Balconies in Italy

Balconies have been part of the Italian culture for centuries.

In Italy, balconies may be fancy... 

... or simple,  

but most everyone has one. 

Balconies are not just an architectural feature; they’re a part of the Italian lifestyle.

The origin of the word “balcony” is “balcone” the Italian word for “scaffold,” probably because it lifted you above the rest of the world.

Stone corbels or large stone or wooden brackets supported balconies of medieval and Renaissance times. 

More modern times brought supports of iron, reinforced concrete and other materials.

In days of old, balconies were a necessary architectural feature. They were the extended living space where women hung out clothes to dry and did much of their work. 

Up until not too long ago, colorful laundry flapped in the breeze of Italian windows and balconies. Our recent visits, however, have found laundry-free balconies, perhaps a result of laws banning the practice.

For centuries, balconies on public buildings have also been places from which speeches could be made. This tradition is continued by popes at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

Balconies of the past made it convenient for women to purchase goods from traveling street vendors by lowering over the balcony's railing a basket tied to a cord.  Down would go the basket with money – up would be pulled the basket with goods. In some towns, this practice continues today as we discovered on a recent trip to Sicily. Baskets still go up and down with purchases, and bags of garbage as well may hang from balconies awaiting early morning sanitation trucks.

Whether balconies are shallow or deep, Italians enjoy how they expand the living space, bringing in light and air.

They are the place for a quick cigarette, coffee or glass of vino -

as well as a place to relax and enjoy the view, or chat with a neighbor at the end of the day.

And love - Let's not forget love!

Italians often decorate their balconies with plants and flowers making the space a delightful mini-garden for relaxing or from which to watch life below. 

             


Some balcony gardens are simple... 

.... and some lavish or quite lush ...

... but, all bring greenery or a colorful bit of outdoors to the space inside creating a postage stamp-sized patch for respite.

Balcony awnings shield interior living space from the heat of summer and...

...provide a small, secluded hideaway with a beautiful outdoor view.

When in Italy, I love noticing the different types of balconies and how they're decorated. For hubby and me, an empty balcony beckons to be used and enjoyed. 

It calls and says, "Come. Sit. Relax and enjoy a great view and all our beautiful country has to offer." 

And...we do!

Ciao!

- Nina Spitzer

If you are receiving this post by email and would like to read other archived posts on my blog, go to

http://www.acappuccinominute.blogspot.com/

Saying "I do" in Italy

Everyone loves a wedding - right? How many of us stop and look when one is nearby? I do... especially when I'm traveling. Do I know the bride and groom - no. But, who cares? I enjoy pulling out my camera and clicking away just the same. It's fun!

From what I can see, in Italy weddings can be extravagant and with lots of tradition.

They are joyous occasion where relatives, neighbors, and strangers alike all spill out onto the street to watch and, the lucky ones catch a ringside view from a window.

And, driving up to the church with your father in a horse and buggy is definitely a crowd stopper.

In some areas, you’ll know of an upcoming wedding when you see signs plastered around the town a few days before.

These announcements of the happy day are in one of many available designs. Legally, however, they’re considered litter and must be removed immediately at the end of the wedding day.

It’s not uncommon to see the bride’s attendants and family dressed in black or a dark color, no doubt because dark colors are more formal. Weddings gowns are sometimes dark cream in color rather than white.

And photographers, oh my – do they have those!  From what I’ve seen, the photography is akin to an MGM production.  Lights! Cameras! Action!

There are often both still and video-photographers with fancy lighting systems. The photographer takes on the role as both director and photographer of the show.

And... setting up the shot just right is always a priority.

"Something old - Something new - Something borrowed - Something blue," is as common in Italy as it is here in the States. Another important tradition you will also find at Italian weddings of the Catholic faith is the "Matrimonial Booklet."

Couples take an active role in the preparation of the wedding ceremony with their choice of readings, prayers, and songs. These are published into a booklet for guests to follow during the ceremony.

Matrimonial booklets are a sentimental and personal touch. They are available in a variety of beautiful styles.

      

Throwing rice for good luck has been a long tradition common in Italy too. Recently, however, rice has been discouraged out of respect for the poor and also because it’s dangerously slippery. 

Alternatives to rice are birdseed or flower seeds, pretty and fragrant lavender buds, rose petals, soap bubbles, biodegradable paper hearts-confetti-or butterflies. There's even white or colored rice that pulverizes when crushed. For an even more romantic effect, you might see sparklers or the release of doves, butterflies, or balloons...

