Buona
Pasqua! - Happy Easter
 For
Americans who are accustomed to coloring easter eggs and baskets
with chocolate bunnies, Italian Easter is a change of pace.
Church,
family, friends and food are the core of this celebration.
Carnevale
signals the beginning of Lent
and Easter celebrates the end of the season of fasting and
penance.
"Christmas
at home and Easter with whomever you wish" is an old
Italian saying, but traditional
Italians often celebrate Easter with a huge family meal on
Easter Sunday - the eating often starts at noon - and gatherings
with friends wait until Easter Monday.
Pizza
Rustica or Easter Pie is made in many regions to mark
the end of meatless meals. Served on Saturday afternoon or
before dinner on Easter Sunday, this meat pie is a delicious
treat at any time of the year.
Breads
are also a big part of the festivities and Pani Pasquali or
Italian
Easter Bread comes in many shapes and sizes.
Abbacchio
Al Forno, roasted baby lamb is a favorite choice for
Easter dinner.
Many vegetables and pastas and occasionally a lasagna
complete the meal. One of my favorites is carciofi
ripieni, stuffed artichokes.
A
special treat for grownups and kids of all ages are the
uova di Pasqua, Italian hollow chocolate Easter eggs.
Perugina or Kinder eggs are the most popular but any hollow
chocolate egg will do. Each egg holds a surprise. Specialty
candy shops in Italy allow you to supply the gift.
In
the 15th century the nobility encased works of art and other
extravagant items in these enormous chocolate eggs. The modern
versions are a bit more modest, but may still hold jewelry
or other valuable gifts. Some romantics have been known to
hide an engagement ring inside for a sweet proposal on Easter
morning.
Easter
is a celebration of Spring, rebirth and the end of a long
Lenten fast and a longer winter. In Italy or in America it
is a time for peace, hope and joy. Eating good food, sharing
the holiday with family and friends and enjoying the new warmth
of the longer days is a wonderful way to mark the end of another
winter - Italian style!
Buona
Pasqua!
also
see -> Italian
Festivals & Holidays
Elsewhere
on the Web:
A
Taste of Easter
Buona
Pasqua! Easter in Italy
Easter
Week in Italy
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