March brought us a full month. Our classes and daily life were joined with Ross’ birthday, Father’s Day, and the start of the Easter traditions this month. One custom we have learned about in Italy is that at least one saint is remembered on each day of the year. This brings about different traditions, celebrations, or holidays. One typical practice is to wish someone well that has the same name of the saint that day. Our teacher’s name is Valentina, so on February 14 we would wish her “Buon Onomastico!” (lit. “happy name-day”) because that is the day that remembers St. Valentino. This calendar can also effect holidays, such as the date for Father’s Day. Since St. Giuseppe (Joseph) has the same name as Jesus’ father, Italy chose to recognize his day, March 19, as Father’s Day. To help celebrate this day there is also a special dessert that is made only on Father’s Day. We thought this was a neat custom. Many other holidays also bring similarly unique desserts made specially for that holiday.
For Ross’ birthday we were able to Skype with family. That was very special. We are so thankful for the technology that allows us to be able connect with our family and friends so far away. Ross was also loved on by friends in Italy. The Brunos took us to the movies. This was our first time in a theater here in Italy. We really enjoyed it and had a great time. We saw the new movie “Cinderella” or “Cenerentola” in Italian. The movie was dubbed in Italian without subtitles, so it was definitely a good test. Ross and I both were pleased with how much we were able to understand. We also enjoyed Italian pizza and cake and a night of fellowship together.
We enjoyed Palm Sunday. It was very neat to see so many olive branches throughout the city as many people will carry them to remember and celebrate this special Sunday. Here in Italy olive branches are often used in place of palm branches in part because olive trees are much more common, but also because they are a symbol of peace. We learned that some towns will even do processionals through the streets to remember Palm Sunday. Ross and I can feel the start of the Easter holiday and we are looking forward to celebrating Easter very soon.
|