Signora Sheila

Toc, toc, toc. I wiped my hands on my apron and headed for the door, wondering who would be visiting so close to lunchtime. “Buon giorno,” I hesitantly greeted the unexpected visitor. “Um, can I help you?” I really didn’t know what to say or do. We’d never had a priest visit us before!

“I’m here to bless the house,” he informed me.

Stunned, I asked, “Bless the house?” (I’m sure I looked as stupid as I felt.)

“Yes, it’s time for the annual house blessing,” he explained. I had no idea what he was talking about, but I quickly assured him that my house had already been blessed.

It was his turn to look stunned. Until he finally asked, “Um, you’re not Catholic are you?”

When he learned that we’re Evangelicals, he offered to pray for our house anyway. But I asked him to come back when my husband was home. He never did, even though we would have welcomed the opportunity to talk with him!

This was my first Italian Easter, and I had never heard of the Easter house blessing. Or many of the Italian Easter traditions, sacred or secular.

Italian Easter traditions

The religious aspect is paramount.

Solemn processions during Easter week play a important role for Catholics. Good Friday is often marked by parishioners carrying candles and statues of Christ through the streets. And many churches hold Stations of the Cross.

The house blessings are also very important. According to Catholic tradition, no house is properly blessed until the priest sprinkles it with holy water and prayers.

But watching the Pope’s Easter homily is paramount. Many travel to the Vatican for the Pope’s Easter homily and annual blessing.

However, due to the popularity of this event, it is always advisable to reserve tickets at least 6-12 months in advance! Tickets are free of charge, but it is still necessary to obtain them. Those who cannot attend are expected to attend Mass at their own church or listen to the Vatican on TV, radio, or the Internet.

Secular traditions are also popular.

Church attendance is usually followed by a big meal, often pasta and lamb. You’re free to spend the day as you please, with family or friends, in a restaurant or at home. As the Italian saying goes: Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi voi. (Christmas with your family, Easter with whomever you want).

Colored Easter eggs. Uova di Pasqua colorate. The custom of Easter eggs dates back to the Romans who gave them as gifts because they believed that all life began with an egg. Christians colored the eggs with vegetable dyes to symbolize the blood of Christ and served them with the meal as a symbol of His resurrection and new life.

You won’t find many Easter baskets or chocolate bunnies. Colored eggs have a place of honor on the table and serve as part of the meal, or are set aside for supper.

But the special chocolate eggs and Colomba cakes more than make up for the Easter baskets!

Italy is famous for its beautiful, elaborately decorated and exquisitely wrapped eggs. Some of which are downright huge. Up to 6.5 feet tall (almost 2 meters) and weighing in at 550 lbs (250 kg)!

These big hollow eggs have prizes inside. And it’s hard to tell whether kids like the prize or the chocolate best! But choose carefully. Boys’ eggs for boys might contain toy cars or sports gear. While a girl’s might have Peppa Pig or Hello Kitty.

They also make eggs for adults with prizes like ties or costume jewelry. And artisan chocolate makers will also make them to order with your own personalized gift inside. Sometimes elaborate gifts like fine jewelry or tickets to exotic locations!

Some of these eggs are huge and quite expensive. But restaurants and cafes often hold raffles for them. Buy a ticket, and if you’re the lucky winner you can eat chocolate to your heart’s content!

The special dove-shaped panettone cakes are just like Christmas panettone, but only sold at Easter time. And remember when you visit, never go empty-handed. Take a Colomba cake!

Next up is Pasquetta!

The Easter holiday begins with Good Friday, and continues with Pasquetta, or “Little Easter.” Also known as Easter Monday this traditional picnic day is a favorite! Many towns also host festivals with food, wine, dancing, concerts, and games!

The chocolate eggs really take center stage. Although I prefer the traditional pasta and lamb, and the tiramisù, and the espresso and…

But mostly I’m just thankful for all that Easter means. That my home is blessed because of it, and so we live in hope!

What’s your favorite thing about Easter?

If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

1 Corinthians 15:19

📷 Image credits: cross; row of chocolate eggs; colomba cake; images of church, basket & wrapped egg are mine