Here in America we have twenty-four shopping days in December until Christmas, but in Italy, the holiday season starts a bit earlier, lasts a bit longer and is sprinkled with more official celebrations. Image Credit In fact, there are five holidays other than Christmas and New Year’s which are part of Italy’s stagione natalizia (Christmas season). What…
Category: Holidays & Traditions
What is Il Giorno dei Morti (All Souls’ Day), and why is it important in Italy?
My path crossed with Rachel Vermiglio Smith’s in a most unexpected way at the Palazzo Tornabuoni in Florence a few years back, and we have been good friends ever since, despite being 6,000 miles away. She is an Italian art history expert, and being American with dual-citizenship, she provides a unique perspective to all things Italy. I’m so excited to feature Rachel as a guest writer for today…enjoy!
Christmas in Italy: 5 More Reasons to Celebrate!
The Christmas season in Italy is sprinkled with holidays. What are they, you ask…?
Buon Onomastico or, the Serendipity of Italian
“Buon onomastico!” read a Facebook post a few years back on the page of a cherished Italian cousin, followed by several people of the same first name who were tagged with well-wishes and congratulations (auguri). I had no idea what an onomastico was, but I was immediately intrigued. Why were so many people with the…
Of Saints and Chocolates
Of Saints… In celebrating Valentine’s Day, I never thought beyond cards, candy, and perhaps some extra hugs for and from my loved ones. It wasn’t until my sweet mother-in-law gave Daughter a children’s book about St. Valentine that I connected the holiday to an actual person. Valentine’s Day, just like Saint Patrick’s Day, is the feast day of Saint Valentine, as designated…
A Natale Puoi…At Christmas You Can
A Natale puoi fare quello che non puoi fare mai: riprendere a giocare, riprendere a sognare, riprendere quel tempo che rincorrevi tanto. At Christmas you can / do those things which you can never do / resume playing, dream again, take back the time that always runs away (riprendere = resume, recover, take back) È Natale e…
Is Santa Claus Italian?
Originally posted December 2013 on Prayers and Piazzas This question came up recently from 7-year-old Baby Girl as she was watching the animated movie Rise of the Guardians. Alec Baldwin voices Santa Claus, who does speak with an accent, although I’m not sure it’s intended to be Italian. “Mom, listen to him!” she exclaimed, “Oh…
Is Santa Claus Italian?
This question came up recently from 7-year-old Baby Girl as she was watching the animated movie “Rise of the Guardians.” Alec Baldwin voices Santa Claus, who does speak with an accent, although I’m not sure it’s intended to be Italian. “Mom, listen to him!” she exclaimed, “Oh ya, he’s definitely Italian!” May I interject here…
Prayers & Piazzas 