MOTHER’S DAY IN ITALY WE SMILE PROJECT 2017 - 2019 ERASMUS+ May 2019 I.C. ALIGHIERI FORMIA - VENTOTENE

In Italy, la mamma is the cornerstone of the home and celebrated by her family — especially mammoni, an Italian cultural phenomenon of “mama’s boys” — all year round. Still, every second Sunday of May, we bambini and mammoni jump to lavish our mothers with flowers, gifts, and poems for La Festa della Mamma.

Mangia a mamma’

Mother’s Day was first celebrated in Italy in May 1957, about 50 years after it was founded in the United States. A parish priest began the tradition in Assisi, a beautiful hillside town in Umbria, with great festivities. Many in the surrounding cities got word and joined the appreciation of the women whose unconditional love and hard work helped them become who they are.  The day was so successful that just one year later, the holiday was adopted across Italy’s 20 regions.

Today, Mother’s Day is more widely celebrated than ever Today, Mother’s Day is more widely celebrated than ever. Young or old, children strive to visit their family home in time for La Festa della Mamma. As more of us move further away, though, Italians send gifts and make long-distance calls. (In fact, urban legend has it that our phone companies record their highest volume of calls on Mother’s Day.)

Many stereotypes exist about the Italian mamma Many stereotypes exist about the Italian mamma. What is certainly true, though, is that wherever in the world they may be, Italian mothers are still the main focus of the family and family traditions.  

Although mothers are respected and appreciated all year round, the "official" Mother's Day - known as "La Festa della Mamma" - is celebrated in Italy at the same time as in the USA: on the second Sunday in May.  It's not a public holiday, but it's certainly a time when families try hard to come together to celebrate.

The history of Italian Mother's Day. Does it have its origins in ancient Rome? There's a lot of misinformation on the Web that the modern Mother's Day is rooted in ancient Roman culture. But although the Romans did pay homage to Juno and Cybele, their goddesses of motherhood and marriage, they did so earlier in the year - reflected in the current celebration of Mothering Sunday in the UK in March.

There's no indication, though, that the modern Italian celebrations have anything to do with past ancient history. In fact, the very first "Mother's Day" was introduced by the Fascist regime in 1933 as "La Giornata della madre e del bambino" - the day of the mother and child - a tribute to all mothers bearing good fascist sons to perpetuate the regime. 

The Church's impact. There was an early tradition that Italian people should return to their "Mother Church", the giver of spiritual life, once a year. Families would descend on their own parish churches and afterwards, have a meal together before returning to their place of work. It's true that many mothers in Italy go to church on Mother's Day - it always being a Sunday. And of course, as a Catholic country Italy reveres the Madonna and child.

The difference about Mother's Day in Italy is that it's not the big commercial production to be found in the US or the UK.  You may find cards in some shops in the larger cities, but you won't find the kinds of massive displays of gifts everywhere.

Instead, Mother's Day here is what it was always designed to be: a day for mothers to be both celebrated and cosseted. That's not to say it's not a big occasion though - it certainly is one of the most loved days in the Italian year, coming after only Christmas and Easter in importance.

How can you celebrate Mother's Day, Italian style? Firstly, forget the expensive gifts and cards.  Cards are nothing like as common in Italy as they are elsewhere.  If your mother would be hurt not to receive one, that's fine - but in Italy it's not a given. Secondly, make sure if you live away from your mother and you can't get home, that you call her on her special day.  Don't raise anything apart from the fact that you realise how lucky you are to have her for your mum. Still thinking of those who can't get home, send a small token either in the post or by getting another family member who is going to see her to take something on your behalf.

A heart-shaped cake, or cupcakes sprinkled with hearts, is a common gift.  How are your baking skills? If not great, try to find a local baker who could make one for you. If you live away from home but you can get to see her, do - even if it will take some effort.  A surprise always goes down well! And if you live at home, or you can get there early in the morning, make your Mamma breakfast.  A typical Italian breakfast would not be anything big - coffee, of course, and a pastry. Either cook, or reserve a table at her favourite restaurant and include as many family members as possible. And most of all, over-riding everything else - make sure to tell her you love her.  It's what Italian mothers like best.