As a nation state, Italy has emerged only in 1871. Until then the country was politically divided into a large number of independant cities, provinces and islands. The currently available evidences point out to a dominant Etruscan, Greek and Roman cultural influence on today's Italians.
A "paesano" may host "Il Rosario" once an evening at the home of the departed (or close relative) for about a week. All are welcome to attend to recite the Holy Rosary. Cake and coffee served afterwards...
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A visit is made to the next of kin bringing sugar, coffee, cookies, food stuff...(sounds old fashioned, but still being done within my family)
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Memorial Mass is held after one month (arrangements made with priest - cost or donation involved)
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Another Memorial Mass is held after one year (arrangements made with priest... etc.)
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A visit to the cemetery first Sunday in November is a must in my family.
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Black worn for a month, or a year, social events are limited...
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My mom and dad came from two very different classes of Italian society. Dad's mom came from a very aristocrat family and mom's came from farmers and agricultural workers. When my mom's parents came to the US, they left their oldest son Giovanni in the care of my maternal grandmother's parents. I hea...