L’Immacolata: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, in Liguria,{{1}}[[1]]Liguria, a narrow strip of land to the north of Italy, lies on the Ligurian Sea and is ringed by mountains (the Alps to the north and the Appenines to the east). Liguria is one of the smallest regions (1.18% of the total land mass of Italy). Of this, 65% of the Ligurian region is mountainous with the remaining 35% made up of hills.[[1]] Italy,
By Natalia Sarkissian

 

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P-cFj57ar4[/youtube]

Vivaldi-In Turbato Mare Irato, RV 627

(click and listen to the motet{{2}} [[2]]According to musicologist Margaret Bent, “a piece of music in several parts with words” serves as definition of the motet from its inception in the 13th century and beyond. The Medieval theorist, Johannes Grocheio, believed that the motet was “not intended for the vulgar who do not understand its finer points and derive no pleasure from hearing it: it is meant for educated people and those who look for refinement in art.” [[2]] sung by soprano Susan Gritton while viewing the following photographs)

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On December 8, schools and businesses close throughout Italy. It’s the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.{{3}}[[3]]A doctrine of the Roman Catholic church, the Immaculate Conception signifies that the Virgin Mary was conceived free of original sin. As dogma, it is conceptually distinct from the virginity of Mary and the virgin birth of Jesus.

A chief source for the representation of the Immaculate Conception is the Book of Revelation (12:1-12:2) “of a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars…” This painting by G.B. Tiepolo. [[3]]

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In small towns up and down the Ligurian coast, at midday people savor trofie al pesto{{4}} [[4]]trofie,a hand-rolled and pinched pasta, is typical of Liguria[[4]]

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and lemon-flavored fish

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or a simple slice of farinata{{5}} [[5]]made from chick pea flour and extra virgin olive oil, farinata, piping hot from the oven, is another delicacy of the region[[5]].

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Then they search for the sun, and bask.

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When bells chime at ten to four, couples venture

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together up hillsides, .

or singly, along roads carved above inlets.

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Up to monasteries they go,

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to pray,

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to wait for the sunset,

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or to reminisce,

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near Latin-inscribed{{6}}[[6]]This is a case where the words are the same in both Latin and Italian.[[6]] plaques dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Stella Maris :{{7}}[[7]]Star of the Sea, a title for the Virgin Mary which, according to Wikipedia, dates from the 9th century and refers to her role as the guiding hope for Christians and sailors alike.[[7]]

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In mare irato,
In subita procella,
Invoco te,
Nostra benigna stella.{{8}}[[8]]In rough seas,
in unexpected storms,
we invoke thee,
our gracious star.
By Gabriello Chiabrera (1552-1638), a poet and lyricist from Savona (near Genoa), Italy.
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–Text and photographs by Natalia Sarkissian