Easter In Italy, not just a day but a "Season"
For Italians there is perhaps no more of an enchanting season than that of Spring. In fact it is very common to hear the phrase “Buona Pasqua e Felice Primavera!” (Have an enjoyable Easter and a Joyous Spring!). Whilst the land thaws, the warmth of the sun can be felt once more and, excitedly, we welcome the season of rebirth. For more in depth view of how Easter is celebrated in Italy a Trippsavvy article lays out the religious traditions surrounding the major Italian holiday. Easter, in Italy, marks the beginning of the Spring season and is celebrated more than just on the one day but rather celebrated as a season of hope, renewal and joy.
La Pasquetta, the Monday after Easter Sunday, is also a public holiday throughout the country. Referred to as “Little Easter” or “Easter Monday” which is always a day that traditionally, most young people will celebrate amongst friends instead of with family almost like our “Friendsgiving” here in the U.S. In fact, there is a country wide saying that goes, “Natale con i tuoi, a Pasqua con chi vuoi.” (At Christmas with your parents, at Easter with whomever you want.)
For most Italians the beginning of the Easter season marks the end of the Lenten period. The end of a cold winter sacrifice and hope for a joyous spring filled with peace and hope. The consumption of all things typically not permitted during lent (meat, sweets and alcohol) tend to be in abundance once Easter arrives. To learn more about some Italian traditions celebrated for Easter visit this blog on Select Italy. In Italy there is not a strong representation of the “Easter Bunny” such as we are accustomed to here in the States, instead they concentrate on beautifully crafted Easter chocolate eggs, some with a surprise, such as a small toy, inside the chocolate egg.
The artisan egg is a centuries-old symbol of all-Italian beauty, a symbol of excellence of the Easter festivities. The history of the egg dates back to ancient times: since the Middle Ages, eggs were a symbol of sacredness and mystery, because they were capable of generating life. For the pagans they represented fertility; for Greeks, Chinese and Persians a gift for spring festivals that brought great changes; for the Egyptian philosophers they were the fulcrum of the 4 elements and for the Catholics symbol of resurrection and joy. As early as the 18th century in Turin, chocolate eggs were made at the King's Court and small delights and noble thoughts were inserted. While in Russia the jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé built jeweled eggs for tsars and tsarines with gifts and games of the highest French production, in Piedmont, a wonderful forge of noble confectioners, thought of making chocolate gems for the homes of families.
Baratti & Milano is famous and sought out yearly for their one of a kind specialty Easter eggs. Not only are they particular in that there are only four craftsmen chocolatiers in the Piedmont region of Italy that can create these masterpieces of confectionary delights but also they offer the signature Baratti & Milano high quality ingredients and distinct flavor. From our signature Cremino style eggs to our 70% dark Ghana sourced chocolate, there are plenty of flavors to choose from to treat your friends or family this Easter season.
From our Baratti & Milano family to yours, we wish you a Happy Easter and Joyous Spring!
