Page 26 - Italian-American Herald - November 2023

26 ITALIANAMERICANHERALD.COM | NOVEMBER2023 ITALIAN-AMERICANHERALD ITALIAN MADE FUN & SIMPLE
Whether your family chooses to keep the family gatherings small or large, this lesson will teach how to add an Italian flair to your Thanksgiving.
While this lesson is not Italian in theme, it begins by reflecting on the Italians’ curiosity about this American holiday and its related traditions. Thanksgiving, unlike Halloween, has no historical or cultural significance in Italy. It is unlikely that Italians will ever assimilate this holiday into their culture. Note that this is not the case for Halloween, at one time known only as La Vigilia di Ognisanto, or the Eve of All Saints’ Day, which is now becoming trendy in Italy.
However, if one visits family or friends in Italy at this time of year, they may ask questions about this very American holiday. Italians aware of the holiday refer to it as Il Giorno di Ringraziamento, La Festa di Ringraziamento, or jokingly La Festa del Tacchino, which means the turkeys’ feast day. We offer the following expressions and translations to practice using during your Thanksgiving celebration. It’s a wonderful way to add to your vocabulary as Italian Americans feast on lasagna, escarole soup, and if there is room left, turkey.
These terms will also help to satisfy a native Italian’s curiosity if you happen to be in Italy at this time of year and are asked to explain this traditional American holiday. Of course, as with all Italian subjects, we will cover the foods associated with this fall feast. We hope you try using some of this lesson’s greetings to start a new Giorno di Ringraziamento tradition at your table this year.
This month we continue with surnames beginning with the letter T.
TODARELLO – This surname is another one that is from a first name – in this case Teodoro meaning gift of God. Variations: TEODORI, TODARI, TODARO, TOTARO.
TEDESCHI – This surname has a complex history. It derives from the Italian word “tedesco” which in Italian means German. The explanation for this word itself needs clarification since other Romance languages still retain the Latin “Alemagna” for anything related to Germany or “Germania” as it is said in Italian. We find this name and its related surnames widespread in all of
Italy. There are several reasons other than the beleaguered topic of foreign invasions into Italy. The most popular thought is that many southern Italians sought work in German speaking areas. Upon return to their town, they were often nicknamed “Tedesco” which in time evolved into a surname. Variations: TEDESCO, TODESCO, TEDISCO, TUDISCO, TODISCO, TODESCHINI.
TENAGLIA – This surname comes from the Italian word “Tenaglia” meaning pincers. The evolution into a surname is plain and simple. Ancestors of the present-day Tenaglia families worked with pincers.
TESTA – This surname derives from the Italian word” testa” meaning head which in turn came from the Latin testam meaning shell. Its original evolution into a surname is attributed to the nickname of family ancestors believed to have acquired this nickname because they were known for their physical or intellectual characteristics. As a surname it remains so to this day. As a modern-day nickname, its related surname Testoni refers to people who are known for their stubbornness. Variations: TESTI, TESTONI, TESTINI, TESTAI, TESTANI.
TETI – Entomologists differ on the derivation of this surname. Most believe
it derives from the ancient word “thetes” meaning laborers. On these family trees there is no doubt it relates to ancestors that were unskilled yet hard working laborers who were the backbone of the work forces.
TIBERI – This surname derives from the first name Tiberio which comes from the Latin “Tiberius” meaning someone born or that lived near the Tiber River. Modern day Tiberi families would be able to trace roots back to ancient Rome. VariatIons: TIBERIO, TIBERIA.
TIER – Again we have a surname deriving from a first name. This time the name is Gualtiero, derived from two medieval terms meaning a boss or powerful army. Variation: TIERO.
TIRABASSI – Most theories on this surname connect it to a nickname derived from the dialect expression “tira abbasso” meaning draw downward or come down. What entomologists can’t quite determine is a distinct way that this expression became a nickname, let alone a surname. The surname is mostly heard in Le Marche. It is not present at all in the south. Variation: TIRABASSO.
TOLLI – This surname is thought to have two derivations, one from the name of the town of Tollo, and the other derived from the Latin first name Tullus or Tullius. Again because of the surname’s derivation, it is heard most frequently in Lazio. Variations: TOLLIS, TULLIO, TULLO.
TOMARO – From the Medieval Latin word “tomaria” or” tomaia” meaning the superior part of the shoe, this surname is attributed to ancestors in the cobbler trade. Molise is the region where the surname is most prevalent. Variations: TOMARA, TOMARIA, TOMAIA, TOMARI, TOMAI.
Next month’s surname feature will be holiday themed.
You can research your surname on these two websites:
• surnames.behindthename.com/
names/usage/italian/
• cognomix.it/mappe-dei-cogno-
mi-italiani.
Let’s begin with some holiday greetings:
Buona Festa (with this one you can never go wrong) Happy Holiday
Felice Giorno di Ringraziamento Happy Thanksgiving
Felice Giorno del Tacchino
Happy Turkey Day
Other topical terms:
Inghilterra
England
Pellegrino
Mashed potatoes
Though not a holiday in Italy, we found a poem dedicated to the day.
Pilgrim
Cider
(Rough translation)
La Festa del Tacchino
Turkey Day
Dall'Inghilterra son andati,
From England they departed,
I pelligrini perseguitati
Pilgrims persecuted far too long,
A Plymouth Rock son arrivati,
They arrived at Plymouth Rock,
Amici Indiani han trovati.
New Indian friends they did find.
Il benvenuto era con tutto il cuore,
They were welcomed with open hearts,
Gli indiani li han aiutati con fervore,
They toiled together to raise a crop,
Dopo d'una raccolta strepitosa,
Their harvest was a big success,
Han fatto una festa meravigliosa.
They feasted on food that was the best.
In questo giorno come Americani,
On this day as Americans,
Ricordiamo i pellegrini e gl’indiani,
We remember these two best friends,
E` "La Festa del Tacchino,"
It is our "Turkey Day,"
Brindiamola col buon vino.
Let's toast it with fine wine.
Play bocce this fall...
Nave
Ship
Indiano o Pellerossa
Native American
Tacchino
Turkey
Prosciutto cotto*
Ham
Patata americana**
Sweet potato
Purè di patate
Piselli
Peas
Mais
Corn
Farcito
Stuffing
(Gelatina di) Mirtilli rossi*** Cranberries (sauce)
Crostata di zucca
Pumpkin pie
Sidro
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