just a spirit, it is an ancient whisper that hovers in homes, alleys, and memories handed down through generations. Sciò sciò are intangible creatures, symbols of a magical Naples, suspended between dream and reality, which guards and protects, but also knows how to mock humans.
They never show themselves openly, but they make themselves felt. Sometimes with a sudden gust of wind, with an object falling for no reason, with a door slamming while the house sleeps.
They are not malicious, but capricious. They demand respect, attention, and a little healthy superstition. Grandmothers know them well: all you had to do was leave a glass of water on the bedside table, a broom leaning against the door, or a grain of salt under the bed to keep them happy.
Nel presepe napoletano, che è teatro della vita e specchio dell’anima partenopea, anche gli sciò sciò trovano spazio. Non in forma diretta, ma nel gesto curioso del pastore, nello sguardo stupito della lavandaia, nell’inspiegabile atmosfera che avvolge certe scene. È quella sensazione che qualcosa, o qualcuno, sia lì accanto a te, a osservarti, a sorridere, forse a proteggerti.
At Bottega Ferrigno, this ancient lightness inspires us. Some of our figurines seem to be animated by that very spirit: small characters that appear to be about to move, to speak, to tell a story. Perhaps it is thanks to the craftsman's hand, or perhaps to the sciò sciò that silently watches over our work.
