Page 26 - Italian-American Herald - November 2022

26 ITALIANAMERICANHERALD.COM | NOVEMBER2022 ITALIAN-AMERICANHERALD
I I T TA A L L I I A A N N M M A A D D E E F F U U N N & & S S I I M M P P L L E E
Whether your family chooses to keep the family gatherings small or large, this lesson will teach you how to add an Italian flair to your Thanksgiving.
Though the lesson is not Italian in theme, it begins by reflecting on the Italian curiosity about this American holiday and its related traditions. Thanksgiving, unlike Halloween, has
no historical or cultural significance in Italy. It is unlikely that it will ever be assimilated into Italian culture as has Halloween, which in Italian was at one time known only as La Vigilia di Ognisanto, The Eve of All Saint’s Day. However, if one visits family or friends in Italy at this time of year, they are often bombarded with questions about this very American holiday, which in Italian is known as Il Giorno di Ringraziamento, La Festa di Ringraziamento, or jokingly
“La Festa del Tacchino,” which means the Turkey’s Feast Day. However, in translation, that reference of Turkey’s Feast Day seems like an oxymoron. Now, back to the point of the lesson. Here in America to Italianize the Thanksgiving celebration around the table Italian Americans feast on lasagna, Italian escarole soup, and if there is room left, turkey.
In order to satisfy a native Italian’s curiosity and for those wishing to enrich their Italian language skills, we’ve prepared a list of words and expressions that will help you explain a little about the history of the holiday. Of course, as with all Italian subjects, we will cover the foods associated with this fall feast. Then, if you happen be in Italy during this holiday period, you can explain the traditional foods to Italians. Finally, if you have never Italianized your
This month’s falso amico
This month’s falso amico is “patente,” which in Italian does not mean patent. It means driver’s license. Patent in Italian is brevetto.
This month’s proverb
This month’s proverb is in Genovese from the region of Liguria. Genovese: ‘Na bonn-a repûtassion a vä ciû de ûn milion. Italiano: Una buona reputazione vale più di un milione. English: A good reputation is worth more than a million.
Thanksgiving with seasonal Italian greetings here at hom
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greetings to start a new “Giorno di Ringraziamento” trad
Let’s begin with some holiday greetings:
Buona Festa Happy Holiday (with this one you can never go wrong)
Felice Giorno di Ringraziamento Happy Thanksgiving Felice Giorno del Tacchino Happy Turkey Day Other topical terms:
Inghilterra England
Pellegrino Pilgrim Nave Ship
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This issue’s surnames is the first one with those beginning with the letter R.
RABOTTINI – This surname derives from the regional word “rabotino, rabbottino,” meaning a carpenter’s plane. It indicates ancestors that used this tool in their work. Surprisingly, it is not a very common surname. It is present in only 10 regions, mostly in Abruzzo, and sparsely at that. Its variations are even less present and in fewer regions. Variations: Rabottino, Rabotini.
RAIMONDO – This surname derives from the German first name Raimondo, consisting of “ragin,” meaning decision inspired by the Gods and “munda,” meaning protection. It is present in 19 regions, mostly in Piemonte and least in Val d’Aosta. The only region that has no registered families with that surname is Abruzzo. Variations: Ramondo, Remondo, Ramundo, Ramunni, Ramondelli, Ramondino, Rimondini.
RANALLI – This surname derives from the first name Rinaldo of German origin. It is present in 18 regions, mostly in Abruzzo. It is not present in Val d’Aosta and Friuli Venezia- Giulia. Variations: Ranallo, Rainaldi.
RAINIERI – This surname derives from the medieval first name Raneri. It is present in 15 regions, mostly in Emilia-Romagna. Variations: Raniero, Rainieri, Raineri, Raneri, Renieri, Renier, Rinero.
RAPINO – This surname derives from the comune of Rapino in the Abruzzese province of Chieti. It indicates origin of the surname. It is present in only nine regions, obviously with largest number of families with the surname Abruzzo.
RASTELLI – This surname derives
from the Latin word “rastrellus,” meaning rake. It is present in 19 regions, mostly in Emilia-Romagna. It is not present in Molise. Variations: Rastrelli, Rastello, Rastiello, Rastro.
REALE – This surname derives from the word Italian word “re,” meaning king. It is present in all 20 regions. It is most prevalent in Sicilia and least registered in Val d’Aosta. Variations: Reali.
RACCHIUTI – This surname derives from the Italian word “orecchio,” meaning ear. It is possible that it is a nickname to indicate a person with large ears. It is most present in Abruzzo. Variations: Recchiuto Ricchiuto Ricchiuti Recchia.
REMIGIO – This surname derives the first name Remigio, which in turn derives from the Latin “remedium,” meaning medicine. It is present in nine regions, mostly present in Abruzzo. Variations: Remigi, Remigia
RENZI – This surname derives the first name Lorenzo. This surname is present in
19 regions. In many regions in very large numbers. It is most prevalent in Lazio and least present in Basilicata. The only region where it is not registered with vital statistics is Val d’Aosta. Variations: Renzetti Renzo.
RIZZO – This surname is derived from the Italian adjective “Riccio,” meaning curly (hair). The name alone, without including
its variations, numbers close to 20,000 families in Italy’s 20 regions. It is most present in Sicily and least present in Molise. Variations: Ricci, Riccio, Rizzi, Rizza, Risso, Riccelli, Ricciarelli, Riccetti, Riccini, Riccioli, Ricciolino, Ricciulli, Ricciotti, Riccioni, Ricciuto, Ricceri, Riccitiello, Rizzello, Rizziello, Rizzetti, Rizzetto, Rizzini, Rizzoli, Rizzola, Rizzotti, Rizzoni, Rizzone, Rizzari, Rizzato, Rizzieri, Rizzuti, Rissolo.
In the next issue, the surname feature will focus on surnames related to the Christmas holiday season.
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Patata americana** Sweet potato
Purè di patate Mashed potatoes Piselli Peas
Mais Corn
Farcito Stuffing
(Gelatina di) Mirtilli rossi*** Cranberries (sauce) Crostata di zucca Pumpkin pie
Sidro Cider
Though not a holiday in Italy, w
La Festa del Tacchino Dall’Inghilterra son andati,
I pelligrini perseguitati
A “Plymouth Rock” son arrivati, Amici Indiani han trovati.
Il benvenuto era con tutto il cuore, Gli indiani li han aiutati con fervore, Dopo d’una raccolta strepitosa,
Han fatto una festa meravigliosa.
In questo giorno come Americani, Ricordiamo i pellegrini e gl’indiani, E` “La Festa del Tacchino,” Brindiamola col buon vino.
Buona Festa a tutti.
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Turkey Day
From England they departed, Pilgrims persecuted far too long, They arrived at Plymouth Rock, New Indian friends they did find.
They were welcomed with open hearts, They toiled together to raise a crop, Their harvest was a big success,
They feasted on food that was the best.
On this day as Americans,
We remember these two best friends, It is our “Turkey Day,”
Let’s toast it with fine wine.
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You can research your surname on these two websites:
• surnames.behindthename.com/names/usage/italian/ • cognomix.it/mappe-dei-cognomi-italiani.