Entry 41: Girolama’s Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation - U Battisumu, a Prima Comunioni e a Crisima i Girolama
- Basilia Staltari
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Locations: Calabria and Australia
Date: 1942 to early 1960’s
BAPTISM (Battisumu)
The day baby Girolama Moschilla was baptised, her mother Concetta wrapped her up in a white, silk swaddling cloth. The long band of fabric was encircled around her body from shoulders to feet, but her arms and hands were left unbound, free to move. Concetta bought the ‘fascia’ for exclusive use during the Catholic sacrament of baptism. Previously worn by Girolama’s older siblings, the undergarment was nearly a decade old by the time she was born in 1942, yet it remained in pristine condition. Worn over the ‘fascia’, a white christening gown and cap completed her outfit.
Following the celebration of the special day, the clothing was gently hand-washed and dried. The ‘fascia’ was carefully rolled up and stored safely in a wooden chest, together with the gown and cap, in preparation for future babies. As a result of this meticulous handling, Concetta used the same items to dress most of her numerous children for their baptisms, however, it was the silk ‘fascia’ that outlasted the other pieces of clothing, becoming a keepsake until its recent deterioration due to age.
FIRST COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION (Prima Comunioni e Crisima)
Girolama received both her First Communion followed by Confirmation on the same day at the parish of Santa Maria di Portosalvo in Siderno. As shown in the photograph below, the religious sacraments were celebrated with her younger sister, Rosa. Both girls are wearing the customary white dress for First Communion, matched with white gloves and veil. Standing with them, are their Confirmation godmothers and eldest sister, Angelina.
GODMOTHERS AND GODFATHERS (Cummari e Cumpari)
When Concetta and husband Salvatore invited a family member or close friend to be a godmother for the baptism of a daughter, they likely used the phrase: “Faciimu u Sangiuvanni pa figghiola” (in reference to John the Baptist - 'San Giovanni'). By accepting this role, a godparent received the honorary title of ‘Cummari’. For instance, Girolama’s godmother was named Gioma Scarfo, but to signify the goddaughter/godmother relationship, she was addressed as ‘Cummari Gioma’. Godparents chosen for Confirmation were given the same acknowledgement. For this sacrament, Girolama’s godmother was her cousin Angelina Fiorenza, so she was addressed as ‘Cummari Angelina’.
Godfathers were also given a title – their names were prefixed with ‘Cumpari’. Concetta and Salvatore, strictly followed traditional guidelines when choosing godparents; all their daughters had female godparents, while their sons had male.
A BOTTLE OF LIQUEUR AND A TRAY OF PASTRIES (Na buttigghia i licuori e na guantera i durci)
Understandably, due to the financial circumstances of a majority of local families, the Calabrese custom of gifting a godchild a gold pendant necklace for their baptism was not practiced. More affordable, was the etiquette of exchanging food gifts - a celebratory bottle of liqueur and a tray of sweet, delicious pastries. On a few occasions however, the godparent bought the christening gown and on rare occasions, female babies were given a small pair of earrings.
The tradition of gifting gold jewellery did not become a cultural practice until the early 1960s, following the Moschilla family's emigration from Italy. This custom started with the baptism of Concetta and Salvatore’s grandchildren born in Australia and has continued with many of their descendants. Today, the primary gift from a ‘Cummari’ or ‘Cumpari’ to commemorate the sacrament of baptism is a gold necklace featuring a religious medallion or cross:
‘A catinina ca smuragghia d’oru sa rigalau pa ricordu a Cummari o Cumpari du battesumu.’
EXTRA INFORMATION
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