Pulcinella

Pulcinella, often called Punch or Punchinello in English, is a classical character that originated in the Commedia dell'arte of the 17th century and became a stock character in Neapolitan puppetry. His main characteristic, from which he acquired his name, is his extremely long nose, which resembles a beak. In Latin, this was a pullus gallinaceus, which led to the word "Pulliciniello" and "Pulcinella", related to the Italian pulcino or chick.

He often wears a black mask and long white coat, and has loose and straggly hair.

Pulcinella features in an eponymous ballet by Igor Stravinsky; see Pulcinella (ballet).

Pulcinella is also the mascot of the Pulcinella Awards, annual awards for excellence in animation, presented at the Cartoons on the Bay Festival in Positano, Italy.

Punchinello is also a children's song/activity that goes like this:

Punchinello Circle Game Written By: Unknown Copyright Unknown

TO START: Children form into a circle, with one child in center as 'Punchinello.'

VERSE 1: ('Punchinello' does an action -- hopping on one foot, twirling, etc. -- while the children sing.)

What can you do, Punchinello, funny fellow? What can you do, Punchinello, funny you?

VERSE 2: (Children in circle copy the action that Punchinello is doing.)

We can do it, too, Punchinello, funny fellow, We can do it, too, Punchinello, funny you!

VERSE 3: (Punchinello selects another child as Punchinello, then takes that child's place in the circle.)

You choose one of us, Punchinello, funny fellow, You choose one of us, Punchinello, funny you!

See also

• Punch and Judy
• Punchinello
• Pulcinella (restaurant), an Italian restaurant in London

External link

• The Commedia dell'Carte Homepage