sabato, novembre 10
In my last blog I mentioned how southern Italians truly embrace tradition. In addition to embracing tradition they always take time to remember those who have gone before, honouring history, Italian heritage and people's legacies. Whether it’s in the war memorial in the center of the town of Acquavella or in the cemetery. November 2nd was a day for just that. It was All Souls' Day, known as "Giorno dei Morti" (day of the dead), and commemorates loved ones who have departed. November 1st is All Saints Day and it is a National holiday in Italy. Most businesses are closed and there are many masses in the churches. All Soul's Day appeared to be the more important of the two - as far as demonstrative acts. On November 2nd many Italians will take flowers to the cemetery for all of their family and friends. Many will use both days as they may need to visit multiple cemeteries.
I participated this year with my cousin Angela. We purchased our flowers the day before and the following morning, despite the rain, we went to the cemetery to pay our respects. We left flowers at many of the families' grave sites. I specifically wanted to remember my grandfather‘s siblings, his two brothers and his sister. In addition we left flowers at many other cousin's graves. The cemetery was full of people - everyone doing the same thing and it was really a heartwarming and peaceful scene. The flower of choice for this event is usually the mum. People will take full mum plants and leave them on the walkway near the grave site or will take cut mums and place them in the vases that are part of the headstone. I’ve included quite a few pictures of our family members.
 |
| Emilio Gentile, bother to my grandfather |
 |
| Delfina, sister to my grandfather |
 |
| Antonio, brother to my grandfather |
 |
| Santina Gentile, first cousin to my mother |
 |
| Palmina Gentile, first cousin to my mother |
 |
| Flowers I left for a cousins parents |
On November 4th the village had a ceremony remembering those who died in all wars as it was Italian Armed Services day - equal to our Veterans Day. But it also commemorates Italy's end to WWI - Austrian-Hungarian forces agreed to a cease fire, and so that ended the war on the Italian front. I attended this ceremony as well. There was a small marching band and speeches from the Priest and local dignitaries. Here are some pictures and a quick video.
 |
| Poster announcing the ceremony |
 |
| The flags are ready for the ceremony. The Italian flag is not flying yet (far left) There are 7 other flags of the allies (note the U.S. flag on the left) Then there is the flag of the European Union (Blue) |
 |
| During the ceremony this wreath was presented by the dignitaries Here is a short video of the band playing the Italian National Anthem and the flag being raised Interesting that no one sings, but they do clap at the end. |
https://youtu.be/RFObDxYHB00
And finally I thought I would tell you about my first funeral that I attended. It’s not a happy subject to blog about but I found it very interesting because it was so different from the American funerals. And since I’m talking about tradition and legacies I thought it might be interesting to tell you a little bit about this Italian ritual.
Unfortunately earlier this year, a first cousin of my mother passed away. She was 85 years old. She passed the day that I had family arriving from the states so it was kind of a hectic start to their vacation but it did allow them to see quite a few family members.
99% of the Italians in southern Italy are catholic (I would say 100% but I'm in that 1%). So the funeral, as many religious ceremonies, follows the religious beliefs. But what is different and unique here in southern Italy is after death they do not embalm the body. Very little cremation occurs. Based on that the funeral will most always occur within 24 hours of the passing. The church in the village will toll the death bells when someone passes. I then know that 24 hours later (or close to it) there will be a funeral at the church. Italian funerals are traditionally open to everyone in the village or town to attend. Posters announcing the death are posted almost immediately. These posters are hung throughout the town to alert people of the deceased passing and details of when the funeral will be.
 |
| This poster announced the passing of my mothers cousin |
So after the passing the funeral home will prepare the body at the house. Friends and family then come to visit at the home of the deceased. That was quite alarming when I saw it but quickly realized this was the norm for Italy and just take a deep breath. Walking into a house and finding an open casket and body was totally foreign to me. I'm not big on funerals to begin with but then to have this in a home - quite unsettling. There is no way to avoid seeing the casket. Out of respect you must pass and then greet the family. The houses are usually small and the room was most likely a bedroom. There are seats around the room surrounding the casket. Everyone sits but pretty much in silence. After awhile you leave and allow others to come in and sit for awhile. Flowers from family and friends are brought to the house. We went to the home the day of the funeral and then went to the church right from there. There is a car that transports all the flowers ahead of the hearse. Once at the church the casket will be brought into the church along with a few flowers. Many times if the house is near the church people will walk behind the hearse as it moves toward the church. The service is a catholic mass but no eulogy or comments from friends or family.
After the mass the casket is taken out of the church into the hearse and then there is a processional direct to the cemetery. Usually each village has its own cemetery. Most, if not all of the attendees, will walk behind the hearse to the cemetery. Those unable to walk will drive their car.
Italian cemeteries are above ground as you saw in the photos above. The casket is placed in the space reserved by the family. All the attendees then stand and watch as a mason closes up the "grave" with brick and mortar. Another unsettling experience. Some months later the engraved "headstone" will be put in place. Many times while this is happening people will take many of the flowers and take them to other graves of family members or friends. That then ends the service. One of the most astonishing things is - for EVERY occasion here in southern Italy there is always food. NOT for a funeral. I was kind of shocked. You would think there might be a family dinner at least - no - nothing. There will be a mass one week, one month and one year after the passing. A few days after the funeral many times notices of thanks from the family are then posted on the notice boards throughout the village.
Out of respect for all I have not included any photos of the funeral processions or burials.
