Calabrian Traditions
Traditions are an integral part of Calabrian life
Perhaps more than other places, religious and food preparation traditions are still followed in Calabria. The celebration of
Christmas and Christian holidays like Carnival, Easter and patron saints days still are reason to march in procession behind the
clergy, carry crosses and statues of the saints while reciting or singing Gregorian chants. Many of today’s social customs in
Calabria reflect the rules that her citizens endured from past occupiers. Stories of not too long ago recount that only men
would be out in the streets, meeting in bars or eating in restaurants, while women stayed in the homes, often isolated even from
other family except for special events. Living close to the land is evident everywhere in Calabria. Families tend gardens that will
provide fresh fruits and vegetables to them year round. Coops and pens for chickens and pigs are more common than not.
Shepherds are seen year round accompanied by beautiful white Calabrian dogs traversing open countryside with their sheep
and goats.
Even the ceremonies around death and the funeral hold fast to age old traditions.
Old habits die hard here.
Perhaps more than other places, religious and food preparation traditions are still followed in Calabria. The celebration of
Christmas and Christian holidays like Carnival, Easter and patron saints days still are reason to march in procession behind the
clergy, carry crosses and statues of the saints while reciting or singing Gregorian chants. Many of today’s social customs in
Calabria reflect the rules that her citizens endured from past occupiers. Stories of not too long ago recount that only men
would be out in the streets, meeting in bars or eating in restaurants, while women stayed in the homes, often isolated even from
other family except for special events. Living close to the land is evident everywhere in Calabria. Families tend gardens that will
provide fresh fruits and vegetables to them year round. Coops and pens for chickens and pigs are more common than not.
Shepherds are seen year round accompanied by beautiful white Calabrian dogs traversing open countryside with their sheep
and goats.
Even the ceremonies around death and the funeral hold fast to age old traditions.
Old habits die hard here.
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Suggested Reading and References for
further information and insights into Calabria
further information and insights into Calabria
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Offered for your reading enjoyment.. Degree of difficulty - 1= Easy, 5 = Difficult