Introduction:
Italians are notorious for their strong tradition, rich foods, large families, and strong-held beliefs. For Italians, weddings are highly valued events strongly influenced by superstition. For instance, weddings are prohibited during the seasons of Lent and Advent and during the month of May, a month dedicated strictly to the worship of Virgin Mary. Other practices include ripping a bride’s veil, throwing rice at the bride and groom to wish them good luck after the ceremony, and carrying a piece of iron in one’s pocket to ward off the evil eye. In the past, there were also many customs symbolizing fertility, such as breaking a piece of bread over the bride’s head and having the groom offer the bride an ear of corn on the wedding day. For our research, we investigated these wedding traditions, superstitions, and beliefs by interviewing Italian students and professors in the Italian department. Enjoy!
Presentation:
Italian Wedding Traditions and Superstitions
Items:
Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold
Confetti Served in Multiples of Five
Di Venere e di Marte né si sposa né si parte
Sposa Bagnata, Sposa Fortunata
Collectors:
- Isabella Florissi ’18, Katie Toal ’19, Peter Loomis ’17, Josh Kerber ’18, Sloane Bashford ’19
Tags/Keywords
- Italian, Italy, Wedding, Rituals, Traditions, Superstitions, Proverbs