Celebrating the Feast of St. Joseph

The Feast of St. Joseph, celebrated on March 19, is considered an important symbol of Catholicism and Italian heritage. Although not an official holy day, it honors the patron saint of Sicily for relieving the island of a terrible drought during the Middle Ages. The story says that lack of rainfall prevented the growth of Sicilian crops and the islanders began to starve. The people prayed to St. Joseph and promised him a feast in his name if he could bring rainfall.

Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus, is honored for ending the drought and remembered for his role in the holy family. The feast serves as time to give to those less fortunate and is celebrated with three typical traditions.

The first tradition is a meatless meal, usually consisting of fish and minestrone. Meat, considered a luxury at the time, is omitted to maintain a modest feast.

The second tradition, often presented on the Sunday closest to the feast date, is an altar arranged to honor Joseph. The altar is decorated with various symbols of his life, including statues of him as a father to Jesus; lilies, a symbol of Mary’s purity; and breadcrumbs, a symbol of Joseph’s life as a carpenter. This virtual altar describes the significance of each element of a St. Joseph’s altar.

The third tradition is a reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s journey to find a place to give birth. The reenactment serves to teach the lesson that you should never turn away those in need. This is an important theme of the feast.

The Fava Bean or St. Joseph’s Bean is also a popular symbol of the feast because it grows with very little water and was the only surviving crop during the drought. Zeppoles or Italian cream puffs are a popular desert served during the feast.

How does your family or lodge celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph? Send your stories to intern@osia.org.

Written by OSIA National Office Intern, Carol Cummings. Cummings is a senior at American University, majoring in print journalism, with a minor in Italian.

France may have the Mona Lisa, but the US has Ginevra

Leonardo Da Vinci’s only painting in the Western Hemisphere, the portrait of Florentine Ginevra de’ Benci, is located in Washington, D.C.’s National Gallery of Art. It was commissioned between 1474 and 1478.

Ginevra de Benci, the first portrait by Leonardo da Vinci

Ginevra, a celebrated poet in her time, was the subject of the first portrait completed by Da Vinci. She’s said to be 16 years old at the time, making her only six years older than the artist. Ginevra was the daughter of a prominent banker and was most likely painted in celebration of her marriage to Luigi di Bernardo Niccolini, although speculations remain that the painting was commissioned by her platonic lover Bernardo Bimbo.

Ginevra is painted in a landscape setting instead of indoors, which was unusual for this time period. She is surrounded by a juniper tree, which, according to historians, signifies her virtue and serves as a witty pun on her name (the Italian word for juniper being ginepro). The painting is uniquely double-sided with the Latin phrase virtutem forma decorat, meaning “beauty adorns virtue,” on the reverse side.

Ginevra lived near Da Vinci in the Palazzo Benci near the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. The painting originally included her hands, but had been cut over the years.

Located in Gallery Six on the West Main Floor of the museum, the painting has called Washington its home since 1967. Owned originally by the royal family of Liechtenstein, the painting was moved to Switzerland during World War II. It was also previously located at the National Gallery in London.

A hidden emblem with the phrase Virtue and Honor was discovered during restorations at the National Gallery of Art in 1991. The phrase was known to be the motto of Bernardo Bimbo.

Learn more about Ginevra de’ Benci’s story in this hour-long documentary narrated by Meryl Streep.

See the painting through the eyes of Lee Sandstead on the Travel Channel’s Art Attack.

Written by OSIA National Office Intern, Carol Cummings. Cummings is a senior at American University, majoring in print journalism, with a minor in Italian.

What Italians really mean: Italian proverbs and idiomatic expressions explained

Unless you’re a native speaker, it’s easy to get confused by some Italian expressions. Here are a few useful and interesting expressions that I’ve encountered in Italy.

One thing is clear–Italians are loyal to the pope, even in their phraseology. Here are two widely used expressions that refer to the head of the Catholic Church.

“Morto un papa, se ne fa un altro”

• Direct translation: One pope dies, another will be made
• What it means: There are lots of fish in the sea or Life goes on

“Ogni morte di papa”

• Direct translation: Every death of the pope
• What it means: Once in a blue moon

And then there are Italian expressions with very familiar English equivalents…

“Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano”

• Direct translation: Who goes slowly, goes safely and far
• What it means: Slow and steady wins the race

“Non si può avere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca”

• Direct translation: You can’t have the barrel full and your wife drunk
• What it means: You can’t have you cake and eat it too

“Chi dorme non piglia pesci”

• Direct translation: Who sleeps doesn’t catch fish
• What it means: The early bird catches the worm

And the few expressions that are confusing when translated…

“Acqua in bocca”

• Direct translation: Water in the mouth
• What it means: Keep quiet, keep it a secret!

“Non vedo l’ora”

• Direct translation: I can’t see the hour
• What it means: I can’t wait!

