Celebrations are primary in the minds of the Italians and so they possess of a festival studded calendar in a year. They celebrate festivals in a way better than any other countrymen in the entire world.
The Easter is the one celebration that is done with pomp and splendour all around the country. Easter Sunday is known for its importance across the globe but when it comes to Italy it is something unique in the sense that they celebrate it with bizarre.
Different regions follow different ways of Easter celebration in Italy. The non-Italians witness entirely a different procedure during Easter celebrations in Firenze. They follow the pagan period spring customs illustrating thereby the culture of the region in their method of celebrating Easter.
In the local usage this event is known by the name Scoppio or Exploding of the Cart. There is a traditional belief that the farmers of the area who are of pre-Christianity community celebrated during the pagan times in this method. Spring season began with the inauguration of fire rituals during which prayers were held in support of the successful planting season.
There are many myths surrounding the lighting of fire on Easter Sunday. One of them has to do with the renowned first crusade warrior Pazzino de’Pazzi that was considered as a hero and awarded parts of the Holy Sepulcher.
With the aid of the stones fire was lit in his home town and this fire was paraded through the streets of Firenze in recognition of the accomplishments of this great warrior.
The fire was carried in a cart named Brindellone through the lanes of Firanze. This was done to commemorate the achievements of their patron saint called John the Baptist on that day.
The cart grew more furnished and even more attractive as centuries rolled by and thus underwent several modifications. A man dressed as St. John would throw sweets and candies at the people surrounding the cart from its top as the cart passes by the lanes. Fireworks were displayed along with the burning of Catherine wheels and the Holy Candle was enlarged as years rolled by.
As time passed the date was rearranged and fixed on the day of Easter Sunday. Hence the fire rituals of the pagans were substituted by this new and more beautiful way to celebrate the day. The event is celebrated in much the same fashion even today and the excitement of the Italian people remains on high. The celebrations are not only getting grander each year but are also attracting foreign attention due to its uniqueness. This sacred season for the Christians is a time for parties.
Italian Easter pie is a welcome addition to the dinner table in any Italian household. If you want to read further about Easter traditions in Italyplease click on the links.