Italian Easter Gifts

It is commonplace to give or receive an Easter gift in Italy.

Italians know how to celebrate Easter in style with celebratory festivals, stately street processions, lavish family meals and religious services in historic churches. Even though you won't receive a gift from the Easter bunny -- he's not a part of the Italian tradition -- there's nothing to say you can't give and receive tasteful gifts among family and friends.

Religious

Since Easter is celebrated primarily as a religious holiday in Italy, as opposed to the secular tone it sometimes assumes in the United States, Christian gifts are an appropriate option. With a Catholic population of approximately 90 percent, religious presents including colorful statues of saints, strings of rosary beads, decorative candles for family altars and paintings and artwork of scenes such as the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ are all possibilities. Many Italians are also devoted to the Blessed Virgin, so include items depicting her in your choice of selections.

Culinary

Many Italians choose to give up sweets as a Lenten sacrifice, when Easter looms on the horizon. Therefore, they look forward to indulging in what they've missed during the last 40 or so days. Choose a rich, decadent dessert for those who abstained for sugar. A cassata torte, mocha pound cake, sugar coated pizzelles or chocolate biscotti are all options that the recipient will treasure after abstaining for the last six weeks.

Tableware

Easter dinner is the main event after attending a morning Mass in most Italian households. Since the table will be laden with a variety of dishes, choose Italian handcrafted dinnerware as a gift to your host or hostess. Elaborately decorated plates, hand-painted serving platters, etched silver trays or blown-glass pitchers and glassware are all welcome possibilities that can fill a place of honor on the Easter table. Alternatively, choose an intricately designed tablecloth of the finest linen and lace.

Floral

Spring is the time when new life bursts forth from the soil in the form of gaily-colored blossoms. While lilies, tulips and passionflowers are often associated with the Easter holiday, any type of fresh flowers make an acceptable gift. Choose a professionally designed arrangement or pick a bouquet yourself to give to a loved one. Select a new apron for the cook, covered in sprigs of delicate flowers or big bold blooms or purchase an Easter corsage that serves as an all-day olfactory delight.

References

• Life in Italy; Easter: Buona Pasqua - The History and Tradition Of Easter In Italy; Faith Harper
• Italians R Us; How to Have an Italian Easter Party; Francesca de Meglio; March 1, 2010
• Central Intelligence Agency: The World Factbook: Italy
• Italians R Us; Observe Lent in Italy; Francesca de Meglio
• Firenze: Italian Dinnerware