Il Gestozzo – Edited by Paolo Portone
- Rome, Italy – Delving into the heart of Rome's authentic traditions, historian Paolo Portone explores legends, popular customs, superstitions, and historical figures.This journey uncovers the true essence of...
- From the origins of curious customs to tales of neighborhood ghosts, traditional holidays, and mythical figures like Sor Capanna and the Befana of Piazza Navona, the column explores...
- Despite the solemnity of Lent, marked by abstinence from meat and fasting, Romans found a sweet exception: the maritozzo.
Roman Folklore: The Sweet Tradition of Maritozzo During Lent
Table of Contents
- Roman Folklore: The Sweet Tradition of Maritozzo During Lent
- The Maritozzo: A Roman Sweet Treat with a Rich history
- What is a Maritozzo?
- Where Does the Maritozzo come From?
- What Makes the Maritozzo Special?
- What Were the Original Maritozzo Ingredients and Decorations?
- Why Was the Maritozzo Called the “Holy Girlfriend”?
- How Did the Maritozzo Symbolize Affection?
- Where Can I Learn More About Roman Traditions?
- Who Took the Photos in this Article?
- How Can I Support Target Lab Ets’s Photographic Projects?
Rome, Italy – Delving into the heart of Rome’s authentic traditions, historian Paolo Portone explores legends, popular customs, superstitions, and historical figures.This journey uncovers the true essence of Rome, found not only in its monuments and emperors but also in its alleys, fountains, and stories passed down through generations.
From the origins of curious customs to tales of neighborhood ghosts, traditional holidays, and mythical figures like Sor Capanna and the Befana of Piazza Navona, the column explores the hidden Rome of intrigues and historical events.
A Lenten Indulgence: The Maritozzo
Despite the solemnity of Lent, marked by abstinence from meat and fasting, Romans found a sweet exception: the maritozzo. According to folklorist Luigi (Giggi) zanazzo, these cream-filled buns were a celebrated treat in the late 19th century.
Zanazzo described the maritozzo as a much larger bun than those enjoyed today, lavishly decorated with sugar embroidery and sometimes containing a ring or othre golden object.
Originally enriched with pine nuts and candied fruit,these sweet loaves became a permissible indulgence during Lent,a time when ecclesiastical authorities strictly enforced abstinence from meat and fasting.
The maritozzo, also known as “Holy Girlfriend” or “patient,” was a ample sandwich filled with a generous spoonful of fresh whipped cream, providing a delicious exception to the Lenten restrictions.
A Sweet Token of Affection
The maritozzo has become a must-try for visitors to Rome. The pastry also carries the memory of an ancient custom: boyfriends gifting these loaves,sometimes embellished with a golden object,to their future wives. As an old refrain collected by Zanazzo recalls, “Today that ‘r first Vennardi dde dde dde. Ssan Pietro a ppija er husband.”
Paolo portone is a historian and scholar of popular traditions. He can be reached with opinions and suggestions at target.lsfc@gmail.com.Photographic editing by Alessandro Lisci – Target Lab ETS.
Visit Alessandro Lisci’s website: www.alessandrolisci.com
Support the Target Lab Ets photographic project with a donation/liberal delivery at the following IBAN IT05M0306909606100000186094 intestato a Target Lab Ets. The liberal donations are deductible in the tax return.
You donated the 5xmille in the next tax return to Target lab Ets inserting the CF : 96498910585 Room of Third Sector and APS bodies to finance future photographic projects in social relapse
The Maritozzo: A Roman Sweet Treat with a Rich history
What is a Maritozzo?
For visitors to Rome and locals alike,the maritozzo represents an indulgence. Its a sweet bun, traditionally filled with fresh whipped cream. This Roman pastry is a culinary staple with a story, not just a treat.
Where Does the Maritozzo come From?
The maritozzo has roots in roman folklore. According to historian Paolo Portone,it’s a sweet tradition that dates back,with folklorist Luigi (Giggi) Zanazzo,noting its popularity in the late 19th century.
What Makes the Maritozzo Special?
During Lent, a period of abstinence and fasting, the maritozzo offered a sweet exception.It was a permissible treat while meat was off the table and strict fasting rules were in place.Another reason for its special status: its history as a token of affection.
What Were the Original Maritozzo Ingredients and Decorations?
The original maritozzo was more elaborate than what is commonly found today. As described, it was frequently enough decorated with sugar embroidery and could include pine nuts, candied fruit, and even a ring or other small golden objects.
Why Was the Maritozzo Called the “Holy Girlfriend”?
the maritozzo earned nicknames like “Holy Girlfriend” or “patient,” which highlights its place as a permissible indulgence during Lent. It was also a sweet offering from boyfriends to their future wives.
How Did the Maritozzo Symbolize Affection?
Boyfriends gifted maritozzi, sometimes adorned with a golden object, to their future wives. This tradition is immortalized in a local refrain: “Today that ‘r first Vennardi dde dde dde. Ssan Pietro a ppija er husband,” celebrating the beginning of a marriage.
Where Can I Learn More About Roman Traditions?
Authored by Paolo Portone, a historian and scholar of popular traditions, this article offers insights into the cultural significance of the maritozzo. You can reach out to him with any questions, opinions, or suggestions at target.lsfc@gmail.com.
Who Took the Photos in this Article?
The photographs are attributed to Alessandro Lisci, from Target Lab ETS. You can view more of his work on Lisci’s website: [www.alessandrolisci.com](http://www.alessandrolisci.com/)
How Can I Support Target Lab Ets’s Photographic Projects?
You can support Target Lab Ets through a donation via IBAN IT05M0306909606100000186094 or consider donating the 5xmille in your next tax return inserting the CF: 96498910585 to support future photographic projects.