And finally there are expressions that are chiefly Italian, like this one that describes Italians’ view on marriage.

“Moglie e buoi dei paesi tuoi”

• Direct translation: Wives and oxen of your own land
• What it means: Marry a woman from your own neighborhood

Written by OSIA National Office Intern, Carol Cummings. Cummings is a senior at American University, majoring in print journalism, with a minor in Italian.

Saying Goodbye to Meat: an unofficial guide to an Italian Carnevale celebration

The word Carnevale comes from Latin word carne, meaning meat, and vale, meaning farewell. The masquerade celebration of Carnevale (also known as Carnival or Mardi Gras) traditionally marks the days before Lent and the abstinence of meat eating. In Italy this holiday is celebrated in some way by almost every town, but the most famous event is still in Venice, which hosts Carnevale the week leading up to Shrove Tuesday.

Last year I spent Carnevale in Verona and Venice, here’s a bit about what I learned during my experience.

Bright green silly string and tons of confetti accompanied my mid-afternoon (and mid-Carnevale parade) arrival in Verona for my first taste of an Italian Carnevale celebration. Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, is also known for its crazy Carnevale parade floats.

No cars are allowed on the island of Venice. If you’re headed there it’s best to plan a day trip and arrive by train from a nearby town. Spending the night at a Venetian hotel will be pricey and hard to find. Carnevale is the city’s most popular event and it will be uncomfortably crowded. Last year I spent the night at a bed and breakfast near the famous Lake Garda and drove an hour to the Porto Marghera train station (a 15 min train ride from Venice’s Santa Lucia Station).

As soon as you exit Venice’s main station, it’s tradition to have your face painted. There are many local artists to choose from and it only costs five euro.

Saint Mark’s Piazza, the biggest and most famous Venetian piazza, is the desired destination for Carnevale goers.  Since the streets in Venice are small, everyone will be trying to get to Piazza San Marco so it’s best to follow the crowd. You’ll only be able to walk in one direction, crossing over the famous Rialto Bridge on the way.

A perfect way to compliment the day as you battle the Carnevale crowd is an Italian Spritz. A Spritz is a traditional Italian aperitif made with sparkling wine and bitter, orange flavored alcohol (usually Campari or Aperol). A Venetian staple, Spritz in a “to-go” cup is popular for partygoers during Carnevale.

A nice way to end your day in Venice is with a coffee at the oldest coffee house in the world, Caffé Florian. Caffé Florian is a popular attraction in Venice, especially during Carnevale. It’s busy, but you must try one of their famous cappuccinos with whip cream for six euro, remember to stand up while drinking though if you want to avoid the extra service charge for six euro.

Check out these pictures that I took at last year’s Carnevale in Verona and Venice!

Written by OSIA National Office Intern, Carol Cummings. Cummings is a senior at American University, majoring in print journalism, with a minor in Italian.

The Story Behind San Valentino

Did you know that Cupid is Italian too? There are many stories about the origin of Valentine’s Day and most of them have Italian roots. According to the Commune di Terni (Town of Terni, Italy in the province of Umbria), Valentine’s Day is celebrated in memory of San Valentino (Saint Valentine), a bishop and martyr born in Terni.

San Valentino became recognized in Rome in 273 A.D. for healing the son of Crotone, a famous Athenian orator. He became known as San Valentino from the Latin valere, meaning to be in good health. The house of Valentino in Rome soon became a place of healing for Catholics. San Valentino was beheaded on February 14 as a sacrifice to the gods by those who did not agree with his beliefs. His remains were buried on a hill in Terni where The Basilica of San Valentino now stands.

Valentino also became a symbol of protection for lovers when he married Sabino and Serepia whose marriage was forbidden because of their different religions (Christian and pagan). When Serepia became ill with tuberculosis, Sabino called San Valentino to heal her. When Valentino arrived, Serepia was on her deathbed. Sabino asked San Valentino to make sure that he and his wife were never separated. Valentino then lifted his arms and prayed, uniting Sabino and Serepia eternally together.

During the month of February, the city of Terni becomes the City of Love; a chocolate festival and events, both religious and non-religious, celebrate the union of couples and the healing powers of San Valentino.

Auguri per San Valentino!

Snowfall in Italy

Rome saw its first significant snowfall in 26 years last Friday, February 3. The eight inches of snow closed down the city for the day. Snow blanketed much of the country and temperatures dropped to below freezing causing an emergency need for home heating oil. So far, 25 deaths in Italy have been attributed to the weather. Temperatures currently remain between -2 and 9 degrees Celsius (28-48 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the country according to Italy’s National Weather Service (Servizio Meteorologico dell’Aeronautica Militare).

Written by OSIA National Office Intern, Carol Cummings. Cummings is a senior at American University, majoring in print journalism and minoring in Italian.

