Come e perché si festeggia ferragosto? Ecco la sua storia!

How and why is Ferragosto celebrated? Here is its story.

• Why is it called like that?

The name of the Ferragosto comes from the Latin feriae Augusti (rest of August), in honor of Octavian Augustus, the first Roman emperor, from whom the month of August takes its name. It was a period of rest and celebrations, instituted by the emperor himself in 18 BC, which originated from the tradition of the Consualia, festivals that celebrated the end of agricultural work, dedicated to CONSUS, who, for the Romans, was the God of the Earth and fertility.

• From pagan to catholic celebration

The event was assimilated by the Catholic Church around the seventh century, when it began to celebrate the assumption of Mary, a holiday that was then moved to August 15. The dogma of the assumption (recognized as such only in 1950) establishes that the Virgin Mary has been assumed, that is, accepted, in heaven both with the soul and with the body.

• How was it celebrated?

At the beginning, the festival usually consisted of the race of horses and other draft animals, such as oxen, donkeys and mules; only on that occasion the animals didn't have to work in the fields and were even dressed with flowers.

• How is it celebrated nowadays?

Usually, this period of time is known for grilled meat. Traditionally, friends and relatives are reunited to spent a great day together, or at the beach or in the mountains, probably in front of a campsite, with whatever meal/food to share.

BUON FERRAGOSTO

Sources: https://www.tpi.it/news/come-si-festeggia-ferragosto-20190815393703/

https://www.focus.it/cultura/storia/perche-si-festeggia-il-ferragosto