Italian Wedding Programs
Tradizioni Matrimoniali Italiane
The
program at Italian wedding receptions often includes elaborate feasts
with dancing that may last well into the night and sometimes even over
a couple of days. A traditional group dance practiced at receptions in
southern Italy in Sicily is called la tarantella.
The story goes that in the past, gentlemen
at these dances, out of respect for all those present, would dance holding
the inside of their coat jackets open and in full view of everyone else.
Why did they show off their shirts? Underneath their coats, sawed-off
shotguns and other interesting paraphernalia would often appear. Were
these bravi intending to threaten anyone during the celebrations?
Not at all! In those days it was simply considered impolite to dance with
concealed weapons.
Italian Wedding Traditions
Wondering where the idea of passing the
hat came from? One of its earlier, maybe dubious, versions originated
from an old wedding custom in Italy, still practiced today, where the
bride will carry a satin purse around at the reception to collect monetary
gifts from the guests. This money is then used to pay for the honeymoon
and any other expenses for the newlyweds.
However, in Italy, lack of openhandedness is not usually a problem.
Italian wedding programs can accommodate for everything, even some hard cash at the last moment.
