Italian Weddings are mostly celebrated in Lombardia (the Region of Milan and the Lakes), Sicily and Campania (the Region of Naples and the Amalfi Coast).
Italy is an amazing country of twenty Regions, each of them offering something unique, because almost all of them have mountains, lakes, countryside and beaches.
Traditions of an Italian Wedding
Some of the traditions of Italian weddings date back to the 14th century. Some are still carried out, others no more.
The bride is expected to wear a garter on her wedding day, which is believed to bring her good luck.In some regions, the groom will remove the garter and throw it to the guests
In Italy, brides and grooms are required to walk to the church together. In some regions, the bride and groom are required to walk past obstacles placed by townspeople in their path to test their ability to work together. In other regions, the bride and groom must cut a split log with two handles to symbolize their partnership
In Northern Italy, the groom is responsible for bringing the bride’s bouquet. He also selects the style of his bouquet. In Northern Italy, the groom is also responsible for carrying a piece of iron to ward off evil spirits.
Italian Wedding Food Tradition
The Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding’s traditions usually include a long meal with several courses. The guests are served many different types of food, including local dishes.The reception start with a welcome cocktail of several nibbles and champagne. A seated meal of 6 to 8 courses is then servedAmong the classic dishes at an Italian , it thought to be the s.c. wedding is soup.
While many believe that Italian wedding soup is a traditional dish, it is actually not. The term ‘wedding soup’ actually derives from a translation error. The actual term is “minestra maritata”, and refers to a dish made from pork and greens. The “marriage” is supposed to be between these two ingredients that “wed” well together. Despite the mistranslation, the legend of the soup as a traditional matrimonial dish continues to be perpetuated.
Italian Wedding Cake
Tiered Cake
Tiered wedding cakes have been a traditional part of Italian weddings for centuries, and have become a symbol of the wedding day’s prosperity and happiness. While some of these traditions are still present today, others have evolved over the years. In Italy, a wedding cake is traditionally a loaf-shaped dessert that is topped with fruit or a creme patissiere.
The traditional wedding cake features two tiers, and is typically made from several layers of cake. It is usually decorated with ornate carvings, and filled with fruit juices or fillings. Some wedding traditions include pouring raspberry or chocolate ganache over the entire cake.
Sugared Almonds
Sugared almonds are a common wedding favor in Italian culture. These candies are often twisted into a flower shape and given to the newlyweds’ guests.
The number of petals on the flower is symbolic; five petals represent five blessings for the couple. The word confetti derives from the Latin word ‘conficiere’, which means “ready to eat candies”. It is believed that the practice of giving these candies dates back to Roman times. Dried fruit, covered in sugar, was often handed out as wedding confetti in the Middle Ages. It was in the 1400s that sugared almonds first appeared in Italy. It is believed that almonds are associated with fertility, and therefore, the number three symbolizes the bride and the groom’s future children.
Italian Wedding:The Rings
As per any wedding, couples will be exchanging rings. This custom originated 5000 years ago in ancient Egypt.
The ancient Egyptians began to develop the art of jewelry in the Bronze Age and the reason was to build amulets that had a religious and magical meaning.
Nevertheless it’s thanks to the Romans ( Julius Caesar was first Cleopatra’s lover and later Mark Antony married her) that this tradition spread across Europe and thus worldwide.The ring is worn on the left ring finger, which is believed to be the vein that is connected to the heart.