Costa Concordia Clarified

The tragedy of the crash of the Costa Concordia off Tuscany’s Giglio Island last month remains a nightmare for the passengers and crew, as well as the island’s natives and all Italians.

The media offered a myriad of suggestions and opinions on what Captain Francesco Schettino was doing immediately before and after the crash. Reuters reported that he steered the vessel close to the island for a traditional ‘ship salute’. There are also rumors reported by the Telegraph that suggest he was dining with a female companion while the ship was sinking.

CNN reported on Monday, February 6, that Schettino now claims he ‘fell’ onto a life boat during the chaos that erupted after the cruise liner began to capsize on the night of Jan. 13. Italian newspapers Corriere Della Sera and La Repubblica published wiretapped phone calls in which Schettino tells a friend that he knowingly abandoned the ship.

A three-day trial began Monday to decide if he will remain on house arrest. Three judges will decide if the captain will be jailed while awaiting trial for charges of manslaughter, shipwreck and abandoning ship according to CNN. The Telegraph reports that Schettino could face a sentence of 2,500 years, eight years for each of the 300 passengers he left on the ship which carried around 4,200 people.

The lawsuits against Costa Cruises are numerous.

According to The Guardian, the cruise company has agreed to pay each passenger $14,500 if they don’t sue; in a civil suit in Florida six passengers have sued Costa Cruises’ American parent company Carnival for $460 million together.

An Italian woman, who miscarried days after the accident, is suing for $1.3 million according to the International Business Times .

Giglio Island natives remain worried about the pollution to their pristine waters; they are also threatening to sue Costa Cruises according to The Telegraph.  It’s projected to take 10 months to remove the ship, while the AP reports  there’s concern that pirates will begin to ravage the wreck for jewels, cash and priceless artworks. The site remains off limits with 16 bodies still missing.

Many Italians find this tragedy introduces yet another reason for the country to be ridiculed from afar, while some see it as a metaphor for Italy’s economic situation now.

Economist Mario Deaglio writes in La Stampa that ironically the result of what’s happened to the Concordia is “una nave inclinata, in un Paese inclinato, in un’Europa inclinata.” A slanted ship, in a slanted country, in a slanted Europe.

Written by OSIA National Office Intern, Carol Cummings. Cummings is a senior at American University, majoring in print journalism and minoring in Italian.

Italian vs. American Customs

My Italian friend Angela visited the United States for the first time this past week. From her first day here, there were so many American foods and customs she didn’t understand.

I could relate. When I arrived in Italy this time last year, there were many things that had me shaking my head.

Here are some American things Angela found strange:

Italians like spicy food, except Buffalo chicken. Although invented in Buffalo, N.Y. by Italian-American Teressa Bellissimo, fried chicken marinated in hot sauce will never be an acceptable meal for real Italians.

They don’t eat bagels. I was confused when Angela pulled out a bagel and asked me in Italian if I wanted le ciambelle [translated to doughnuts (with holes) in English].

What’s a cupcake? In Italy they don’t take desserts and make them tiny

Perchė cani caldi [Why hot dogs]?

On Angela’s last day here we ate at Ben’s Chili Bowl. Intimidated by the chili, she settled with a plain hot dog and potato salad proclaiming that if she ate like this every day she’d be dead soon.

She then asked me the etymology of the word hot dog. After some research I learned that hot dogs were suspected of to be made with dog meat in the 1800’s (maybe that’s why they’re not popular in Italy).

The “popping of the toast” doesn’t exist

Americans have it easy. In Italy, you need to pull your toast out of the toaster.

You can’t hail a taxi in the street or have fun in church

I’m not sure we Americans could function very well if we had to do like the Italians and go to an assigned stop every time we wanted to take a taxi (especially on a Saturday night).

On Sunday we went to mass at a Catholic Church near the U-Street Corridor (NW Washington, DC) to see the choir. The priest gave a lighthearted sermon-causing the parishioners to laugh.

Angela leaned over to me, smiled and said, “you don’t laugh in church in Italy.”

And of course there’s the Italian customs I could never get used to:

Where’s the milk?

In Italian supermarkets, milk and eggs are kept on the shelf and not in a refrigerator.  Why Italy!? Why?

Are you sick? Take a number please!

 In Italy, you take a paper number for just about everything including the hospital.

La banana fila [The banana line]

Italians can’t make a straight line. Maybe that’s why you take a number for everything.

No coffee cup to go

If you ever order a Café Americano in Italy, you’ll get an espresso with a glass of hot water.

Despite the culture shock we experienced in each other’s countries, Angela and I share a love for being abroad. She knows that I’d rather do my shopping at an outdoor market than a grocery store and I know that she’d take a cup of American coffee over an espresso any day.

Written by OSIA National Office Intern, Carol Cummings. Cummings is a senior at American University, majoring in print journalism and minoring in Italian.