March 25 & The Florentine New Year

Beato Angelico, 1440-1450, fresco, Convent San Marco

A long time ago in Florence the New Year was not on January 1st but rather on March 25th.


When I was studying Art History this fact messed me up at times when trying to figure out the date of a painting or a fresco.


Things changed after the advent of the Gregorian calendar in 1582, which established the New Year as January 1st, although it took the Florentines only about 168 years to finally accept this fact. They stopped the popular New Year celebrations taking place in March only in 1750 under direct orders of Granduke Francesco II of the Loraine dynasty.


What happened on March 25th which was so important to make it the beginning of the year? It has to do with the city’s relationship with the Virgin Mary. This day in March corresponds to the day of the Visitation of the Archangel Gabriel. This is the day he politely informed a very surprised virgin Mary about her imminent pregnancy and is considered the day she “conceived”. Jesus Christ would be born nine months later.


From the 14th century this event was celebrated by a great street fair and special liturgical masses in the church of the Santissima Annunziata. People would gather in the square for a religious party. They would come from all over the city and countryside to pay homage to the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary located inside the church. The pilgrims would eat local products (wine, bread, fruit and vegetables). They would buy candles, flowers and ex-votos* to present to the Virgin. They would listen to music and dance. It was the New Year! Yesterday there was a historic parade through town to celebrate this tradition!


- Posted by Elizabeth







*ex-votos are objects presented to the Virgin in thanks for a miracle received. Often they were made of wax, papier-mache or silver.

Impressionists in Florence

A breath of spring is on display at the exhibition of American Impressionists in the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence.

Among the works present: J. Singer Sargent, M. Cassat, J. Abbott, Whistler, M. Chase, and
F.C. Hassam.
I found it very interesting to learn more about the activities of these Americans, who formed their own colony in Florence at the end of 19th century. It is also interesting the relationship they had with other artists and intellectuals living in the city at that time such as Bernard Berenson, the brothers William James, Egisto Fabbri, M Hooper La Farge, C. Loeser, E. Wharton.

Corcos

Other local Italian artists were present in the exhibition such as painter Corcos from Livorno and Boldini from Ferrara.

Vernon Lee

Villa il Palmerino

It was very significant and exciting for me to see Villa Palmerino in a painting interpreted by Joseph Pennel. This villa is still in a beautiful green area of town at the foot of the Fiesole hills. The English writer Vernon Lee lived here and in the 70's I spent a part of my childhood here with my family. I have wonderful memories!

 - Posted by Angelica

International Women's Day

(photo: Elizabeth)

This past week, on 8 March, we celebrated International Women’s Day in Italy. Women's day is celebrated in other countries as well, such as China, Russia and Vietnam. The roots of the celebration lie in the feminist struggle for equal rights. The day recognizes the dignity, value and contributions of all women, worldwide, from every social strata. It is a global day emphasizing the economic, political and social achievement of women of the past, the present and the future.

A global theme is supported by the United Nations. Last year the theme was Equal Access to Education, Training, Science & Technology. This year the theme is  Empower Women – End Hunger & Poverty.

As a proud alumnae of a women’s college I strongly believe that women have an important role in contributing to a better society as a whole, whether choosing to be a stay-at-home mom or becoming the Secretary of State of the United States of America. Women can do anything as long as we have an opportunity and a choice!

I will never forget my first Women’s Day in Italy. The host mother where I lived organized a wonderful dinner for about fifteen of us donne. It was marvelous and empowering.

On this day all over Italy women are given mimosa flower bouquets in celebration. Why this flower? As far back as 1946 the mimosa (also called silver wattle) was chosen to be associated with this day because of its vibrant color and powerful scent. The fact that this flower is also an early bloomer helps. The colorful yellow bouquets remind me that we have come along way… however there is still much to do!

Viva le donne!

- Posted by Elizabeth

Misericordia di Firenze

The Confraternity of Mercy, established in Florence in 1244, it is the oldest institution in the world of volunteers which assist the sick and help the poor.

It was initially created to assist during great collective moments of misfortune such as pestilence, famine, cholera, typhoid, Spanish flu, floods or bombings. It also provided relief to needy families. The Confraternity first rushed on foot to rescue people and now is equipped with modern day ambulances. The basic principle behind the Misericordia is imitating Christ, especially in his attitude towards helping all those who suffer.

The first task of “the brothers” were helping the sick and burying the dead (especially those people who couldn’t afford a proper burial). In time there were other initiatives added to their good will, such as dowries to poor girls, the release of prisoners for debt, subsidies to needy patients.

When epidemics broke out, the Brothers of Mercy came running with their stretchers to gather and bring the sick to hospitals and attended to the lepers. They sought out dead bodies (which were often abandoned by the flight of frightened families) and carried out proper funerals and burials.

Today volunteers of this charitable organization drive the modern ambulances which blare through the city streets at all hours of the day. A year ago a controversy arose around voluntary associations, which led to a day of striking by Misericordia volunteers. The result was that the whole rescue system was put in crisis and crippled. This showed that the Italian hospital system works very well with the faith and the great heart of thousands of volunteers that every day for over seven centuries give theirs assistance helping others.

Thanks Misericordia!

– Posted by Angelica