The Italian Easter

Toc, toc, toc. Wiping my hands on my apron, I stepped towards the door, wondering who would visit so close to lunchtime. “Buon giorno,” I greeted the unexpected visitor. “Um, can I help you?” I really didn’t know what to say or do. We’d never had a priest visit us before!

“I am here to bless the house,” he informed me.

Astounded, I asked, “Bless the house?” (Looking, I’m sure, as dumb as I felt.)

“Yes, it’s time for the yearly house blessing,” he explained. I had no idea what he was talking about, but I quickly assured him that my house was already blessed.

His turn to look dumbfounded. Until at length he asked, “Ah, you’re not Catholic are you?”

Upon learning that we’re evangelicals, he offered to pray for our house anyway. But I asked him to return when my husband was home. He never did, although we would have welcomed the chance to talk to him!

That was my first Italian Easter, and I’d never heard of the Easter house blessing. Or a lot of the Italian Easter traditions, sacred or secular.

Italy’s Easter traditions

The religious aspect is foremost.

Easter week processions play a primary role. Good Friday is often marked by parishioners carrying candles and statues of Christ through the streets. And many churches do the Stations of the Cross.

The house blessing also holds a a prominent place. According to Catholic tradition, no house is properly blessed until the priest sprinkles it with holy water and prayers.

But the Pope’s Easter sermon is paramount. Many travel to Rome for the Pope’s Easter sermon and annual blessing. There is such high demand for this event that travel agents recommend ordering tickets at least two to six months in advance! Anyone who cannot attend is expected to attend their own church or listen to the Vatican on TV, radio, or the internet.

Secular traditions are important too.

Church is usually followed by a substantial dinner, often with pasta and lamb. But you can spend the day with either family or friends. Because as the Italian saying goes: Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi voi. (Christmas with family, Easter with whom you want.)

Colored Easter eggs. Easter eggs and egg coloring date back to Roman times. The Romans gave eggs as gifts because they believed that all life begins with an egg. But Christians of that time dyed the eggs by boiling them with red vegetables in memory of Christ’s shed blood. And served them as a symbol of Christ’s resurrection and new life.

You won’t find many goody baskets or chocolate bunnies. Colored eggs hold a place of honor on the table and serve as part of the meal, or get set aside for the evening meal.

But the special chocolate eggs and Colomba cakes more than make up for goody baskets!

Italy is known for its beautiful, elaborately decorated and exquisitely wrapped eggs. Some of which are downright huge. Up to 6.5 feet tall (almost 2 meters) and weighing in at 550 lbs (250 kg)!

These large hollow eggs contain prizes. And it’s tricky to say whether kids like the prize or the chocolate the most! But choose carefully. Boys’ eggs might contain cars or sports items. While a girl’s might hold Peppa Pig or Hello Kitty.

They also make eggs for adults with prizes like neckties or costume jewelry. And artisan chocolate makers will create one with your own personalized gift inside. Sometimes elaborate gifts like fine jewelry or tickets to exotic places!

Giant chocolate eggs are rather pricey. But restaurants and coffee bars often hold raffles for them. Buy a ticket, and if you’re the lucky winner you can eat chocolate to your heart’s content!

These special dove-shaped panettone cakes are just like Christmas panettone, but only sold at Easter time. And remember if you go visiting, never go empty-handed. Take a Colomba Cake along!

And then you can enjoy the Pasquetta!

The Easter holiday starts with Good Friday, and continues through Pasquetta, or “little Easter.” Also known as Easter Monday this traditional picnic day is a favorite! Many cities also hold festivals featuring food, drink, dances, concerts, and games!

The chocolate eggs really take center stage. Although I prefer the traditional pasta and lamb, and the tiramisù, and espresso and…

But mostly I’m just thankful for all that Easter means. And that because of it my house is blessed, and we live in hope!

What’s your favorite part of Easter?

Images: Cross by geralt | Row of chocolate eggs by Lupe02 | Colomba cake by Paolo Falcioni | Church, basket & wrapped egg ©SignoraSheila.