... Or perhaps the bride and groom might exit the church across paper ribbon as in a race.

Italian soccer player Luca Ceccarelli and his bride Irene Lanforti were the first couple to marry on Juliet’s balcony in 2009. 

Wedding style can vary depending on the region of Italy or the couple's preference, but "dramatic" is definitely a plus. Ah, yes! Wouldn’t it be nice to get married on Juliet’s balcony in Verona? 

A gondola ride in Venice is certainly romantic too.

If you attend the wedding, expect to receive “confetti” as a favor, an age-old Italian tradition still in use today. These are white sugar covered almonds tied with ribbon in white tulle. The almonds have a bittersweet taste, representing life while the sugar coating is the hope of a sweet union. The packet must have five almonds; count them! They represent: Health – Fertility – Longevity – Happiness – Wealth. Many older wedding traditions, like this one, were brought to the States by Italian immigrants.

A wedding is a big deal anywhere, but in Italy it's sure to be an extravaganza. After all, “Fare una bella figura,” the pride in making a good impression, is important as the new couple is presented to the world.

American friends Andrew & Katryna's Wedding in Rome

AND...Don't assume all those brides and grooms in Italy are Italians. Sweethearts from all over the world travel to Italy to say their "I do's."

So, when in Italy always have your camera ready. Weddings can happen any day of the week and at any time...and, they're always fun to watch and catch on camera!

(Many thanks to my dear Italian friend Elena for her help!)

Ciao!

- Nina Spitzer

If you are receiving this post by email and would like to read other archived posts on my blog, go to

http://www.acappuccinominute.blogspot.com/

The Poetry of Giacomo Leopardi

Now... A little about a poet who is said to be second to Dante in the hearts of Italians.

Photo Credit: Wikepedia

Click HERE for detailed information

Giacomo Taldegardo Francesco di Sales Saverio Pietro Leopardi, also known as Giacomo Leopardi, is a name well recognized in Italy. He was a poet, philosopher, essayist, and philologist (study of language through historical literary texts and written records.)

The Square Leopardi Wrote of in the Poem "Saturday Night in the Village"

Click HERE to read the poem (scroll down on site for English) 

Photo Credit: Ilaria Magi

Giacomo Leopardi was a significant figure of the Italian Romanticism era and is known for being pessimistic toward life and the human condition at that time - not surprising since he, himself, had a hard life. Though he’s known for many writing forms, he’s perhaps most remembered in modern Italy for his poetry, which was always of a philosophical nature. 

A Statue of Giacomo Leopardi in a Recanti, Italy Square

Photo Credit: Ilaria Magi

Leopardi was born the son of a count in the small village of Recanati in 1798. As the son of a nobleman, he was unable to have a public education. Instead, Leopardi received private tutoring from priests until he knew more than they did. 

Leopardi's Home

Photo Credit: Ilaria Magi

He was also confined indoors due to his poor health and so his time was spent primarily with his studies between the ages of 12 and 19. It’s believed that his extensive time reading and writing also caused him to develop a deformity in his spine and eventually blindness in one eye. As a result of all his scholastic work, Leopardi was well educated and spoke many languages.

"Alla Luna" ("To the Moon") is one of Lepardi's most beautiful poems.

Click HERE to view a beautiful video reading of this poem.

Image Credit: Biografieonline

Leopardi’s eventual travels around Italy led to disappointment because his steadily declining health made him unable to find work. He moved to the milder climate of Naples, Italy for his health and to be near his friend Antonio Ranieri. Leopardi died in Naples in 1837 only a few weeks short of his 39^th birthday. 

The Path Leading to the Hill of the Poem "L'Infinito"

Click HERE to view a beautiful video reading of this poem.

Photo Credit: Ilaria Magi

In his lifetime, Leopardi experienced poor health, depression, a poor financial situation, and a broken heart too. His short life was far from happy, but to the world Giacomo Leopardi left his brilliant works for eternity.

Giacomo Leopardi’s eternal resting place is at Parco Virgiliano, Naples, Italy.

(Many thanks to my dear friend Elena in Corbetta, Italy!)

Ciao!

- Nina Spitzer

If you are receiving this post by email and would like to read other archived posts on my blog, go to

http://www.acappuccinominute.blogspot.com/