Customs during Sant’Ambrogio day in Milan

Article written by – Giorgio Ducci

Saint Ambrose day falls on December the 7th and is one of the most awaited events by the Milanese, not only because S. Ambrose is the patron of the city but also because the Christmas period starts.
During that day, many events take place: the mass in honor of the Saint, the opening night of the Scala theatre, the beginning of the ski season, the delivery of the award “Golden Ambrogino”.

Saint Ambrose – History
Born in 339 in Treviri (Germany) to a noble Roman family, Aurelio Ambrogio had a sister called Marcellina who became a saint as well. After the death of his father, the family moved back to Rome. Ambrogio was clever and curious and studied to become a lawyer. Ambrogio was appointed governor in Milan by the imperator Valentiniano in 370. He was only 30 years old and he was a just/fair/righteous man, a good orator and a poet. He was esteemed by the community and shone for his fairness, being above parties and for his attention to indigents. Ambrogio was an impartial governor of Lombardy, Liguria and Emilia Romagna, respected by the population and the institutions. After the death of the bishop Aussenzio, there was the problem of who could be a worthy successor. Even if he did not have any ecclesiastical ambition, the community chose Ambrogio and he accepted that role. Shortly he got the baptism and was consecrated as Bishop by the imperator Flavio Valentiniano. He started his episcopal career on December 7th 374, remaining in office till his death in 379.

A great man on this world

Ambrogio used to listen to all the people, helping them against oppression of rich persons. It remains legendary when during a raid executed/carried by Nordic soldiers many people were captured and to save them Ambrogio fused holy vases in order to pay their ransom.
Ambrogio was one of the most important figures of Christianity together with Agostino, Girolamo and Gregorio, they are the four maximum experts of the Latin Church.
For the most curious, the oldest image of Ambrogio is in the sacellum of Saint Vittore church in Milan.

Saint Ambros and the traditions

There are many traditions tied to this day, some of them are not strictly related to his life or experiences but they are simply popular customs that happen/ come back every year.

The traditional fair called “Oh bej Oh bej”
On December 7th 1510, Giannetto Castiglione was sent by the Pope Pio IV to revive the faith among Ambrosian people bringing presents and delicacies to all Milan citizens and they shouted “Oh bej oh bej” (Nice! Nice) to express astonishment. For that reason, the Christmas market starts on the same day and it is called “Oh bej oh bej market”.
Premiere at Scala theatre

On the same day the lirica season begins at the Scala theatre and it is a worldly event. The custom of opening the season on Milan’s patron Saint’s day was introduced in 1940 and became definitive in 1951 with the absolute triumph of the divine Maria Callas in “Vespri Siciliani ”.
Golden Ambrogino
One of the most coveted awards is the “Ambrogino d’oro”, the city’s highest honour given to the many “unknowns” from different fields who have made the city great through their actions. Each year, 15 Gold Medals are awarded to personalities, associations and institutions that have brought prestige to Milan. With this award, the Milanese pay further tribute to their illustrious citizen, who later became a saint.

The Panettone
Traditionally the first slice of “Panettone”, a typical and famous Milanese cake, is eaten. Panettone remains the symbol of Milan. A timeless classic to be bought in artisan bakeries, baked according to the classic recipe. A delicacy created by Toni, a scullion at the service of Ludovico il Moro, and was initially called “pane di Toni”, or “panettone”.