Lecture Notes: Influence of Ancient Rome on Modern Italian Traditions

Introduction

Exploration of how ancient Roman customs have influenced modern Italian traditions.
Focus on three aspects: weddings, funerals, and the evil eye.

Ancient Roman Weddings
- No marriage ceremony required by Roman law; public ceremonies common among upper/middle classes.
- Engagement rings given, typically iron or gold by the imperial era.
- Weddings in May considered unlucky due to Lemuria festival.
- Roman bride wore a white robe and saffron veil; early Christians used purple and white veils.
- Wedding banquets were tradition.
Modern Italian Weddings
- Continuation of engagement ring tradition.
- May still considered unlucky for weddings.
- Bridal veils continue; Orthodox Church retains crowning of the bride.
- Custom of carrying the bride over the threshold survives as a precaution against stumbling.

Ancient Roman Funerals
- Few Romans believed in a meaningful afterlife; funerals were not celebratory.
- Body prepared by slaves; coin in the mouth for passage over the Styx.
- Elaborate funeral processions with hired mourners and musicians.
Modern Italian Funerals
- Christian view of death as rebirth; however, mourners wear black.
- Family or local specialists prepare the body; some older customs like placing a coin remain.
- Procession culture persists, though modified.

Ancient Belief
- Belief in harmful power of gaze driven by envy.
- Protection through amulets and gestures (phallic symbols, defensive gestures).
Modern Belief
- Evil eye belief persists, particularly towards vulnerable groups.
- Use of different symbols for protection (e.g., rooster, dagger).
- Manu Cornuta gesture to ward off the evil eye, popularized in modern culture.

Ancient customs have left fossil-like impressions on modern practices, rather than direct survivals.
Cultural lineage from ancient Rome to modern Italy exists but is complex.