by Dianne Hales | Dec 28, 2021 | books on Italy, Food and Drink, history, Italian, Italian folklore, Italian language, Italian words and expressions, Italy, Language, Religion, Sayings and expressions, Social behavior, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs
In ancient times, the new year began in the Spring. In 153 B.C., the Romans moved the start of a new year to January 1 and dedicated the first month to Janus, the two-faced god who looks back toward the old year and ahead toward the new one. For six days, Romans...
by Dianne Hales | May 4, 2021 | Books, books on Italy, culture, history, Italian, Italian language, May, Mother's Day, Roman history, Sayings and expressions, Social behavior, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs
Italy has been celebrating mothers for more than 2000 years. As the dark, cold winter gave way to the bright rebirth of Spring, the ancient Romans paid tribute to their gods of fertility. One holiday, Matronalia, was dedicated to Juno, the queen of the gods, and...
by Dianne Hales | Jan 4, 2021 | Books, books on Italy, Christmas in Italy, culture, history, Italian folklore, Italian language, Italy, Language, Sayings and expressions, Social behavior, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs
Long after many Americans have taken down their Christmas trees and packed away the decorations, Italians continue to celebrate. The final feast is l’Epifania (Epiphany), on January 6, which commemorates the arrival of the three kings, or the Magi, who followed the...
by Dianne Hales | Dec 29, 2020 | Books, books on Italy, food, Food and Drink, history, Italian language, Italy, Language, Roman history, Sayings and expressions, Social behavior, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs
In ancient times, the new year began in the Spring. In 153 B.C., the Romans moved the start of a new year to January 1 and dedicated the first month to Janus, the two-faced god who looks back toward the old year and ahead toward the new one. For six days, Romans...
by Dianne Hales | Oct 13, 2020 | Books, books on Italy, Dante, history, Italian language, Italy, Language, learning Italian, literature, Social behavior, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs
The twentieth annual Week of the Italian Language in the World (October 19-25, 2020) focuses on the theme of Italian Between Word and Image: Graffiti, Illustrations, Comic Books. Italy’s rich tradition of graphic story-telling dates back for centuries, but since...
by Dianne Hales | Sep 1, 2020 | Books, books on Italy, food, history, Italian language, Italy, Language, Religion, Sayings and expressions, Social behavior, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs, wine
Even though we may not be able to spend September in Italy, we can enjoy its sayings and stories. Settembre In the ancient Roman calendar, the year began in March. September, the seventh month, took its name from the Latin septem. During this pivotal month, the hours...
