by Dianne Hales | Mar 30, 2021 | Books, books on Italy, culture, Easter, history, Italian, Italian language, Italy, learning Italian, Religion, Sayings and expressions, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs
On my first Easter in Rome in the Jubilee year of 2000, I joined the throngs jammed into the massive piazza of St. Peter’s basilica. Pope John Paul II, bent with age, extended Easter greetings in dozens of languages, including Italian. “Buona Pasqua!” the Roman family...
by Dianne Hales | Jan 27, 2021 | Books, books on Italy, Carnevale, culture, history, Italian folklore, Italian language, Italy, Language, Religion, saints, Sayings and expressions, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs
Not many people have a classic comedy dedicated to their birthday. I do—although that’s far from the second of February’s only claim to fame. This date may always signify Groundhog Day to fans of Bill Murray and the shadow-fearing furry creature who put 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 | Dec 14, 2020 | Assisi, Books, books on Italy, Christmas in Italy, creche, culture, history, Italian language, Italy, Nativity scene, Religion, Rome, Saint Francis, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs
“Natale con i tuoi; Pasqua con chi vuoi,” Italians say. “Christmas with your family; Easter with whomever you want.” An Italian Christmas centers on casa (home) and stare insieme in famiglia (being together as a family). But even at a distance the sights and sounds of...
by Dianne Hales | Dec 1, 2020 | Books, books on Italy, Christmas in Italy, creche, history, Italian language, Italy, Language, Nativity scene, Religion, saints, Sicily, Tuscany, Web/Tech, Weblogs
Italy’s Christmas season begins with the celebration of San Nicola on December 6 and Santa Lucia on December 13. The son of a wealthy Christian family, Nicola grew up in a Greek-speaking colony of the Roman Empire, now part of Turkey, and became bishop of the city of...
